Cloning machines are a fairly recent invention that is specifically designed to improve the odds of growth by a huge margin. Most of the cloning machines on this list boast a success growth rate of 60-100 percent, which is crazy. I've spent a lot of time trying to grow cuttings with medium success and using a cloning machine is like magic.
How does it work?
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Most cloning machines use a pump and misters to continually spray the bottom of your cuttings — held upright in a foam or silicone puck — with water. This gives cuttings the best chance of growing roots. Within ten days, you will see enough of a root system for you to plant the cuttings in whatever medium you choose.
CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine
Great for everyone
The Clone King is a tremendous all-around cloning machine. It has a great balance between cost and number of cloning sites. The 13-head mister ensures excellent coverage of all the places, maximizing your cuttings chances of taking root. Clone King says you can "Expect a 100% success rate," and though it took us some time, more often than not, all of the cuttings we tried in one batch survived and rooted well.
Viagrow Clone Machine 24 Site
Great for beginners
Weird name aside, the Viagrow system is perfect for those just starting in the cloning game. Twenty-four sites are still more than enough to start you off, and the color-coded growth pucks make keeping your cutting types organized a cinch. With a nine-inch depth, the Viagrow has a lot of space for your cuttings to swell and create an excellent stiff root. Remember, you want the root to develop secondary roots before you replant it.
Hydrofarm OxyClone 20 Site
Keep your roots cool
Another great cloning machine for the beginner, this one has a clever bubbling system that generates copious quantity of oxygen, so your roots can gorge. The aeration also keeps the water at a constant cool temperature, perfect for your roots to take hold.
TurboKlone 24 Site
You get what you pay for
While the TurboKlone is rather pricey, it is well known for producing fantastic results. TurboKlone feels like a premium quality product with a durable plastic base and a small dome lid to help keep moisture in a closed system. It also comes with a regulator fan that keeps everything at even temperature, perfect for growing.
HortiPots 35 Site Cloning Machine
From cutting to propagation
The HortiPots 35 site system is for those who are serious about their cuttings and want to give them the best chance at life. This system as a large propagation tent on the tent to allow your cuttings to grow to a sizable size before transplanting them to their permanent home. The HortiPots also uses a color-coded system to make sure you know what cuttings are what.
Let's cut to the chase
One important thing to note; all of the cloning machines listed above will need a light source to help the cuttings grow. While the water in the bottom, with a little nutrient bath, will feed the plants, it needs sunlight to really thrive. You can buy specialized lights for growing or keep them in an area close to daylight.
Our favorite cloner is the CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine. It ticks all the boxes and is in the sweet spot of what it can do and how much it costs to buy. Right now, they only have two colors available for the collars, but that's a small issue when stacked up with all the positives.
