Short answer: no—at least not in the way people usually mean by cloning.
Longer (but useful) answer below 👇
Why autoflowers don’t clone well
autoflower cannabis seeds plants are genetically programmed to flower based on age, not light cycle. That creates a few problems:
- Clones keep the same “biological age” as the mother plant.
So if you take a cutting from an autoflower, it doesn’t reset the clock. - The clone will usually start flowering almost immediately, often while it’s still tiny.
- Result: very small plants, very low yields, or stressed, unhealthy growth.
Technically, you can root a cutting from an autoflower, but it’s rarely worth it.
How this differs from photoperiod plants
- Photoperiod plants can be cloned endlessly because veg time is controlled by light.
- Autoflowers don’t have a true vegetative “pause,” so cloning defeats the point.
What growers do instead
If you’re growing autos, the usual strategies are:
- 🌱 Start from seed every time
- 🧬 Buy high-quality genetics (this matters more with autos)
- 🪴 Use low-stress training (LST) instead of topping/cloning
- 🌿 Grow multiple plants at once to compensate for lack of cloning
One niche exception (still not practical)
Some advanced growers experiment with:
- Taking a cutting very early (around day 7–10)
- Babying it under perfect conditions
Even then, yields are tiny and inconsistent—more of a curiosity than a strategy.
If you want, tell me:
- Are you growing autos now?
- Indoor or outdoor?
- Looking to save genetics, increase yield, or just curious?
