Clonex is a purple rooting gel containing 0.31 percent IBA (indole-3-butyric acid), a synthetic version of the plant hormone that triggers root growth. You dip the cut end of a fresh cutting about an inch deep, plant it in a starter plug, and the gel seals the wound while the IBA pushes new roots out in 7 to 14 days.
It has been the default cloning gel in grow rooms for decades, and it is what most cannabis growers mean when they say "dip it." Here is how to get the most out of a bottle.
How to use Clonex on cannabis cuttings
- Pour a small amount into a shot glass or cap. Never dip straight into the bottle, that is how bacteria ruin the whole jar.
- Take your cutting with a sterile blade, angled just below a node.
- Dip the bottom inch of stem for 5 to 10 seconds so the gel coats the wound fully.
- Plant immediately into a moist rockwool cube or plug.
- Toss the leftover gel in the glass. Cheap insurance beats a contaminated bottle.
The label says to store it in the original container in a cool, dry place, out of sunlight and heat. If the gel thins out or smells off, replace it. Full directions, the safety data sheet, and the official cloning guide are all on the manufacturer's product page.
Clonex gel vs powder vs liquid
All three deliver rooting hormone, but gel wins for cuttings because it clings. Powder shakes off when you plant the stem, and liquids run to the bottom of the plug. Gel stays where the roots need to form and seals the stem against air bubbles and rot at the same time. We break down the chemistry in our cannabis rooting hormones guide.
Does it actually make a difference?
Yes. Cannabis will root without hormone, but slower and with more losses along the way. The gel does two jobs at once: it seals the cut so the stem does not draw in an air bubble, and it delivers the IBA that triggers root cells. That combination is why it stays the shop standard. If your cuttings still sit for weeks with no white roots, though, the culprit is almost always cold plugs or swinging humidity, not the gel. Our troubleshooting guide covers those fixes.
Rather skip the dip entirely?
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Shop Freshly Rooted ClonesFAQ
How long does Clonex take to work?
Most cannabis cuttings dipped in Clonex show visible roots in 7 to 14 days when kept warm and humid.
Can you use too much Clonex?
A thick coating on the bottom inch is plenty. Coating half the stem wastes gel and can slow rooting slightly, but it will not kill the cutting.
Is Clonex safe for plants you will consume?
Yes, when used as directed on cuttings. The hormone does its work at the stem during rooting, months before any flower forms.