At first glance, the idea of cutting off a small branch and watching it transform into a new plant may seem almost magical. However, far from being a gimmick, success in cloning marijuana depends on specific conditions, and temperature plays a key role in this process. It’s not just about planting and waiting, but about understanding how the environment influences root development and plant growth.
This principle not only applies to marijuana, but also to other crops, including those that produce CBD flowers, where temperature and humidity control are just as critical to the quality of the final product. In this guide, you’ll discover the importance of temperature, the ideal ranges for each stage of the cutting, and how to regulate these factors to ensure the best possible development.
Importance of Temperature in the Rooting of Marijuana Cuttings
Why is temperature crucial for cuttings?
When a cutting is cut from a mother plant, it loses its connection to the root system that provided it with water and nutrients. At this critical time, temperature becomes a deciding factor: an environment that is too cold will slow down the growth of new roots, while too much heat can lead to dehydration. Finding the right balance not only speeds up rooting, but it also minimizes stress and improves the odds of success.
Relationship between temperature, humidity and evapotranspiration
Water plays an essential role in the life of a cutting. Through the process of evapotranspiration, the leaves release water into the environment, which in turn generates a suction effect on the plant that drives the absorption of water and nutrients from the base of the stem. If the temperature is too high and the air humidity is low, the cutting will lose water faster than it can absorb, bringing it into a wilted state. On the other hand, if the humidity is excessive and the temperature too low, the cutting can become vulnerable to fungal diseases such as gray mold.
Influence of temperature on water and nutrient uptake
Root growth is highly influenced by the temperature of the substrate and the surrounding air. At optimal temperatures, auxins – rooting hormones – are activated and stimulate the production of new roots. However, in environments that are too cold, these hormones work inefficiently, and it can take twice as long for the cutting to generate a viable root system. That’s why adjusting the temperature properly is key to maximizing rooting success.
Ideal Temperature Range for Marijuana Cuttings: Ideal Parameters According to the Stage of the Clone
Seedling (20-25°C, 70% humidity)
The first few days are critical for the cutting, as it has not yet developed functional roots. Maintaining a temperature between 20 and 25°C, along with high humidity (around 70%), is ideal to prevent it from losing too much water while starting the rooting process.
Initial vegetative growth (22-28°C, 60% humidity)
Once the cutting begins to develop visible roots, the moisture can be gradually reduced to prevent fungal growth. A slight increase in temperature to 22-28°C will favor the formation of a stronger and more efficient root system.
Flowering and bud formation (22-28°C, humidity reduction to 40%)
When the plant enters the flowering phase, reducing humidity is essential to prevent mold from forming on the buds. The temperature should be kept stable in the recommended range to preserve the quality of the resin and cannabinoids.
How do cuttings react to extreme temperatures?
Effects of excessive heat (30°C or more) on root development
Temperatures above 30°C can generate severe stress on the cuttings, causing excessive perspiration that quickly dehydrates them. In addition, extreme heat can speed up the metabolism of the cutting, depleting its energy reserves before it can develop a solid root system.
Consequences of cold on the formation of roots and new shoots
Extreme cold (below 18°C) drastically slows down auxin production, which means that roots will take much longer to form. In addition, excess humidity combined with low temperatures can encourage the appearance of harmful fungi and bacteria.
Experience with thermal variations: To what extent do they affect performance?
In outdoor crops, plants can gradually adapt to temperature changes, but freshly cut cuttings do not have the same resilience capacity. Sudden changes, such as a sudden heat wave or an unexpected frost, can damage them irreversibly. Therefore, in indoor crops or greenhouses, it is advisable to use air conditioning equipment to maintain optimal conditions.
Regulation of Temperature and Humidity in Cultivation of Cuttings
Home methods to stabilize temperature and humidity
Using Fans and Exhaust Fans
Airflow is essential to prevent overheating and distribute moisture evenly. Extractors help remove excess heat in indoor grows, while low-powered fans can generate a light breeze without drying out the cuttings.
Water trays and damp rags to increase humidity
If the environment is too dry, trays of water can be placed near the cuttings to increase the relative humidity. You can also use damp cloths or spray water with a spray bottle.
Avoid common mistakes like overwatering directly
Overwatering can be detrimental to cuttings, as too wet substrate can cause root rot and fungal growth. It is preferable to water in small amounts and make sure that the substrate has good drainage.
Equipment for more precise control
Air conditioning and heaters in greenhouses and indoors
These devices allow temperature regulation in controlled environments, ensuring constant growth without extreme thermal fluctuations.
Using Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
For more precise humidity control, humidifiers can help maintain the ideal humidity level at the rooting stage, while dehumidifiers are useful in flowering to prevent mold from forming.
Air circulation and fungal prevention in cuttings
Proper airflow not only helps regulate temperature, but also prevents moisture buildup on leaves, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Irrigation strategies to stabilize temperature and humidity
Watering early in the morning or just after turning on the lights in indoor crops allows the humidity to be distributed more evenly without generating sudden changes in the temperature of the substrate.
Final Tips to Improve the Rooting of Marijuana Cuttings
Selection of seeds and genetics adapted to the local climate
Cannabis strains developed in specific climates have greater resistance to environmental conditions, making it easier to grow without the need for extreme temperature control.
Advanced techniques to reduce stress in cuttings
Progressive “hardening” involves exposing cuttings to controlled environmental conditions before transplanting, allowing them to gradually adapt to their final environment.
Is HVAC equipment worth the investment?
While marijuana is a hardy plant, using equipment to control temperature and humidity can make a big difference in the quality and success of rooting. For beginner growers, starting with home methods is a viable option, but in the long run, investing in air conditioning ensures healthier and more productive harvests.
Conclusion:
Mastering the ideal temperature for marijuana cuttings is not only a technical issue, but also a fundamental step to achieve a successful and healthy crop. Maintaining a controlled environment for the first few weeks will make the difference between a cutting that develops vigorously and one that struggles to survive. Adjusting humidity, avoiding extreme temperatures, and promoting strong rooting are essential strategies for any grower.
While caring for and monitoring the growth of your plants, remember that the quality of the final products is also crucial. If you are looking for If you buy high-quality CBD flowers to complement the fruit of your crop or simply to enjoy a natural and balanced experience, you can find them at Maionais. Experiment with confidence and improve your results with each new harvest.
References:
Caplan, D., Stemeroff, J., Dixon, M., & Zheng, Y. (2018). Vegetative propagation of cannabis by stem cuttings: Effects of leaf number, cutting position, rooting hormone, and leaf tip removal. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 98(5), 1126-1132. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjps-2018-0038
Porras-García, B., Pinzón-Sandoval, E. H., & Almanza-Merchán, P. J. (2023). Propagation of Cannabis sativa (L.) plants through cuttings and use of auxin phytoregulators. Colombian Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 17(3), e16428. https://doi.org/10.17584/rcch.2023v17i3.16428
