Peat Moss vs. Coco Peat
Choosing the Right Medium
- Peat Moss: Ideal for cannabis due to its naturally acidic properties which cannabis plants favor. It also retains moisture well and provides a stable, forgiving environment for new growers. Minimal heat is needed to promote rooting, which can be as simple as placing the clones near a light source that emits a small amount of heat. Peat Moss can be used with soil or hydro grows.
- Coco Peat: While sustainable and excellent for hydroponic systems, coco peat is naturally pH-neutral. To clone cannabis effectively in coco, you’ll need to adjust the pH downwards, usually aiming for a range of 5.5 to 6.5. This involves using a pH adjuster, which adds another step for beginners. Unlike Peat Moss, CoCo Peat requires a heating pad to be used.
Preparation and Tools
- Peat Moss:
- Pre-moisten the peat moss and let it soak if necessary to ensure it is thoroughly hydrated.
- Simple heat sources, like the warmth from a grow light, are typically sufficient.
- Coco Peat:
- Adjust the pH of your water to about 5.5-6.5 before hydrating the coco peat.
- Consider using a heating pad under your cloning tray to maintain an optimal rooting temperature, which is crucial because coco doesn’t retain heat as well as peat moss.
Cloning Steps
- Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with at least two nodes. Cut at a 45-degree angle below the lowest node.
- Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to promote faster root development. This is especially helpful in coco peat to ensure quick root growth.
- Planting:
- Peat Moss: Plant the cutting so at least one node is under the surface. Press gently around the stem to ensure contact with the moist medium.
- Coco Peat: Similar to peat moss, ensure good contact between the moistened coco peat and the stem.
- Environment: Maintain high humidity by covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or similar setup. Ensure indirect light and a stable temperature.
Monitoring and Care
- Check Moisture Level: Both mediums should stay moist but not waterlogged. In coco peat, frequent checks are necessary since it may dry out faster than peat moss.
- Root Checking: Begin checking for root development after about two weeks. Some strains or conditions may lead to faster or slower rooting times.
Transplanting
Once established, roots in either medium should be carefully transitioned to their final growing environment. For living soil systems, transitioning from peat moss might be smoother than from coco peat due to the similar acidic nature of both peat moss and living soil.
Conclusion
For a beginner, especially when cloning cannabis, starting with peat moss might be more straightforward due to its forgiving nature and compatibility with the plant’s preferences. Coco peat can be a great medium as well, particularly for those looking towards hydroponic setups or wanting a more sustainable option, but it does require more careful management of environmental conditions like pH, temperature, and heating pads.
