Mother plant care

The cultivation and care of cannabis mother plants represents an exciting aspect for many growers, although some may still be unfamiliar with this process. Some consider it complex, others think it’s simple, and some prefer to opt directly for cannabis seeds or purchase clones. This article provides a step-by-step guide to finding the ideal strain, selecting it, and preserving the best mother plant for as long as desired by reproducing it through cuttings or clones. While we’ve previously discussed how to make cannabis cuttings, this article focuses on how to create a mother plant.

What is a mother plant?

A mother plant is understood as a high-quality plant used to obtain cuttings and create exact genetic copies. This allows for plants with desired characteristics, although these clones may exhibit different phenotypes. The goal is to choose a plant with exceptional traits favored by the grower.

A mother plant can last between 6 months and 3 years with proper care, offering a solution for growers seeking specific traits in their crops.

Tools needed for growing mother plants

Among the accessories for mother plant and cutting cultivation, the following are essential:

• A growing space such as an 80 x 80 cm tent.
• A light source with a minimum of 100W or low-energy bulbs.
• A fan and extractor to ensure proper air circulation and renewal.
• A timer and a hygrometer/thermometer.

Steps to grow cannabis mother plants

To achieve high-quality cannabis mother plants, follow these steps:

Step 1: Germinate seeds for mother plants

The process begins by carefully selecting the preferred strain, considering factors like yield, flavor, or resistance to adverse conditions. It is recommended to start with a sufficient number of cannabis seeds (around 20 is a good number) to increase the chances of finding an exceptional plant. Keep in mind that finding the perfect plant is a process that takes time, typically between five and six months.

When selecting seeds for proper genetic selection, use regular cannabis seeds. Using feminized seeds makes it more challenging to find a distinct plant tailored to your needs, such as production, flavor, or resistance to mold.

You’ll need around 20 cannabis seeds to find an exceptional plant. This process can take approximately five to six months.

Step 2: Cutting and flowering

Once the plants have germinated, transplant them and place them in a grow tent, ensuring they receive 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness daily. After about a month and a half, you can sex the plants, separating males from females.

Wait until the plants are large enough to take the first cuttings, avoiding losses due to rot and making the necessary cuts. Ideally, aim to take four cuttings from each plant.

Step 3: Selection based on cultivation expectations

The most exciting moment is testing and comparing all the harvested plants. Select the ones that meet specific quality criteria, such as flower size and distinctive flavor. Additionally, subject the favorites to resistance tests, particularly against mold, to ensure their long-term viability.

Step 4: Cultivate a Robust Mother Plant

With selected cuttings, focus on those with potential to become strong mother plants. This process involves specific pruning and training techniques to promote healthy growth and facilitate future cuttings.

Mother plants in the growth phase should be fed with fertilizers rich in nitrogen and microelements to prevent deficiencies. It is advisable to use enzymes and foliar fertilizers combined with various seaweed extracts.

To prevent pests and diseases, use insecticides and fungicides. To keep plants from growing too large, prune them frequently by cutting the tips and leaving two nodes to encourage new growth at each cut node.

Maintaining a cannabis mother plant

Continued care of the mother plant is crucial. A meticulous focus on nutrition is required, using appropriate fertilizers and maintaining strict control over the pH of the irrigation water. Transplanting and root pruning become necessary practices to promote healthy and sustained growth.

Creating and maintaining a cannabis mother plant involves more than simply germinating a seed and taking cuttings; it requires dedication and a careful approach to maximize its potential. Following these steps, you can cultivate a high-quality mother plant.