The clone rooter dome mehtod

Over the years, I’ve tried several ways to clone plants. I’ve experimented with air layering and putting cuttings in water, but I never found one method that worked well for all types of cuttings. Each had its challenges—some plants didn’t root well, or the process took too much time and attention. I wanted something that was easier, less hands-on, and reliable. That’s when I discovered a simple method that I now use regularly: cloning plants in a closed environment using a dome. This method has been a game-changer because it’s straightforward and requires almost no maintenance.

Dome
Source:biologicperformance.com

How I Set Up My Clone Rooter Dome: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

I got the idea for the Clone Rooter Dome from the World’s Oldest Terrarium, also known as the sealed bottle ecosystem by David Latimer. He created a bottle garden that was only watered once in 53 years and managed to thrive. This gave me the idea to create a similar closed environment for plant cloning, where I wouldn’t have to constantly water or tend to the plants, and they could grow on autopilot.

This is how I made my auto cloning system that dont need any work while rooting

Rooting Medium

The medium I use is a 50/50 mix of perlite and sand, which provides excellent drainage and aeration for the developing roots. Any kind of sand will work, but I prefer a finer texture to allow the roots to spread easily. Once the medium is prepared, it’s soaked with regular tap water before placing the cutting in, ensuring the sand and perlite are damp but not waterlogged.

Preparing the Cuttings

When taking cuttings, the key is to cut just below a node. A node is the part of the plant where leaves, branches, or roots emerge. It’s a slightly thicker section of the stem and is typically where new roots will form when cloning. I cut directly below the node with clean, sharp scissors to give the cutting the best chance to root.

Using Rooting Hormones

To give the cuttings a better start, I use a homemade root hormone made from powdered kelp I found on the beach and cinnamon. Both are natural and provide the nutrients and protection needed to encourage root growth. If you don’t have these on hand, commercial rooting hormones work just as well. Even aloe vera gel can be used, as it contains natural enzymes that promote rooting.

If you want to use a ready to go rooting powder, then the Garden Safe Take Root Rooting Hormone is a good choice.

Right now the price for the rooting powder is $5,25 for a 2 Ounce box at Amazon.

Check latest price for the Garden Safe rooting hormone here

Placing the Cuttings in the Medium

Once the cutting is prepared and dipped in rooting hormone, it’s ready to be placed in the sand/perlite mix. I first use a pencil to make a hole for the stem, push the stem beneath the surface. The reason I use a hole first is to make sure the rooting hormone dont get rubbed off. It’s important to make sure the cutting is secure but not too tightly packed into the medium, as roots need space to grow.

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Prepare the Glasses:
    I use three transparent plastic glasses for each setup. While I prefer plant-based plastic, I couldn’t find any, so I used regular plastic. The type doesn’t really matter, but I try to be mindful when I can.
    First, I take one of the glasses and make a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.
  2. Fill with the Medium:
    I fill the glass with a 50/50 mix of perlite and sand. You can use any type of sand—I bought a bag from a nursery, but the key is to keep it light and airy for good drainage.
  3. Set Up Drainage:
    I place the glass with holes inside another glass, so any excess water can drain down without pooling around the cutting.
  4. Place the Cutting:
    Next, I carefully put my cutting into the sand/perlite mix, making sure it’s secure and upright.
  5. Create the Dome:
    I then take a third glass and place it upside down over the cutting, creating a dome. To seal everything in, I tape the joint between the two glasses. This keeps the humidity inside, which is essential for successful rooting

Here is a apple tree clone inside the dome. Notice the humidity on the top.

Climate

I found that too much direct sunlight can make the dome too hot for the plants because of the greenhouse effect. To avoid this, I place the dome in partial sunlight. This way, it gets enough light to help the cuttings root without overheating. As for temperature, standard indoor temperatures work just fine for the dome, so there’s no need for any special heating or cooling setup.

To help the plants stay healthy and grow roots inside the Clone Rooter Dome, it’s all about keeping the right balance of humidity. If things get too wet, the plants might rot, and if it’s too dry, the growth will stop. The great thing about the dome is that it naturally recycles humidity, much like the closed ecosystems you see in movies. Because of this, you usually won’t need to adjust anything once it’s sealed.

If you notice the humidity is getting too high, you can open the seal a little to let some moisture out. On the other hand, if it’s looking too dry, you can add a bit more water to keep things balanced. Overall, the system is designed to manage itself, which makes it a simple, hands-off method for plant cloning.

My experience

I’m currently testing this on 10 cuttings, and after 6 weeks, they’re looking healthy with nice green leaves. I’ll be checking the roots at the 8-week mark to see how they’re coming along. If you’re interested in following the results, be sure to check back for updates. I’ll keep sharing how things are going as I continue to fine-tune the method.

Here is a Monstera monkey mask cutting:

BeeJay
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