I have tried using other cuts such as woody stuff, don't work, so stick with what he said.

SS, thanks. Have read the above posts and much more on cloning..which is probably part of the problem. I find much the information is same however, I also find many contradictory statements among folks which is bound to happen. I have been confused on where to take the clone branch from. I now realize that I can take it anywhere from the plant that meets the minimum criteria I really need to just go do it.

Thanks for the push.

Grassy

one of the biggest things that my propagation teacher stressed on was "At least two nodes above the media, and at least two nodes below the media." these are points where roots will grow from. two other things to help produce roots are: scoring the outer layer that will go under the media, and/or cutting up the center of the stem.

I will be starting to clone at the end of this month when I get back. I will post my results. Looking forward to this.

Thanks, Grassy

Just as Reb and OG said....at least 2 nodes above, the longer below the the surface the better. The woody stems are MUCH harder to root, and some will not root at all or take literally a month or more to root. Also, keep in mind that the plant has to stay alive without roots until it develops them. So, the more foliage you leave, the more the cut will have to work to stay healthy without roots to feed itself. If you are using cuts with large leaves, remove or "dock" them to help alleviate this problem for the cut.

i agree to dissagree lol. i clone from where ever but to touch base with og and others..... the clones closer to the stalk i have noticed do take a few days longer to root out and when i do a topping and clone the main stalk that takes extra time also..(hallow) but they all will root in time if provided with the proper environment.if i notice discoloring or mag def on rooters i just add a pinch of wormcastings and they stop changing color.oh... i use a DWC cloner so i dont have t worry about casting pinch clogging a pump. i hope all the answers provided will help you on your journey.

Not clear on why you need two or more nodes below the media line, OG. While I do strip away the outside layer of cells before dipping in hormone gel or powder, I do not care how many nodes are chopped below.

Should I ?

I've always done it. Like I said this saying came from my propagation teacher, I can't argue with a man that does thousands of cuttings in a semester.

Roots like to come out of the nodes first. Doesn't always happen first, but lots of times it does. Scarification helps reduce the need for nodes, as now the tough outer layer is opened up exposing the softer inner parts for rooting. I have done many, many tests with dwc cloners allowing me to see the roots as they appear. Even when using rooting hormone and/or scarification, the first roots are almost always out of a node. I no longer scar because i honestly think it is a waste of time. I understand the concept. I have yet to see it make a difference in speed or amount of roots. I prefer to use longer stems below the surface because whether it happens right away or not, eventually the entire stem will shoot roots out.

My experience is this: No hormone - Use more nodes. Without hormone, the first root sites are almost guaranteed to be out of nodes. Using hormone - Nodes don't matter. Good hormones soften the stem essentially making the soft parts as equally good rooting sites as the nodes.

Very good post GB, particularly your last paragraph. That pretty much captures it all.