Grow Guide . transplant readiness . G-07
four to six inches,
four leaf sets.
Clone size before transplant matters because too small means weak root system, too large means rootbound. The right window is 4 to 6 inches tall, 2 to 4 sets of true leaves, with visible white roots emerging from the bottom of the plug.
A clone ready to transplant stands 4 to 6 inches tall from the top of the plug to the top of the canopy. Shorter clones may not have enough leaf surface to support a larger root system. Taller clones may have already started to stretch.
True leaves are the serrated cannabis-style leaves. A ready clone has 2 to 4 sets with full color and no yellowing. Single-set clones are too young. Six-plus set clones have been waiting too long.
Lift the plug gently. White roots should be visible emerging from the bottom and sides. A clone with 2 to 5 visible root tips is ready. No visible roots means not ready.
A ready clone is actively producing new leaves at the top. A stalled clone is the wrong target for transplant; address the underlying problem first.
When the clone is ready, transplant into a 1 gallon container. Not a 3 gallon, not a 5 gallon. The root system is small enough that a larger container will retain too much water.
It can be. Visible roots are the dominant signal. A short clone with strong roots will catch up after transplant.
No. A clone that has been in the plug long enough to reach 8 inches is probably rootbound.
You can, but standard advice is to wait until after the clone has established for 7 to 10 days.
Some clones root and grow fast. If you see white roots and active top growth by day 5, transplant.
Rooted: 3 to 6 visible roots. Rootbound: roots circling tightly around the inside of the plug, often turning brown.