Why clone at the end
Same genetics: A cutting is asexual. It copies the donor, often called the mother, gene for gene.
Veg is easier: Starts root most readily while the plant is still vegetative.
Harvest is possible: You can still take cuttings as you cut the plant down.
Two-week window: In a clean, warm, humid setup, roots often show within about two weeks.
What cuttings need
No roots yet
A fresh start cannot drink well, so air humidity has to do the work
Humidity band
Hold 75 to 85 percent so the cutting does not wilt
Warmth
About 80 to 85 F (27 to 29 C) in both air and the rooting zone speeds roots
Soft light
Start around 10 to 15 watts per square foot (110 to 160 W per m2). Double it after roots appear
Best cutting material
Tip growth
The strongest clones come from 4 to 6 inch (10 to 16 cm) branch ends
Small canopy
Strip down to about three medium leaves and roughly 1 inch (25 mm) of top
Node in the medium
At least one former leaf site should sit in the cube or mix. Roots break there first
More starts
Internode pieces about 1 inch (2 cm) long let you take many copies from one mother
Media choices
Common mixes
Coir, vermiculite, perlite, peat, Jiffy pots, Oasis cubes, and rockwool all work
Rockwool prep
Soak cubes 24 hours in water adjusted to pH 5.5 to rinse manufacturing lime
Oasis depth
Set stems about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in a neutral cube
Machines
Aeroponic or aerated-water cloners skip a solid medium until roots exist