A Complete Guide To Up-Potting Cannabis Clones

One of the most common questions new cannabis growers ask is, “What size container do I need for my clone?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as your plant’s container needs will change as it grows. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right container size at each stage of your cannabis plant’s life and guide you through the up-potting process.

James Bean, CEO of SeedsHereNow.com, emphasizes the importance of proper container sizing: “The right pot size at each growth stage is crucial for developing a healthy root system, which is the foundation of a strong, high-yielding cannabis plant.”

Initial Container Size for Clones

When you first receive your cannabis clones from a reputable source like iwantclones.com, they’ll typically come in small starter plugs or cubes. These are perfect for the initial rooting stage, but you’ll need to transplant soon after arrival.

First Container After Receiving Clones

• Size: 1-2 inch starter cubes or 2-4 inch (5-10 cm) small pots
• Material: Biodegradable pots or plastic seedling trays
• Duration: 1-2 weeks or until roots are visible at the bottom of the container

The Up-Potting Timeline

As your cannabis plant grows, you’ll need to increase its container size to accommodate root growth. Here’s a general timeline for up-potting:

1. Clone Stage: 1-2 inch starter cube or 2-4 inch pot (1-2 weeks)
2. Early Vegetative Stage: 1-gallon pot (2-3 weeks)
3. Mid Vegetative Stage: 2-3 gallon pot (2-3 weeks)
4. Late Vegetative/Early Flowering Stage: 5-gallon pot (until harvest)
5. Extended Growth (for larger plants or longer vegetative periods): 7-10 gallon pot or larger

Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a cannabis horticulturist, advises: “It’s better to upsize gradually rather than jumping to a very large pot too quickly. This helps prevent overwatering and allows for better control of the root environment.”

Signs It’s Time to Upsize Your Container

Watch for these indicators that your cannabis plant needs a larger home:

1. Roots visible through drainage holes
2. Plant becomes top-heavy or easily tips over
3. Soil dries out very quickly (within a day or less)
4. Slowed growth despite proper care
5. Leaves turning yellow or showing signs of nutrient deficiency

How to Upsize Your Container: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed

• New, larger container with drainage holes
• Fresh, high-quality potting soil
• Clean scissors or pruning shears
• Water
• Optional: Mycorrhizae or root stimulator

Steps

1. Water your plant thoroughly 24 hours before transplanting.
2. Prepare the new container with fresh soil, filling it about 1/3 full.
3. Gently remove the plant from its current container.
4. Inspect the roots, trimming any that appear dead or rotted.
5. Place the plant in the new container, ensuring it’s at the same depth as before.
6. Fill around the root ball with fresh soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets.
7. Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain.
8. Place in a shaded area for 24-48 hours to reduce transplant shock.

Jack Greenthumb, master grower at Emerald Valley Farms, suggests: “Add mycorrhizae to the new soil when transplanting. It helps establish a stronger root system and can increase nutrient uptake.”

Container Sizing for Different Growing Styles

Sea of Green (SOG)

• Smaller pots (1-2 gallons) for many small plants
• Less frequent up-potting required

Screen of Green (ScrOG)

• Larger pots (5+ gallons) for fewer, larger plants
• May require one or two up-potting sessions

Outdoor Growing

• Larger containers (10+ gallons) or planting directly in the ground
• Allows for maximum root development and plant size

Choosing the Right Container Material

1. Plastic Pots: Lightweight, affordable, retain moisture well
2. Fabric Pots: Excellent drainage, promote air pruning of roots
3. Ceramic or Terra Cotta: Beautiful, but heavy and can dry out quickly
4. Air Pots: Maximize oxygenation to the roots, but can dry out rapidly

Common Up-Potting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Oversizing: Jumping to too large a container too quickly
2. Underwatering: Not providing enough water after transplant
3. Overhandling: Disturbing the roots too much during transplant
4. Poor timing: Transplanting during flowering can stress the plant
5. Forgetting drainage: Always ensure proper drainage in new containers

Final Pot Size Considerations

The final pot size depends on several factors:

• Available grow space
• Desired plant size
• Length of vegetative period
• Growing style (SOG, SCROG, etc.)
• Strain characteristics (Indica vs. Sativa)

For most indoor growers, a 5-gallon pot is often the final size, providing ample room for root development without overtaking grow space.

Conclusion: The Right Size for Success

Choosing the right container size and knowing when to upsize is crucial for the health and productivity of your cannabis plants. By following this guide, you’ll be able to provide your clones from iwantclones.com with the perfect amount of space to develop strong roots and grow into healthy, high-yielding plants.

Remember, every plant is unique, and factors like strain, growing environment, and personal preference play a role in determining the ideal container size. Pay attention to your plants, and they’ll let you know when they’re ready for more room to grow.

Ready to get your grow on? Shop the collection of premium cannabis clones at IWantClones.com.

FAQs

Q: Can I start my clone in its final large pot to avoid transplanting?
A: While possible, it’s not recommended. Starting in too large a pot can lead to overwatering and poor root development.

Q: How long after up-potting should I wait before switching to flowering?
A: Generally, wait at least 1-2 weeks after transplanting before initiating flowering to allow the plant to recover and establish in its new container.

Q: Do autoflowering cannabis plants need different pot sizes?
A: Due to their shorter life cycle, autoflowering plants often do well in their final pot size from the start, typically 3-5 gallons.

Q: Can I reuse soil when up-potting?
A: It’s best to use fresh soil when up-potting to ensure proper nutrition and avoid potential pest or disease issues.

Q: How do I know if I’ve chosen a pot that’s too big?
A: Signs of an oversized pot include soil that stays wet for too long and slow plant growth despite proper care.

Q: Should I use the same type of container throughout the growing process?
A: While not necessary, using the same type of container (e.g., all fabric pots) can help you maintain consistency in your watering and care routines.

Q: Can up-potting fix nutrient deficiencies in my cannabis plant?
A: While up-potting into fresh, nutrient-rich soil can help, it’s important to identify and address the root cause of any deficiencies, which may include pH imbalance or improper feeding.