Updated for 2026 — This article has been reviewed and updated with the latest recommendations.
7 Best Cloning Gels and Powders for Cannabis in 2026
Cloning is one of the most reliable ways to preserve the genetics of your best cannabis plants. Instead of starting from seed and rolling the dice on phenotype expression, you take a cutting from a proven plant and grow an exact genetic copy. The key to successful cloning is a quality rooting hormone that encourages the cut stem to develop roots quickly before it dries out or rots.
Here are the best cloning gels and powders for cannabis in 2026.
Best Cloning Products Compared
| Product | Type | Active Ingredient | Root Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clonex Rooting Gel | Gel | IBA 3000 ppm | 7-14 days | $16-22 |
| Hormex Rooting Powder #3 | Powder | IBA 0.3% | 10-14 days | $10-15 |
| Dip 'N Grow Liquid | Liquid concentrate | IBA + NAA | 7-12 days | $12-18 |
| Olivia's Cloning Gel | Gel | IBA | 8-14 days | $14-20 |
| Garden Safe TakeRoot | Powder | IBA 0.1% | 10-18 days | $5-8 |
| RAW Rooting Compound | Powder (water-soluble) | IBA + vitamins | 7-14 days | $12-16 |
| Technaflora Rootech Gel | Gel | IBA 3100 ppm | 7-12 days | $15-20 |
1.
Clonex Rooting Gel
Clonex is the industry standard for cannabis cloning. The gel formulation clings to the cut stem and provides continuous contact with the rooting hormone (IBA at 3000 ppm) while also sealing the cut to prevent air embolisms and pathogen entry. The gel contains a full spectrum of mineral nutrients and trace elements that nourish the cutting during the rooting process.
Dip your freshly cut clone stem into the gel, making sure to coat the bottom inch thoroughly, then insert it into your preferred rooting medium (rockwool cubes, rapid rooters, or peat plugs).
Most cuttings show roots within 7-14 days under proper conditions (75-80F, high humidity, 18/6 light cycle).
At $16-22 for a 100ml bottle, a single bottle provides hundreds of clonings. It is the product that professional growers and dispensaries trust, and it has the track record to back it up.
2. Hormex Rooting Powder #3
Hormex offers rooting powders in different strengths numbered 1 through 8.
For cannabis cuttings, #3 (0.3% IBA) hits the sweet spot. The powder format is simple: cut your clone, dip the stem in water, dip it in the powder, tap off the excess, and stick it in your medium.
Powder has a longer shelf life than gel since there is no moisture to degrade over time. A jar of Hormex can last years if stored in a cool, dry place. At $10-15, it is cheaper than Clonex and works well for growers who prefer the powder method.
The trade-off is that powder does not seal the stem the way gel does, so cuttings may be slightly more vulnerable to air embolisms immediately after cutting.
3.
Dip 'N Grow Liquid Rooting Concentrate
Dip 'N Grow uses a dual-hormone approach with both IBA and NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid). The combination produces faster and more abundant root development than either hormone alone. The liquid concentrate dilutes with water, allowing you to adjust the strength for different types of cuttings.
For cannabis, mix at the semi-hardwood rate recommended on the label.
Dip the cut stem for 5-10 seconds and plant immediately. Roots typically appear within 7-12 days. At $12-18 for a 2oz concentrate that makes gallons of solution, it is extremely cost-effective for high-volume cloning operations.
4. Olivia's Cloning Gel
Olivia's is a popular alternative to Clonex with a similar gel formulation.
The IBA concentration is comparable, and the gel consistency is slightly thicker, which some growers prefer because it stays on the stem better during insertion into the rooting medium.
The brand has a loyal following, particularly among organic growers. At $14-20, it competes directly with Clonex on price and performance. Many growers keep both on hand and switch based on availability.
5. Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone
TakeRoot is the budget entry at $5-8. It uses a lower concentration of IBA (0.1%) than Hormex or Clonex, which means slightly slower root development but also less risk of hormone burn on sensitive cuttings. For beginners who are learning the cloning process and expect some failures, starting with a cheap product makes financial sense.
Available at most hardware stores and garden centers. It works well enough for cannabis cuttings, though experienced growers will likely want the faster results of a higher-concentration product.
Cloning Best Practices
Take cuttings from healthy, vigorous mother plants during the vegetative stage. Cut at a 45-degree angle with a clean razor blade or scalpel. Remove lower leaves and immediately apply your rooting hormone. Keep clones in a humidity dome at 75-80F with indirect light (T5 fluorescents or low-intensity LEDs work well). Mist daily but avoid soaking. Do not fertilize cuttings until roots are visible. Most cannabis clones root within 7-14 days with proper technique and a quality rooting hormone.
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