Cutting

A Cutting is a plant section taken for the purpose of vegetative propagation.

Also called / Category:

Clone, Clipping / Plant, Botany & Anatomy

Key takeaways:

• Cuttings are used to create genetically identical plants.
• In cannabis, cuttings are popular for maintaining strain consistency.
• They are often taken from the offset-4 transition-colors hover:underline" title="Learn more about Apical meristem">apical meristem of a healthy plant.
• Proper technique is crucial for successful rooting and growth.

What it is / How it shows up:

Cuttings appear frequently in discussions about cannabis cultivation and are often seen in grower forums, articles, and cultivation guides. A cutting is a piece of a plant, usually a stem or leaf, used to produce a new plant. In cannabis cultivation, cuttings are typically taken from a healthy mother plant to ensure the new plant carries the same genetic traits. This method is preferred by growers looking to maintain the consistency of a particular strain, as each cutting grows into a clone of the original plant.

How it’s measured or identified:

• Length: Typically 4–6 inches.
• Nodes: At least 2–3 nodes present.
• Health: Free from disease or pests.

Use in context:

• "I took a cutting from my best plant to ensure I get the same quality in the next harvest."
• "Cuttings need to be placed in a medium that supports root development."
• "Successful cuttings can be achieved with proper humidity and light conditions."

Safety & compliance in Canada:

• Ensure all cuttings comply with local cultivation laws.
• Only propagate cannabis cuttings if legally permitted.
• Follow Health Canada guidelines for personal cultivation limits.

Related terms / See also:

• Apical meristem
• Aeroponics
• Auto-flower
• Beneficial microbes
• Backcross (BX)

FAQs:

What is the benefit of using a cutting over seeds?
Using a cutting ensures that the new plant is genetically identical to the parent, providing consistent quality and traits, whereas seeds can vary.

How do I know if my cutting is healthy?
A healthy cutting should have a vibrant green colour, be free from pests, and have at least 2–3 nodes for optimal growth.

Can I take a cutting from any cannabis plant?
It's best to take cuttings from a healthy, mature mother plant to ensure the new plant inherits the best possible traits.

Sources:

• Health Canada
• PubChem
• Cannabis Cultivation Guides