Cloning gel vs. natural rooting aids – Which is better for cannabis cuttings?
When taking cuttings, many growers ask themselves the question:
Use clone gel – or should you rely on natural remedies?
Both approaches have their strengths – but also downsides.
In this article, we compare the methods, highlight mechanisms of action, advantages and disadvantages – and help you make the right decision for your grow style.
What is Clon-Gel anyway?
Clon gels (e.g. Clonex, Root-Riot Gel, Hesi Root Complex) contain:
- the synthetic hormone IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) → an auxin that promotes cell division
- Preservatives against mold & infections
- often also a gel film that seals the cut and protects it from air contact
Goal: faster and more reliable root formation, especially with difficult varieties.
What are natural alternatives?
Many growers – especially organic or medicinal growers – rely on:
| Natural stimulator | Effect |
|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | antibacterial, regenerative, contains auxins & enzymes |
| Willow water | contains salicylic acid & natural IAA |
| Honey | antibacterial, moisturizing, slightly enzymatic |
| Coconut water | contains cytokinins for cell activation |
Pros & Cons – in direct comparison:
| criterion | Clon-Gel | Natural method |
|---|---|---|
| Root speed | 🟢 Very fast (7–10 days) through synthetic auxin | 🟡 Slightly slower (10–14 days), depending on variety & environment |
| Success rate | 🟢 High (80–100% when used correctly) | 🟡 Medium to high (60–90%), but strongly dependent on experience & hygiene |
| Cell health / vitality | 🟡 Discussions about long-term effects of multiple cloning cycles | 🟢 Natural, plant-based, no synthetic hormones |
| Organic farming | 🔴 Not certified, contains synthetic substances | 🟢 Ideal for organic, permaculture and medicinal grows |
| Costs & Availability | 🟡 Expensive, special product, not available everywhere | 🟢 Cheap or DIY (aloe, honey, willow, coconut water, etc.) |
| Application | 🟢 Simple, fast, clean | 🟡 A little more complicated (e.g. boiling willow bark) |
| Control / Standardization | 🟢 Uniform, dosed, predictable | 🔴 Fluctuations in home remedies (depending on variety, freshness, etc.) |
Epigenetics & “DNA modification”?
There is no evidence that Clon-Gel directly alters DNA .
But: Synthetic auxins can induce epigenetic reactions , i.e. influence genetic expression patterns – especially in the case of multiple cloning over many generations.
Those who want to preserve mother plants in the long term often prefer to use natural methods.