Treating RockWool & Misting cuttings with Oxy-Plus

Plant cloning is a popular technique used by gardeners and horticulturists to produce identical copies of a plant. One key aspect of successful plant cloning is treating RockWool and misting the cuttings with Oxy-Plus. This article will discuss the benefits and process of using these treatments, ensuring your plant cloning efforts are successful.

What is RockWool and Why is it Important for Plant Cloning?​

RockWool is a fibrous, soilless growing medium made from melted basalt rock and chalk. It is an excellent choice for plant cloning because it provides the perfect balance of moisture and oxygen to promote root growth. Additionally, RockWool is inert, which means it does not contain any nutrients that could interfere with the cloning process.

Benefits of Using Oxy-Plus​

Oxy-Plus is a liquid additive that contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and can be used to treat RockWool and mist cuttings during the cloning process. The benefits of using Oxy-Plus include:

• Improved oxygenation: Oxy-Plus increases the oxygen content in the water, promoting healthy root development and faster growth.
• Antifungal and antibacterial properties: Oxy-Plus helps prevent fungal, bacterial, and algae growth, reducing the risk of disease during the cloning process.
• Enhanced nutrient uptake: The increased oxygen levels help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently, resulting in stronger and healthier clones.

Treating RockWool with Oxy-Plus​

Before placing your cuttings in RockWool, it is essential to treat the medium with Oxy-Plus. Follow these steps:

1. Adjust the pH of lukewarm water to 5.5 using a pH meter and pH up/down solutions.
2. Add Oxy-Plus to the water, following the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
3. Soak the RockWool cubes in the treated water for at least 30 minutes, ensuring they are fully saturated.
4. Remove the RockWool cubes from the water and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. The cubes should be moist but not dripping wet.

Misting Cuttings with Oxy-Plus​

Misting your cuttings with Oxy-Plus helps promote healthy root development and increases the chances of successful plant cloning. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a misting solution by adding Oxy-Plus to lukewarm water, following the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
2. Place your cuttings in the treated RockWool cubes, ensuring the cut end is in contact with the medium.
3. Mist the cuttings and the RockWool cubes with the Oxy-Plus solution, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Repeat misting every 1-2 days or as needed to maintain moisture levels.

Maintaining the Cloning Environment​

In addition to treating RockWool and misting cuttings with Oxy-Plus, it is crucial to control the environmental conditions within the cloning area. This includes:

• Light levels: Provide your cuttings with 18 to 24 hours of light daily, using fluorescent or LED lights.
• Humidity: Maintain relative humidity levels between 70% and 80% to prevent the cuttings from drying out.
• Temperature: Keep the cloning area at a consistent temperature of 22-25°C (72-77°F) to encourage root growth.

By following these steps and treating RockWool and misting cuttings with Oxy-Plus, you will greatly increase the chances of successful plant cloning. With practice and patience, you can produce strong, healthy clones and expand your garden with ease.