Like you said... I'll be using Rapid Rooter plugs and CloneX. I've read about putting a dab on the hole of the plug before stabbing in the clone. Do you do more than just snip the first node? Like do you strip any of the outer layers off like grafting?
for me cloning is as much of an art as is it a science.. so i have a ritual sort of with using rooter plugs..
i start by shaking up the gel and opening the bottle. i know everybody says to pour it out and not use from the bottle but fuck that, i've dipped the bottles every time for years, don't listen to them, they just want you to buy more because one small bottle is enough for years and they want you to use it up...
then i snip all the cuttings, usually one or two nodes longer than i want and set them all in a pile next to the bottle. then one by one i take a cutting and trim the bottom at a 45° angle and cut off that bottom node or two to expose the flesh of the stem, cut clean! do not cut half assed and then pull a string of meat off when cuttings! clean scissors.. blah blah blah.. more BS!! same crudy nasty snips i always use! some like a razor blade, both good IMO..
once trimmed to satisfaction i set the cutting in the gel bottle, like a clock formation like as if you were cooking scallops, so you know which one was first in.. once all the cuttings are in the gel i let them soak while i concentrate on prepping the rooter plugs..
I ALWAYS pre poke the hole and never stab the cutting in... you'll end up kinking one!!! pre pole a thin hole smaller diameter than the stem, fat stem/fat hole.. skinny stem/skinny hole.. you already have the cuttings prepped you know how many of what to poke. and pre moisten the cube.. i like to squeeze them in the opening of a small gatorade bottle and let the water go in and out like a sponge to ensure full saturation of fresh water.
last i pull the cutting from the gel leaving a glob on the stem and pause over the hole in the rooter and lit a drop or two of gel fall right in and then gently place the cutting in the rooter until you feel it "seat" at the bottom... no stabbing!!!!! hahaha
and thats it, thats my method over and over... put the cap back on the bottle and i gather up all the rooters with cuttings inside sideways, carry them over to the grow cabinet and set them in place with a label... done!
i still keep everything in a bucket to this day!!
and heres what i meant about the gatorade bottle.. you can put in GW or rapid start or enzymes and then easily saturate the rooter with it. turn the bottle over and give it a slight squeeze and ready for action!
