Rooted vs. Unrooted Cannabis Clones: Which Should You Buy?

Cannabis clones have become a cornerstone of modern cultivation, giving growers a faster, more predictable way to preserve elite genetics and maintain consistent harvests. But when it comes time to buy clones, one key decision can significantly impact your success: rooted vs. unrooted cannabis clones.

Choosing the wrong option can lead to slower growth, higher failure rates, and unexpected costs. Choosing the right one can shave weeks off your grow cycle and dramatically improve survival rates. This guide breaks down the differences between rooted and unrooted cannabis clones, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which is best for your grow.

Quick Answer: Rooted or Unrooted Clones?

If you are new to growing cannabis or want the fastest, most reliable results, rooted cannabis clones are usually the better choice. They have higher survival rates and can enter vegetative growth almost immediately.

Unrooted clones make sense for experienced growers who have controlled propagation environments and want full control over the rooting process at a lower upfront cost.

What Are Cannabis Clones?

A cannabis clone is a cutting taken from a healthy female mother plant. Because clones are genetic copies, they preserve the exact traits of the original plant, including potency, terpene profile, growth structure, and flowering time.

Growers choose cannabis clones because they:

• Eliminate genetic variability

• Skip germination and sexing

• Produce uniform canopies and harvests

• Save time compared with growing from seed

Not all clones are sold at the same stage of development, which is where the rooted vs. unrooted decision comes in.

What Is an Unrooted Cannabis Clone?

An unrooted cannabis clone, often called a cutting or snip, is freshly taken from a mother plant before roots have formed. These cuttings are typically placed into rooting media such as rockwool, peat plugs, or coco cubes but have not yet established a root system.

Pros of Unrooted Cannabis Clones

• Lower upfront cost: Unrooted clones are usually less expensive.

• Easier transport: Smaller size makes them easier to move or ship.

• More control: Growers oversee the entire rooting process.

• Reduced pest transfer: Less media means fewer hiding places for pests.

Cons of Unrooted Cannabis Clones

• Higher failure rate: Lack of roots makes clones more vulnerable.

• Labor-intensive: Requires strict control of humidity, temperature, and light.

• Longer timeline: Rooting typically takes 7–14 days or more.

• Not beginner-friendly: Small mistakes can quickly kill a cutting.

Unrooted cannabis clones are best suited for experienced growers with dedicated propagation areas.

What Is a Rooted Cannabis Clone?

A rooted cannabis clone is a cutting that has already developed a visible, healthy root system. These clones are usually ready to transplant into soil, coco, or hydroponic systems shortly after purchase.

Pros of Rooted Cannabis Clones

• Higher survival rate: Established roots reduce transplant shock.

• Faster growth: Plants can focus on vegetative growth immediately.

• Beginner-friendly: Requires less technical skill.

• Predictable performance: Easier scheduling for feeding and flowering.

Cons of Rooted Cannabis Clones

• Higher price: You pay for time, labor, and reduced risk.

• Potential pests: Roots and media can harbor insects or disease.

• Transplant stress: Rough handling can still damage roots.

• Less early-stage control: Rooting phase has already occurred.

For most growers, especially beginners and commercial operators, rooted clones provide the most consistent results.

Rooted vs. Unrooted Cannabis Clones: Key Differences

Below is a side-by-side comparison of rooted vs. unrooted cannabis clones to help you decide which option fits your grow.

Takeaway: Rooted cannabis clones offer speed and reliability, while unrooted clones offer flexibility for skilled growers.

Rooted vs. Unrooted Cannabis Clones: Which Is Better for Your Grow?

The right choice depends on your experience, setup, and goals.

Choose Rooted Cannabis Clones If:

• You are new to growing cannabis

• You want the fastest path to vegetative growth

• You are running a commercial or time-sensitive operation

• You do not have a dedicated propagation space

Choose Unrooted Cannabis Clones If:

• You are an experienced grower

• You have a controlled cloning environment

• You want to reduce upfront costs

• You prefer full control over early development

Many large-scale growers use both types depending on staffing, schedules, and production cycles.

Best Practices When Buying Cannabis Clones

No matter which type you choose, follow these best practices to protect your grow:

• Inspect leaves for discoloration, pests, or powdery mildew

• Ask about the health and age of the mother plant

• Quarantine new clones before introducing them to your grow

• Verify strain authenticity and genetic stability

• Buy from reputable, licensed providers whenever possible

Healthy cannabis clones are the foundation of a successful harvest.

Where To Buy Cannabis Clones

Finding a reliable source for cannabis clones is just as important as choosing between rooted and unrooted options. Genetics, plant health, and consistency all play a major role in long-term success.

Seeds Here Now offers a wide selection of rooted cannabis clones, giving growers access to proven genetics with established root systems and high survival rates. Rooted clones are ideal for growers who want to minimize risk, save time, and move quickly into vegetative growth.

By sourcing rooted clones from a trusted provider, growers can focus less on troubleshooting and more on dialing in their grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rooted cannabis clones better for beginners?

Yes. Rooted cannabis clones are generally better for beginners because they already have an established root system, which reduces failure rates and simplifies early-stage care.

How long does it take for an unrooted cannabis clone to root?

Most unrooted cannabis clones develop roots within 7–14 days under optimal conditions, though some strains may take longer.

Can rooted cannabis clones carry pests or diseases?

Yes. Rooted clones can harbor pests or root-borne diseases, which is why inspection and quarantine are critical.

Do rooted clones grow faster than unrooted clones?

Yes. Rooted clones skip the rooting phase and enter vegetative growth sooner, often reaching flowering faster.

Are cannabis clones legal?

Cannabis clone legality varies by location. Always check local and state laws before buying or transporting clones.

Final Thoughts

Both rooted and unrooted cannabis clones have a place in modern cultivation. Rooted clones offer speed, reliability, and ease of use, while unrooted clones provide flexibility and cost savings for skilled growers.

Understanding your experience level, infrastructure, and production goals is the key to making the right choice. When in doubt, start with rooted clones, master the fundamentals, and experiment with unrooted clones as your confidence grows.

Ready to get your grow on? Shop the collection of premium cannabis clones at Seeds Here Now.