How do I care for a cannabis clone the day it arrives?

Step 1: Open the box and inspect

Open the shipping container immediately upon arrival, but in indirect light — a clone that's been in dark transit for 2-3 days will burn under sudden direct sun or full-intensity grow light. Check the leaves for color (vibrant green, no yellowing or browning), the stem for firmness (should be springy, not limp), and the roots if visible (white tips are good, brown is concerning). Take a photo of any damage immediately — most reputable suppliers require photo documentation within 24-48 hours for live arrival guarantee claims.

Step 2: Water (don't feed)

Lightly water the rooting medium with pH-adjusted plain water — no nutrients on day one. Cannabis clones in transit experience transpiration stress and need straight water to rehydrate before introducing nutrient salts. Aim for the medium to feel lightly damp throughout but not waterlogged. If the rooting plug or cube was clearly dry on arrival, water until you see a small amount of runoff. If it was already moist, just mist the surface.

Step 3: Light placement

Place the clone under low-intensity light for the first 24-48 hours. T5 fluorescent fixtures, low-wattage LED panels at increased distance (24+ inches), or even ambient room light from a north-facing window are all appropriate. Aim for 100-200 PPFD — strong enough to maintain photosynthesis, weak enough not to demand more water than the stressed clone can transpire. Avoid placing freshly arrived clones under your main flower or veg lights for at least 48 hours.

Step 4: Environment

Target 72-78°F air temperature and 60-70% relative humidity for the first week. If you don't have humidity control, place the clone under a clear humidity dome with the vents partially open. Avoid direct airflow from oscillating fans — gentle ambient air movement is fine, but a fan blowing directly on a stressed clone will dehydrate it before its roots can keep up.

Step 5: Wait, then transplant

After 24-48 hours, the clone should look perky and may show signs of new growth. At this point, it's safe to begin a normal feeding schedule (start at 1/4 strength) and consider transplanting if the clone shipped fully rooted. Avoid transplanting on day one — even a healthy clone has experienced shipping stress and benefits from acclimation time before facing the additional stress of being moved into a new container.