Most hydroponic systems work best when starting with seedlings instead of seeds.
So, where do you get the seedlings?
That’s where a cloning machine comes in handy, though it isn’t actually their intended use.
In fact, cloning machines can be used in two different ways:
- Intended Use: Growing genetically identical replicas from one plant
- Other Use: Germinating seeds
This guide is a complete roundup of the best cloning machines and a little need-to-know background info:
- What is a cloning machine?
- Why use a cloning machine?
- 7 best cloning machines
- What you need to know before buying
Before we get too in-depth, let’s look at our top picks.
7 Best Cloning Machines: Our Quick Picks
Before we jump to our quick reviews of the best cloning machines, let’s answer two questions:
For more information about how to choose the best cloning machine for your needs, jump to our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of this roundup.
What Is A Cloning Machine?
It’s like a copy machine, right? Where you put in the parent plant and get multiple clones of it?
I’m sorry to disappoint you. We just don’t have that technology yet!
A cloning machine is just a system that helps your plants grow by providing the right temperature and humidity.
They usually work by spraying mist or nutrient water to the cuttings. After they develop roots and grow sufficiently large, the clones are transferred to other media, like soil or a hydroponic growing media.
Why Use A Cloning Machine?
A cloning machine is the most effective way to propagate seeds or cuttings because it provides the ideal environment for growth.
Other methods, like Rockwool and soil, require you to maintain the right pH, moisture, and sunlight exposure on your own. But in a cloning machine, all of these factors are managed by the machine itself.
Propagating plants using cloning machines usually us faster than conventional propagation methods and can even reduce the plant development time by half with better success rates.
7 Best Cloning Machine Reviews
If you’re looking to propagate healthier seedlings in a fraction of the time, one of these 7 cloning machines is sure to meet your needs.
Let’s start with our favorite.
1. Clone King 36-Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine
| Type | Aeroponic |
| Cloning Sites | 36 |
| Dimensions | 13.75″ x 13.75″ x 12.5″ |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The Clone King 36-Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine can fit 36 plants and uses a highly-oxygenated aeroponic mix to nourish plants. You can start seeing roots for your plants in just 3-5 days with rapid expansion in just 5-7 days. After 10-14 days, your plants are sufficiently grown and are ready for transplant.
The Clone King generates explosive root development with a high success rate for most varieties of plants, giving them great vigor and yield after transplant with as close to a 100% success rate as you’re ever going to get.
Setting up this machine is simple and can be done in less than 30 minutes. Ongoing maintenance a usage are extremely easy.
This machine is cheaper than other models but works better than many higher-priced systems. That makes it the best cloning machine on our list.
What’s included?
- Reservoir
- Lid
- Spray manifold with misters
- Submersible pump (317 gph)
- Inserts (blue and red)
Pros of the Clone King 36-Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine
- Very easy to use, making it suitable for beginners
- Near-100% success rate
- Low price and great value
Cons of the Clone King 36-Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine
- Plastic is thinner, so be careful when handling
2. Hydrofarm oxyClone 20-Site System
| Type | Hydroponic |
| Cloning Sites | 20 (40 and 80 also available) |
| Dimensions | 13.75″ x 10.75″ x 6.25″ |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The Hydrofarm oxyCLONE cloning machine is a simple, compact, recirculating tabletop cloning system made of quality, light-proof materials. The reservoir is made out of food-grade, BPA-free plastic, and the whole unit can be used to propagate up to 20 plants.
It uses an Active Aqua air pump to provide a constant flow of dissolved oxygen through a circular, 4-inch air diffuser, delivering oxygen better than other systems (hence the name “oxy”).
This model is a 20-plant system, but you can choose 40 or 80-plant systems as well.
What’s included?
- 1 set of oxyCERTS, non-toxic plant insert material
- BPA-free virgin ABS plastic reservoir and lid
- Oil and BPA-free pump
- Single-outlet air pump
- 4″ circular micropore air diffuser with suction cups
- 1/4″ BPA-free tubing
Pros of the Hydrofarm oxyClone 20-Site System
- Provides maximum aeration with the included Active Aqua air pump’s 4″ air diffuser and a Venturi valve
- Compact and inexpensive
Cons of the Hydrofarm oxyClone 20-Site System
- Pump may overheat and cause the water temperature to rise
3. Viagrow 24-Site Cloning Machine
| Type | Aeroponic |
| Cloning Sites | 24 |
| Dimensions | 16.5″ x 11.5″ x 9.25″ |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The Viagrow 24-Site Clone Machine uses an aeroponic misting system to spray the cuttings, encouraging rapid root development, and can be used to grow up to 24 plants. It comes with 25 multicolored neoprene collars, which makes it easy to keep track of different species if you’re starting them at the same time.
The lid includes an air hose port, should you wish to aerate the water, but neither airstones nor an air pump comes in the package because aerating the water isn’t recommended.
The included UL clone pump has an internal filter to prevent it from clogging.
Unlike other systems, this one comes with its own clone solution and rooting gel!
What’s included?
- 211 gph pump
- Manifold
- Misters for manifold
- Clone solution and rooting gel
- Neoprene lids
- Instructions
Pros of the Viagrow 24-Site Cloning Machine
- UL clone pump comes with an internal filter to ensure no-clog operation
- Manifold and misters are pre-tested
- Multicolored neoprene collars keep track of different plants
- Water temperature stays consistent
- Comes with clone solution and rooting gel
Cons of the Viagrow 24-Site Cloning Machine
- Top cover is made out of thin, cheap, flexible plastic
- One of the cheapest cloning machines out there, and its build quality and size may not be worth the low price point
4. TurboKlone 24-Site Cloning System
| Type | Aeroponic |
| Cloning Sites | 24 (48, 96, 144 also available) |
| Dimensions | 18″ x 10″ x 14″ |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The TurboKlone 24-Site Cloning System is an amazing-looking machine with sleek, rounded edges and curved walls that make cleaning the system effortless. This design also makes the system stronger than the others and gives it resilience from both internal and external forces.
A special feature of the TurboKlone cloning system is its patented fan technology that fits on the side of the reservoir to provide oxygen to the growing chamber and combat high temperatures by circulating cool air throughout the system.
This model can house up to 24 propagated plants, but there are options to buy models with larger capacities.
What’s included?
- Reservoir
- Lid
- Manifold
- Stem collars
- 250 gph pump
- 12V fan
- Spray jets
Pros of the TurboKlone 24-Site Cloning System
- Rounded, sleek edges make the system not only stronger but also more attractive
- Easy to clean
- Compact and space-saving design can hold up to 60% more sites than similar-sized systems
Cons of the TurboKlone 24-Site Cloning System
- May come with missing parts
- Costly compared to other systems
5. Super Sprouter Premium Propagation Kit
| Type | Uses growing medium |
| Cloning Sites | Varies depending on cutting size |
| Dimensions | 22.4″ x 11.6″ x 8.6″ |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
Another system is the Super Sprouter Premium Propagation Kit, which comes with a 7-inch ultra-clear vented dome with built-in light track channels, an 18-inch, high-output T5 fluorescent grow light, and a heat mat.
This is a complete system that provides everything that you need to start your cuttings or seeds. The fluorescent grow lights are specifically designed to fit the dome, but you need growing media to grow your cuttings, unlike other machines where you use neoprene collars with aeroponic spray jets.
You can start your clones in a double-thick 20″ x 10″ tray with no holes in it. The dome is 7″ tall with plenty of room for your plants to germinate. The number of cuttings you can grow depends upon their size.
What’s included?
- 7″ ultra-clear vented humidity dome with light track
- 18″ T5 high-output fluorescent grow light (UL listed)
- Seedling heat mat (ETL listed)
- Heavy-duty 10″ x 20″ grow tray
- “Art of Propagation” booklet
- Clonex rooting gel
Pros of the Super Sprouter Premium Propagation Kit
- A complete kit that contains everything (except growing media), including grow lights and humidity dome with control vents to provide a suitable environment
- Comes with a heat mat to increase the temperature of the system
- 7″ dome provides plenty of room for germination and root development
- Can be used to germinate seeds
Cons of the Super Sprouter Premium Propagation Kit
- Growing media is required but not included
- Included grow light isn’t the strongest
- Condensed water from the dome may leak and flow out of the grow tray
6. HortiPots 35-Site Aeroponic Cloning System
| Type | Aeroponic |
| Cloning Sites | 35 (70 and 140 available) |
| Dimensions | 16.4″ x 12.1″ x 7.4″ |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The HortiPots 35-Site Cloning Machine is an aeroponic propagator cloning system. Cuttings root in 4-10 days with a near-100% success rate.
The machine is made from durable, BPA-free, 100% new ABS and PP material. It comes with a foldable, clear humidity dome to prevent transpiration and initial transpiration shock. The system has multiple air outlets and a venting design on the top lid, eliminating the need for an air pump.
The included water pump has a pre-filter housing to keep misting nozzles free from debris and clogging.
The system comes with 1.625″ collars in multiple colors, usually up to 5. If you want replacement collars, make sure you purchase them from HortiPots themselves. Generic collars won’t fit this system.
Pros of the HortiPots 35-Site Aeroponic Cloner Machine
- No clogging or leaking
- A compact system that works well
Cons of the HortiPots 35-Site Aeroponic Cloner Machine
- Humidity dome may not fit tightly enough and isn’t made of solid plastic
- Some people find the plants to be too crowded
7. EarlyGrow Medium Domed Propagator
| Type | Uses growing medium |
| Cloning Sites | Varies depending on cutting size |
| Dimensions | 9″ x 7″ x 15″ |
| Weight | 1.25 lbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The EarlyGrow Medium Domed Propagator is the cheapest item on our list but nevertheless it is made of very strong, high-quality materials, providing years of reliable propagation.
It lets you start either seedlings or clones. and has a clear, vented dome that allows you to control humidity while allowing maximum sunlight inside. The dome is 7″ tall, giving you enough headspace for proper root and stem growth before transplanting.
The heavy-duty PP tray allows for easy transport without fear of the tray failing, buckling, or being damaged from moisture. The lid is resistant to warping, and the entire system won’t shatter or splinter.
It doesn’t include a seedling starter tray, so you may want to get one separately, but you can also grow your cuttings directly using growing media.
Pros of the EarlyGrow Medium Domed Propagator
- Very strong and durable; can last for years
- Can be used to start seeds, seedlings, and clones
- Excellent at providing optimal humidity
- Great bang for your buck
Cons of the EarlyGrow Medium Domed Propagator
- Sometimes the lid comes slightly warped and may not fit properly
- You need a growing medium, which isn’t included
5 Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Cloning Machine For You
Many of these cloning machines look alike, so how do you choose between them? Let’s focus on 5 factors.
1. Method of propagation
Not all cloning machines propagate plants using the same method. In fact, they come in three different types:
- Aeroponic
- Hydroponic
- Grow-media based
Hydroponic and aeroponic cloning machines don’t necessarily need a growing medium since they can be supported by stem collars made of either neoprene or other materials. Aeroponic systems spray mist onto the root zone, while hydroponic systems use non-misted water.
2. To dome or not to dome
If your plant is prone to losing water rapidly through transpiration, buy a cloning machine with a dome. The dome allows the system to retain water and helps maintain the necessary humidity.
3. Size and capacity
Larger systems can hold more clones. Smaller ones hold fewer.
(Groundbreaking stuff, right?)
The point is to make sure you get a cloning machine with enough propagation sites to suit your needs. It’s always easier to leave half of the sites empty than it is to need more than you have.
4. Multi-colored collars
Some systems come with multi-colored neoprene collars, which can help you tell different plants apart.
5. Will your plants have enough light?
If you’ll be using your cloning machine in a low-light area, you may need to supplement Mother Nature’s output. Some systems come with a light and some don’t.
Cloning Machines: Final Thoughts
Cloning machines significantly reduce the propagation time of cuttings and the germination time of seeds compared to traditional methods. Here are a few final thoughts as you sort through the available models to find the best cloning machine for you.
- Water pH is important, so make sure your it’s dialed in before getting your system running.
- Most cloning systems don’t come with a grow light, which you may need to use if you’re starting your plants indoors or in other low-light areas
- Follow the instructions on the manual that comes with the machine you get. There are nuances with each one to set up an optimal system.
- Use a sterilized pair of scissors to cut lateral shoots from plants to use them as clones.
- Auxins are powerful growth hormones that stimulate a cutting to produce more root (or shoot, depending on the situation). Some plants, like tomatoes, can be cloned easily because they have a lot of auxins. Other plants need a little help, and that’s when you need to apply external root hormones. If root hormones (or gel) come with your machine, use them. You can also buy your own root hormones independent of your kit.
If you have any other questions, comment below!