Humidity Dome Procedure

We get a lot of questions about humidity domes and how often you should be watering cuttings or taking the domes (lids) off to let them breathe 

This Dome ‘Procedure’ is a guide on how to achieve maximum success when taking cuttings – keep in mind this is designed for people that are using domes on their cutting trays. 

In one of the previous blogs (HERE) we walked you through the process of taking cuttings, in this blog we will explain what you should be doing with your humidity dome to help you get the fastest rooting times! 

Typical Clone Room Environment

+/-22 - 25 degrees, +/-65% RH 

Procedure 

Day 1:  

Do not open the dome and make sure to keep the vents closed. The dome should not be removed for at least the first two days – we would like to maintain the humidity levels.

Day 2:  

Do not open the dome and make sure to keep the vents closed. The dome should not be removed for at least the first two days – we would like to maintain the humidity levels. 

Tip: We want to create the ideal environment for your cuttings to root. Creating an environment with high humidity will force the stomata to close and your plant will begin to focus on root growth.

Day 3: 

Remove the dome to ‘burp’ the environment for about 30 seconds. Wipe the condensation off the side walls of the dome, we want to remove excess water in the dome, empty the excess condensation into a waste container. Replace the dome after 30 seconds and crack the vents open marginally. 

(Removing the dome to allow for fresh air exchange is commonly referred to as "burping’). 

Day 4:   

Leave the dome in place – do not burp the environment and do not open the vents

Day 5: 

Remove dome for 30 seconds, wipe the condensation off the side walls of the dome, we want to remove excess water in the dome, empty the excess condensation into a waste container. Water only if necessary 

(Certain substrates can dry out quicker than others ie: Eazy plugs 77s will dry out faster than stonewool 77 trays as the stonewool has more mass to it. You will need to monitor your substate to keep it perfect – Touch the cube, if it feels dry you will need to water it. Another great indicator is the change in colour, this is especially noticeable when using Eazy Plugs – a light brown colour means they are too dry) 

Day 6: 

Leave the dome in place – do not burp the environment and do not open the vents any more 

Day 7: 

Remove dome for 60 seconds, wipe the condensation off the side walls of the dome, we want to remove excess water in the dome, empty the excess condensation into a waste container.  

Water only if necessary – you will probably find that your cuttings will need to be watered today – if you haven't already watered them. Open the vents slightly more to allow for fresh air exchange and to help the cuttings harden off. 

Days 8,9 & 10: 

Remove dome for 60 seconds (each day), wipe the condensation off the side walls of the dome, we want to remove excess water in the dome, empty the excess condensation into a waste container. (Water only if necessary)

Open the vents slightly more everyday – we want to prepare the cuttings for the transition from the dome to veg room  

Day 11: 

Remove the dome and allow the cuttings to sit for about 10 minutes. Monitor them during this time and make sure that the cuttings are able to keep themselves standing. If you find that the cuttings still look strong after the time with the dome off, then your cuttings are almost ready to have the dome removed completely, however if you find that some of the cuttings droop then you will need to keep the dome for another few days.  

Days 12, 13 & 14: 

By now your clones should have hardened off and should be ready to have the domes removed completely. Once the cuttings have hardened off you will need to make sure to keep plants watered as the root mass will start to form and they will start to consume water/fertiliser.  

As a rule of thumb – most cuttings should be rooted by the 14 day mark, HOWEVER some types of plants and some genetics might take longer to form roots. If this is the case then we suggest repeating the steps on days 7 – 14 until you have success.   

Day 15 – 18 

Time to transplant – you should have a solid root base by now! 

***** Notes***** 

Watering: 

Try to avoid letting water/solution sitting around in your tray, it is best to pour the excess water out of the tray before replacing the lid again   

Air movement / Exchange:  

Make sure there is air movement in the tent/room, removing the dome lid will help with fresh air exchange. under no circumstances should you have fans blowing directly onto the cuttings

Health: 

Cuttings that wilt or start to yellow must be removed from the dome, decaying plant material can result in pathogens or mold forming which could spread to other cuttings