Cloning Autoflowers at Home: What Works and What Doesn’t

Cloning is one of the most valuable tools in a homegrower’s toolkit—when it comes to photoperiod plants. But when you throw autoflowers into the mix, things get a bit trickier. Autoflowers are beloved for their fast growth, small size, and ability to flower regardless of light cycle. But can they be cloned like their photoperiod cousins?

The short answer: technically, yes.
The better answer: but should you?

In this article, we’re digging deep into the science, methods, and real-world results of cloning autoflowering cannabis at home. Whether you’re looking to experiment or just want to know if it’s worth your time, this is your go-to guide.

---

First, What Is Cloning in Cannabis?

For those newer to growing: cloning cannabis is the process of cutting a branch off a mother plant and encouraging it to grow roots, eventually producing a genetically identical plant.

With photoperiods, you can keep a mother plant in the vegetative stage for months and take cuttings whenever you like.
With autoflowers, you’ve got a ticking time bomb—the plant’s lifecycle is set from the moment it sprouts.

---

The Problem with Cloning Autoflowers

Here’s the crux of the issue: autoflowers don’t reset their internal timer when cloned. The clone continues the same genetic schedule as its mother, which leads to a host of problems:

• Little to no vegetative growth: If you take a clone from an autoflower that’s already begun to flower, the clone will skip straight to flowering itself—resulting in a tiny, underdeveloped plant.

• No “mother” plant: You can’t keep an autoflower in veg indefinitely to serve as a clone donor.

• Time constraints: You’d need to take a cutting very early—within the first 2 weeks of growth—for it to have any chance of producing a viable plant. Even then, it's risky.

---

What Might Work: Experimental Methods

While cloning autos isn’t recommended for most growers, some persistent cultivators have had limited success using the following techniques:

1. Early Cuttings (Week 2 or Sooner)

Taking a cutting when the plant is in its first 10–14 days may give the clone enough time to root and enter a mini vegetative phase. But even then:

• You’ll need fast rooting hormone and humidity control.

• The resulting plant may be stunted or smaller than expected.

• Timing is absolutely critical.

2. Tissue Culture (Lab-Based)

Some advanced growers have explored tissue culture cloning, which involves regenerating a plant from cells in a sterile environment. This is still cutting-edge and unrealistic for most homegrowers.

3. Regeneration Experiments

A few growers have attempted to "reveg" a harvested autoflower by leaving some green growth on the plant and putting it back under light. Results are inconsistent and mostly unsuccessful—but it’s an area of ongoing curiosity.

---

Real-World Results: Case Studies from Homegrowers

Most growers who’ve tried cloning autoflowers end up with stunted plants and disappointing results—not to mention wasted time, supplies, and grow space.

---

What Does Work Better Than Cloning

If you’re trying to preserve genetics or increase yields from autoflowers, there are smarter alternatives than cloning:

1. Buy More Seeds from the Same Lineage

Stick with reputable breeders who offer stable autoflower genetics. You’ll get consistent phenotypes with similar growth traits.

2. Make Your Own Seeds

If you're up for a breeding project, consider creating your own F1 seeds. Use a male and female auto to cross-pollinate and harvest seeds that are genetically tied to your favorite traits.

3. Stagger Your Planting

Plant autoflowers in a staggered schedule so you're always harvesting, drying, and planting again. This keeps your tent productive without relying on clones.

---

When Not to Clone an Auto

Skip the cloning experiment if:

• You’re growing for yield.

• You’re working with limited space or supplies.

• You’re new to cannabis cultivation.

• You need reliable, repeatable results.

Only try cloning autos if you’re curious, willing to lose some cuttings, and don’t mind learning through trial and error.

---

Clone Wars or Fool’s Errand?

Cloning autoflowers is a fascinating topic that catches many homegrowers off guard. The idea of duplicating your best auto sounds amazing—but biology has other plans. These plants are genetically hardwired to flower fast and die young. And that’s okay—autos thrive when treated as a “plant it and forget it” crop.

Stick with seeds, try staggered planting, and enjoy the ride. Unless you’re running a mini cannabis lab at home, cloning autoflowers just doesn’t make much sense.

Our goal? Help you grow better weed at home without overcomplicating things. We believe in sharing honest results, weird experiments, and the occasional happy accident. If we can save you a few bucks (and a few headaches), mission accomplished. Check out our website for more helpful tips.