Clones stems turning soft and mushy

[bushmasta]

Hey everyone I have a problem with some clones of various strains I have been taking. Been cutting at a 45 degree angle with a new blade but not sterilizing in between each cut. I am using Rootstock organic cloning gel and then putting them in peat pellets in trays with humidity domes. Mist them everyday to keep humidity up and have them a couple feet below a 4 ft flouro with the light set on 18/6 at the first signs of roots I move the tray right under the light. Temp is at 75-78 constant. So the problem is the stem that is in the peat pellet is turning soft and mushy. Any idea what the problem could be I have no idea? I do have success with some of the clones but about 50 percent are getting this problem. Thanks for the help

 

[Pirate]

Try spraying the clones 1 time as you put the dome on. Spray the dome itself and lower the light to 12 inches over the dome or closer. Run the lights for 24 hours until rooted. My lights are practically touching the dome. Don't spray the clone every day. Just watch em and only spray enough to keep them healthy. I spray mine once when they are cut and domed. After cutting the clone.......Use the dome for 5 days and then crack the base to allow some air flow. keep an eye on the clones for the first day to make sure they don't wilt. If they wilt......spray clones lightly and replace the dome all the way down. Repeat dome lifting in a few days. After 10 days you should be able to get the dome off completely. Keep the pellets moist NOT SOAKED.

I have to admit that I don't use peat pellets but I've not heard good things about em. I use GH Rapid Rooters and can get 100% on a regular basis. It is possible that the peat has something that is causing stem rot.

I can cut 200 clones from 12 different plants and never get stem rot. Sterilizing for each cut is not necessary IMO. Just sterilize before you start.

Question:
Do you have any issues with Powdery Mildew or other plant diseases that might transfer with the clones when ya cut it? Healthy mothers should provide healthy clones.

Here is a Rapid Rooter with roots after 10 days:

Hope that helps !!
.
.

 

[bushmasta]

Hey Pirate thanks for the help. I didn't know people had problems using peat pellets never would have tried them if so. Got some nice clones and roots from some but I know I should be getting 100 percent. The mom's seem to be perfectly healthy. I guess I will have to pick up some rapid rooters 15 bucks for 55 is about the best price I can find. You can't find these at garden stores besides hydro stores online can you? Maybe try to save on shipping. Also how big are these plugs? Wondering if I can use the same 72 site tray from the peat pellets to fill with plugs. The pellets are about an inch wide

 

[LolaGal]

Sorry to hear about your clones Man! I use peat pellets and do great with them. If the stems are getting mushy, sounds like fusarium wilt.

Sterilize your containers with mild bleach solution before using again. 24-0 works for me too.

they have RRs in a tray and then you can buy refills for the tray, but haven't used them.

 

[Pirate]

The Rapid Rooters are about the same size as the Peat Plugs but I would use the type of tray that comes with em. 50 per tray is the standard. But yeah..........you could use the same tray you have now.

You can find the Rapid Rooters or other similar brands at garden centers. Hydro shop for sure.
.
.

 

[Tafari]

My guess would be your leaving to much water in the peat pellets. You need to squeeze out the extra liquid before you start. I would go with the rapid rooters like Pirate. Its hard to mess up because their ready right out of the bag.

Peace; Tafari

 

[Skipload]

U are describing damping off. Boil your plugs first. Also throw out your cloning gel. I have had contaminated gel and plugs. Im not blaming the manufacturer. a hole in the bag or someone opening the cloneing gel to touch it and place it back on the self is enough.

 

[Cruzin]

I have had the same problem before it usually starts with too much moisture, leading to mildew and then mushy crap dead clones. Havent ever used those for clones, i only use rapid rooters.