A cloning machine is a bucket style aeroponic system that holds cuttings in foam collars while a pump sprays their bare stems with oxygenated water. No dome, no plugs, no misting schedule. Because the stems get constant moisture and maximum oxygen, cuttings typically root in 5 to 10 days, several days faster than rockwool.
How an aeroponic cloner works
Inside the reservoir, a small water pump feeds a spray manifold with 360 degree misting heads. Cuttings sit above it in neoprene collars, stems dangling in the mist. The fine spray keeps the stem wet while leaving it surrounded by air, and that oxygen is exactly what new roots want. Aeroponics was developed for research greenhouses for this reason: roots grow fastest in humid air, not soaked media.
What to look for in a cloning machine
- Site count. Machines run from 8 collars up past 100. The mid size units in the 24 to 32 range are the sweet spot for home growers, and the familiar brands (EZ-Clone, Clone King, TurboKlone) all sell one. Buy for the biggest run you actually do, since a half empty cloner works fine but a full one cannot stretch.
- Reservoir temperature. The big failure mode. Keep water at 68 to 75 F; pumps add heat, so some models include a fan or you run the pump on a cycle timer.
- Lid and collar quality. Soft neoprene that holds a stem snug without pinching. Cheap stiff collars bruise stems and invite rot.
- Easy cleaning. You will scrub it between runs. Fewer parts and a smooth reservoir beat clever features.
Cloner vs dome and plugs
The dome and tray method is cheaper, silent, and holds moisture through a power cut. A machine roots faster, holds more cuttings, and skips daily misting, but the pump hum, cleaning, and water temp management are real chores. Commercial nurseries often run both. Whichever way the roots arrive, harden the plants off properly before full strength light, and see our hardening off guide for that step. Machine rooted clones transplant cleanly into soil, coco, or any hydro setup.
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Shop Freshly Rooted ClonesFAQ
Do you use rooting gel in a cloning machine?
Most growers skip gel in aeroponic cloners because constant spray washes it off. The machine's oxygen rich mist does the heavy lifting.
How long do clones take in a cloning machine?
Expect first roots in 5 to 10 days at 68 to 75 F water temperature, a few days faster than plugs and domes.
Are cheap cloning machines worth it?
Budget buckets can work fine if you manage water temperature and keep them clean. Spend up mainly for better collars and quieter pumps.