Have you ever wished you could grow multiple cannabis strains in a single plant? With grafting cannabis, this dream becomes a reality. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a commercial grower, grafting allows you to combine different cultivars, test new genetics, and even rescue damaged plants—all while saving space and resources.
But how does it work? Can you graft cannabis to tomato plants? What’s the best rooting hormone for cannabis cloning? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about cannabis grafting rootstock, cloning plants with rooting hormone, and much more.
Ready to revolutionize your grow? Let’s dive in!
What is Cannabis Grafting?
Grafting is a horticultural technique where two plants are fused to grow as one. The upper part (scion) provides the desired strain’s characteristics, while the lower part (rootstock) supplies a robust root system. This method is widely used in fruit trees and is now gaining traction in cannabis cultivation.
The Science Behind Grafting Cannabis
To successfully perform grafting cannabis, you must understand the biology involved. When the vascular tissues of the scion and rootstock fuse, nutrients and water can flow between them. This fusion is most successful when the two plants are closely related botanically.
For instance, grafting cannabis to tomato is possible because both belong to the Solanaceae family, though success rates can be inconsistent. However, intra-species grafting (e.g., cannabis to cannabis) is far more reliable.
The key to success lies in:
- Clean cuts
- Proper alignment of vascular tissue
- Use of grafting clips or wraps
- Maintaining humidity and temperature
Using a rooting hormone for cannabis during the healing phase can help stimulate callus formation and improve graft survival.
Benefits of Grafting Cannabis
✅ Grow multiple strains on one plant – Save space and diversify your harvest.
✅ Test new genetics quickly – Graft a cutting onto an established rootstock for faster results.
✅ Rescue damaged plants – If a plant’s stem breaks, grafting can save its genetics.
✅ Improve stubborn cultivars – Some strains root poorly; grafting bypasses this issue.
Did you know? Some growers experiment with grafting cannabis to tomato plants, though success varies due to differing growth rates.
Choosing the Right Rootstock for Cannabis Grafting
Not all plants make good cannabis grafting rootstock. The ideal candidate should:
✔ Be healthy and vigorous
✔ Have a strong root system
✔ Share a similar flowering time with the scion
Pro Tip: Avoid grafting autoflowering strains (can you clone auto feminized seeds?), as their short life cycle complicates the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grafting Cannabis
1. Select Your Scion and Rootstock
- Choose a healthy branch (scion) from your desired strain.
- Pick a strong rootstock (another cannabis plant with a robust root system).
2. Prepare Your Tools
- Sterilized razor blade
- Grafting tape
- Rooting hormone (optional, but helpful for cloning cannabis with rooting powder)
3. Make the Cuts
- Cut the scion at a 45-degree angle.
- Make a matching cut on the rootstock.
4. Join and Secure
- Press the cuts together and wrap with grafting tape.
- Cover with a humidity dome to prevent drying.
5. Monitor and Transplant
- Roots should fuse in 7–14 days.
- Once established, transplant into your final growing medium.
Expert Insight: Using the best rooting hormone for cannabis (like Clonex gel) can improve success rates when cloning before grafting.
Cloning Cannabis vs. Grafting: Which Is Better?
Both cloning plants with rooting hormone and grafting have their place:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cloning | Faster, simpler | Limited to one strain |
| Grafting | Multi-strain potential | More technical |
Which one suits your needs?
Common Grafting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mismatched flowering times – Grafting a fast-flowering strain onto a slow one can cause nutrient issues.
❌ Poor sterilization – Always clean tools to prevent infections.
❌ Weak rootstock – A weak base leads to poor growth.
FAQs: Your Grafting Questions Answered
Can you top a cannabis plant twice?
Yes! Topping encourages bushier growth, and multiple toppings can maximize yields.
Can grafting be done between different varieties of a plant?
Yes, but ensure they have similar growth cycles for best results.
How many times should I transplant cannabis?
Ideally, 1–2 times (seedling → veg → flower). Over-transplanting stresses the plant.
Can you flower a cannabis plant more than once?
Yes, through re-vegging, but yields may decrease.
How many nodes before topping?
Wait until the plant has 4–6 nodes before topping.
What’s the difference between fimming and topping?
- Topping = Full cut of the main stem.
- Fimming = Partial cut, leading to more colas.
Does topping make buds smaller?
No, it increases bud sites, leading to more (but slightly smaller) buds.
How many times can you flush a cannabis plant?
Flush 1–2 weeks before harvest—over-flushing can starve the plant.
Can you grow two different strains together?
Yes, but monitor their needs (light, nutrients) carefully.
How do growers cross strains?
By pollinating a female with male pollen to create new hybrids.
How many buds can you get from one plant?
Depends on strain and training—anywhere from a few ounces to several pounds.
Can I put two strains in the same jar?
Yes, but terpenes may mix. For best flavor, store separately.
Conclusion: Master the Art of Grafting Cannabis
Grafting cannabis opens up endless possibilities—whether you want to grow multiple strains on one plant, experiment with new genetics, or save a damaged crop. By choosing the right cannabis grafting rootstock, using the best rooting hormone for cannabis, and following proper techniques, you can revolutionize your grow.
Ready to try grafting? Share your experiences in the comments below!