While our clones are already hardened off prior to shipment, the leaves can become tender and can easily be damaged by abrupt changes in their surroundings after leaving the high humidity clone shipper environment, the hardening process for clones involves transitioning clones from the humid environment of a clone shipping vessel to the more variable conditions of the outside environment.

 

Maintain clones in the clone shipper container until they are fully acclimated to the outside environment. Transplanting into a larger container or new soil prior to full acclimatization to the external environment may shock the tender clone.

*Please poke a hole at the bottom of the clone shipper upon receiving to allow water drainage.

 

Objective: To acclimatize new clones to external environmental conditions before transplanting them to soil.

Scope: This procedure is applicable to clones shipped via clone shippers that are ready for hardening.

 

 

 

 

PRECAUTIONS

Handle clones and clone shipper gently to avoid physical damage.

Always use sterilized tools and equipment to prevent contamination.

Do not overcrowd the trays or pots; ensure proper spacing for healthy growth.

Use personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat) during the handling process.

 

 

 

INITIAL ENVIRONMENT

Nutrients: The clones have the ability to take up and process nutrients. Therefore, it’s recommended to provide a 50% diluted nutrient solution in the beginning.

Lighting: Place clones directly under suitable clone lighting.

Humidity: High humidity (around 90-95%) should be maintained initially and then gradually decreased over time to match ambient levels over the next two weeks. We recommend placing the clone into a dome or enclosed environment to raise humidity.

Temperature: Ensure the temperature is in the range of 25-28°C.

 

 

 

SCHEDULE

First Week: Use a nutrient solution that’s 50% of the full strength. This means if you have a standard fertilizer recommendation, only use 50% of that amount. Keep humidity at 75-85%.

Second Week: Increase the nutrient solution to 75% of the full strength. Lower humidity to 65-75%.

Third Week and Onward: By now, the plantlets should be acclimated enough to handle full-strength nutrient solutions. Acclimated plantlets should be strong enough to handle exposure to ambient humidity levels around 50-60%.

 

 

 

MONITORING & CARE

Regularly check the plantlets for signs of nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. Yellowing leaves might suggest a nutrient imbalance.

Monitor the moisture level in the substrate. While it should be kept moist, it shouldn’t be waterlogged.

Look out for signs of pest or disease infestations. If any are observed, take appropriate measures immediately.

We suggest beginning IPM treatments by the second week. Insecticidal soap works as an excellent treatment for leaf-borne bugs and pathogens. Quillaja extract works as an excellent treatments for soil-borne bugs and pathogens

 

 

 

FINAL TRANSFER

After 1-2 weeks (or longer, depending on the plant species) of the hardening process, the clones should be robust enough to be transferred to regular soil or a growing medium in either pots or directly in the field.

Once the clones have established a robust root system, have acclimatized to ambient humidity, and can withstand full ambient light, they are ready for transfer to your medium of choice. We recommend soil for genetic preservation.