The Tomato Cloner

Using a Sterlite 5 gallon plastic storage container sixteen 2" holes are cut in the lid.  The growing tips of mature tomato plants are cut off, placed in these little pots and held in place by "grow rocks" used in hydroponics.  The container is filled with distilled water and an aquarium air pump powers two 6" air stones. A timer cycles the air pump on for 15 minutes and off for 45 minutes continuously.

The six inch aquarium air stones create bubbles that rise to the surface and burst, splashing tiny droplets of water on the cuttings which are suspended just above the water surface.

The vertical 1/4" clear vinyl tubing on the side of cloner is just a water level indicator.  It's not a necessary part of the cloner but it does make it easier to judge the height of the water without having to take off the lid or remove a pot.  You'll notice a piece of masking tape on the clear tube ... that's the level I keep the water -- adding water as it evaporates.  The tube is connected to 1/4" "L" connectors and sealed in place with hot glue.

The cuttings stick out the bottom of the pots about 1/2 inch.  The water level is maintained between 1/4 and 1/2 inch below the cuttings.  These pots were made from 7 ounce "party cups" bought at Fred Meyer.  A soldering iron is used to melt holes in them. 

In about 2 1/2 weeks roots have sprouted and dipped down into the water looking for nutrients.  At this point the plants can be transplanted into whatever hydroponic system you prefer.

on to Tomato PVC DWC

Questions or comments?  Please contact me here: grass_man@oocities.com