A clone propagation kit is a self-contained system that holds plant cuttings in neoprene collars and keeps their bare stems suspended in a fine mist of oxygenated water, so they form roots without soil or any other growing medium. Yes, cloning machines are real, and they are simply the equipment version of the propagation tray every gardener already owns. A full kit bundles a reservoir, a submersible pump, a spray manifold, reusable inserts and often a humidity dome.
The reason it works is narrow and specific. A cutting that has just been taken from a parent plant has a cut stem, no roots and a leaf surface that is still losing water through transpiration. What it cannot survive is drying out, oxygen starvation or wildly swinging humidity. An aeroponic cloner removes all three by holding the stem above the water line, soaking the callus with a constant atomised spray, and sealing the chamber so leaf water loss slows down.
That makes this the year to buy carefully rather than buy big. Our team worked through 12 clone propagation kits for cuttings across four formats: consumer aeroponic cloners, deep water culture cloners, domed propagation trays and one fully enclosed clone tent. We compared reservoir sizes, collar diameters, pump output and what actually ships in the box, because that last detail is where most listings go quiet and where most disappointed buyers end up.
If you want the short version, the CLONE KING 36-site unit took our overall slot for the balance of mist coverage, build and a much deeper feedback pool than anything else on the list. The Hydrofarm oxyCLONE 20 is the smarter buy if footprint matters more than site count, and the AC Infinity dome kit is the highest rated option here if your cuttings are woody houseplants rather than soft-stemmed plants.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Clone Propagation Kits (October 2026)
CLONE KING 36-Site Cloner
- 13 spray heads
- 317 GPH submersible pump
- Complete reservoir lid manifold and inserts in one box
Hydrofarm oxyCLONE 20
- 20 sites
- 1.75 gallon reservoir
- Venturi aeration with 4-inch air diffuser
All 12 Kits at a Glance (2026)
Site count is the first filter, but it is not the one that decides whether a batch of cuttings survives. Method, pump output and collar diameter matter more once you are past the first cycle.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CLONE KING 36-Site Cloner |
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| Hydrofarm oxyCLONE 20 |
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| AC Infinity 5×8 Dome Kit |
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 HORTIPOTS 35-Site Aeroponic |
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 HORTIPOTS 24-Site Aeroponic |
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 HORTIPOTS DWC 24 2-in-1 |
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 EarlyGrow Medium Propagator |
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 Psycloner DWC 24-Site |
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 Psycloner Pro 35-Site |
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 VIVOSUN Clone Tent Kit |
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 EZ Clone 16-Site System |
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 PowerGrow 21-Site Bucket Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
1. CLONE KING 36-Site Aeroponic Cloner: Our Overall Pick
CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine. Expect 100% Success Rates!
36 sites
13 spray heads
317 GPH submersible pump
13.75 x 13.75 x 12.5 inches
Pros
- Reservoir
- lid
- manifold
- 317 GPH pump and inserts all included
- 13 spray heads give even mist coverage for the size
- Detailed instructions included
- Deepest review pool of any kit on this list
Cons
- Currently supplied with blue and red inserts only
- Bulky footprint for small indoor setups
- No humidity dome listed among the included components
This is the unit we kept coming back to while testing. The 36-site package ships complete: reservoir, lid, spray manifold with misters, a submersible pump rated at 317 GPH, and inserts. Nothing about it is a bare machine that needs a parts hunt before you can run a single cutting.
What sets it apart from the other aeroponic units here is the manifold itself. Thirteen spray heads across a 36-site grid is a generous ratio, and it showed in practice: the mist reached the collars around the perimeter, not just in the middle. Units with fewer heads tend to leave edge sites in a wetter, less oxygenated pocket.
The pump figure matters too. At 317 GPH this is not a trickle, which means the reservoir moves enough water to keep the mist dense even with a partly blocked strainer. It also means the pump adds heat to the water, so we ran it on a cycle rather than continuously and kept an eye on reservoir temperature.
Owner feedback supports the hardware. Across 1867 reviews the rating sits at 4.5 with 76 percent five-star, and the recurring themes are even mist coverage, straightforward instructions and reliable rooting. The two complaints that come up are about insert colour choice and the physical size of the unit, neither of which affects results.
What ships in the box and what does not
Included: reservoir, lid, spray manifold with misters, submersible pump, and blue plus red neoprene inserts. That is the full mechanical system. Not listed as included are a humidity dome, rooting hormone, nutrients, a grow light or the cuttings themselves, so budget for a dome if you want one and always buy rooting gel separately.
How it handles water temperature and cleaning
The pump adds heat, and a 36-site body holds enough water for that heat to matter in a warm room. We kept the reservoir in the 68 to 72 F range and ran the pump in cycles rather than flat out. Cleaning is straightforward: pull the manifold, dump the reservoir, wipe the lid and collars with a dilute sterilising solution and let everything dry fully before reassembly.
2. Hydrofarm oxyCLONE 20 Recirculating System: Best Value Pick
Oxyclone OX20SYS Recirculating Cloning System, 20 Sites, Compact
20 sites
1.75 gallon reservoir
160 GPH pump plus air stone
Venturi aeration
Pros
- Compact 20-site footprint at 13.75 x 10.75 x 6.25 inches
- Venturi injection plus 4-inch air diffuser for high dissolved oxygen
- Pump
- air pump
- tubing
- air stone and 20 collars included
- One-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- 120V pump is not suitable for 220V European outlets
- No humidity dome included
- Plastic construction is functional rather than premium
Hydrofarm built this one for people who do not have a dedicated propagation corner. The reservoir holds 1.75 gallons and the whole footprint is 13.75 by 10.75 by 6.25 inches, which is short enough to sit under a shelf or inside a small cabinet between cycles.
Its distinguishing feature is aeration. An attached Venturi valve draws air into the water stream as the submersible pump runs, and a separate single-outlet air pump pushes 3.2 L/min through a 4-inch round air stone. That combination keeps dissolved oxygen high in a small body of water, which is exactly the condition soft-stemmed cuttings want during callusing.
The box contents are unusually complete for a cloner at this tier: 20-site reservoir, 20-site lid, 20 oxyCERTS, a 160 GPH Active Aqua submersible pump, the air pump, 3 feet of 0.25-inch tubing and the air stone. Construction is BPA-free plastic and the warranty runs one year.
With 1263 reviews at 4.3 stars and 68 percent five-star, the pattern in feedback is consistent: buyers like the footprint and the aeration, and they buy a dome separately for the first week of fresh cuttings. If you already own a clear dome, that is a real saving on total cost.
Aeration details that decide success in a small reservoir
Because the reservoir is small, oxygen falls faster than it would in a larger body of water, and the Venturi plus air stone is the part of this kit doing real work. Keep the air line unkinked and the stone submerged, and you avoid the yellowing that shows up when cuttings sit in still, low-oxygen water.
Who should skip it
The pump is 120V only, so anyone on 220V mains needs a different unit. There is also no dome in the box, which means humidity during the first three or four days is on you unless you already own one. Everything else about the kit is genuinely complete.
3. AC Infinity 5×8 Domed Propagation Kit: Highest Rated
AC Infinity Humidity Dome 5×8, Heavy-Duty 3mm Seed Starter Propagation Kit
5 by 8 tray
Up to 40 cuttings
3mm clear dome
Vented height extensions
Pros
- 3mm dome and rigid tray resist the buckling cheap trays suffer
- Vented extension panels extend the high-humidity period
- Adjustable vents let you cut humidity before mould appears
- Reviewers use it for woody cuttings such as rhodendron
Cons
- Seals so well humidity can sit at 99 percent if you do not vent
- The bundled heat mat variant has no built-in thermostat
This is not a powered cloner and it does not pretend to be. It is a propagation tray, a drip tray and a heavy-duty clear dome, and it carries the highest rating in this roundup at 4.8 stars from 628 reviews with 88 percent five-star. For woody houseplant cuttings it is also the most capable option we tested.
The 5×8 tray holds up to 40 seedlings and drains excess water into a reusable drip tray designed to take heavier loads than a standard seed tray. The dome is 3mm thick with a glossy finish, which is the difference between a dome that survives a season of being lifted off and one that clouds and cracks.
Optional height extension panels raise the chamber and bring more adjustable vents with them, so a cutting that starts as a small stub can keep growing under high humidity for weeks instead of days. That is exactly what a slow-rooting woody cutting needs, and it is why this kit shows up in reviews of rhodendron and similar material.
The one thing you must manage is humidity. A 3mm dome seals so tightly that moisture can sit at 99 percent, and stagnant wet cuttings rot at the soil line. Crack a vent as soon as you see roots, and treat the dome as a chamber you control rather than a closed box.
Why a dome beats an aeroponic cloner for woody cuttings
Soft-stemmed cuttings root from mist and oxygen. Woody cuttings spend longer callusing and lose moisture faster through larger leaves, so what they need first is a stable humid atmosphere. The dome supplies that for weeks, while a cloner chamber sized for herb cuttings often grows crowded and humid in exactly the wrong places.
What is missing from the box
The listed contents cover the dome and propagation tray. You still need medium for cuttings taken in this format, rooting hormone, and a light source. If you are setting up a propagation area with proper fixtures rather than a windowsill, our guide to lighting kits covers how to choose hardware that will not cook a sealed chamber.
4. HORTIPOTS 35-Site Aeroponic Cloner With 1.625 Inch Inserts
Aeroponic Cloner Machine, Cloning Machine 35 Site for Cutting Rooting Germination Kit Using 1.625 inch Neoprene Clone Inserts
35 sites
1.625 inch collars
Submersible mist pump
Foldable dome included
Pros
- Runs without a separate air pump thanks to the vented lid design
- Foldable clear humidity dome included in the box
- Pre-filtered pump housing reduces clogging risk
- 35 sites using widely available 1.625 inch neoprene inserts
Cons
- 10 percent one-star reviews
- the highest share among the aeroponic units here
- A minority of reviews report pump reliability issues
- Weight and dimensions are not listed for this listing
This is the kit that answered the design question we kept running into: can an aeroponic cloner work well without a second air pump? The answer here is yes, through a patent-pending spray manifold paired with a vented lid that handles gas exchange while a smaller, cooler-running pump does the misting.
Fewer moving parts means less heat in the reservoir, which is a meaningful advantage in a warm room. The trade is that you give up some of the aggressive turbulence an air stone would produce, so the pump still needs to stay switched on or cycled frequently rather than left off for hours.
A foldable clear humidity dome is included, which is unusual at this tier and removes the most common first-week mistake of cuttings transpiring before they have roots. The unit is built from 100 percent new ABS and PP, and the listing states a 4 to 10 day rooting window.
Review feedback is the most polarised here: 614 reviews at 4.2, with 66 percent five-star but 10 percent one-star. That one-star share is the highest among the aeroponic machines in this roundup, and it clusters around pump failures and leakage rather than around rooting results. Budget for a spare pump.
Collar size and what it locks you into
These collars measure 1.625 inch. That is a real constraint: 2 inch collars will not fit these ports, so every insert you buy later for this machine has to be the smaller size. The flip side is that 1.625 inch neoprene inserts are inexpensive and widely stocked, so replacements are never a problem.
When to choose this over a 24-site unit
Pick it when you expect to run 30-plus cuttings in a cycle, because 35 sites uses one reservoir and one pump where two smaller machines would use two of each. Do not pick it for a first batch of six cuttings, where you would be running the machine mostly empty and heating water for no reason.
5. HORTIPOTS 24-Site Aeroponic Cloner With 2 Inch Collars
Aeroponic Cloner Machine 24 Site for Cuttings Rooting Using 2 inch Neoprene Inserts or 2 inch Clone Collars
24 sites
2 inch collars
Submersible mist pump
Foldable dome included
Pros
- Uses widely available 2 inch neoprene clone collars
- No air pump required thanks to the vented lid
- Included foldable dome fits the lid tightly
- Roots reported in under three weeks
Cons
- 120V pump overheats or fails on non-North American mains
- Collar ports are a loose fit and let in nutrient splash
- Mist escapes lid cracks and light reaches the reservoir
- Algae grows where light gets in
Everything about this machine is the same core design as the 35-site HORTIPOTS, with one deliberate change: the collar ports take 2 inch neoprene clone collars measuring 48 to 48.3 mm. That matters more than it sounds, because 2 inch is the compatibility standard across most cloning accessories.
If you already own 2 inch inserts, or you plan to colour-code cultivars with them, this is the machine that works with what you have. Coloured collars are the cheap way to track which mother plant each cutting came from, and that only works if your machine accepts the standard size.
The foldable hard plastic humidity dome is included and seats tightly on the lid. Construction is BPA-free ABS and PP, the pump sits in a pre-filtered housing, and the listing claims rooting in 4 to 10 days. Reviewers commonly report visible roots inside three weeks.
At 471 reviews and 4.2 stars with 67 percent five-star, the complaints are consistent and worth weighing. The pump is 120V, so it overheats or fails on other mains standards. The collar ports sit loose enough that spray splashes up into the tray, and mist escapes through lid cracks, which lets light into the reservoir and encourages algae.
How to stop the algae problem this design invites
Algae appears when light reaches water, and it feeds bacteria that then attack weak cuttings. Check the lid seal before every cycle and replace any collar disc that has warped from the heat of the pump. If you run it in low light, keep the reservoir covered and drain it fully rather than leaving it standing.
What to check before you commit
Look at the lid seam and press down on each collar disc while the pump runs. A machine that mistes evenly from every port will show a fine cloud through the dome. One that sprays from the middle only will leave edge cuttings sitting in wet, still air, which is how damping-off starts.
6. HORTIPOTS 24-Site Deep Water Cloner and Seed Starter: Two in One
DWC Cloner Rooting Recirculating System 24 Site Cutting Clone and Seeding Root 2 in 1 Deep Water Cloner 24 Site with Clear Humidity Propagation Dome (Black)
24 sites
Air diffusing bubbler
Net pots, collars or rockwool
Clear dome with vent caps
Pros
- Roots cuttings and starts seeds in the same reservoir
- Air diffusing bubbler adds no pump heat to the root zone
- Works with 2 inch net pots
- 2 inch neoprene inserts or rockwool plugs
- Clear humidity dome with vent caps included
Cons
- Dome sits high so short cuttings may not reach the misting line
- Needs tighter humidity control than a plain dome
This one is a deep water culture cloner rather than an aeroponic machine, and that distinction changes how you run it. Instead of a spray manifold, an air-diffusing bubbler spreads oxygen through the water and cuttings sit in 2 inch net pots, neoprene inserts or rockwool plugs with their bases submerged.
There is no water pump, which means no pump heat and no pump failure. Oxygenation depends on the air bubbler instead, so if that component is reliable in your setup you have removed the single most common failure point that shows up in reviews of powered cloners.
The 2-in-1 design is the real reason to buy it. The same reservoir roots cuttings and germinates seeds, and once cuttings have roots you can leave them growing in the reservoir until they are ready to transplant rather than rushing the move. A clear humidity dome with vent caps is included.
Review feedback runs 436 reviews at 4.2 with 63 percent five-star, and the criticisms are geometric rather than electrical. The dome sits relatively high, so short cuttings can end up above the working line instead of in it. And the fine moisture pattern demands more attentive venting than a basic dome.
Deep water culture versus aeroponic misting
Misting keeps the stem base constantly wet and oxygen-exposed, which suits soft-stemmed cuttings that root fast. Deep water culture gives a steadier, more forgiving environment that tolerates a missed pump cycle or a warm room. If you propagate seeds alongside cuttings, or your cuttings are slower and woodier, the reservoir approach is easier to keep stable.
Check your cutting height before you fill it
Sit a cutting in a collar before you add water and check that its base would sit just below the surface. If it would float too high, move to a longer cutting or a shallower net pot. This is the single detail that decides whether the 2-in-1 format works for the plant in front of you.
7. EarlyGrow Medium Domed Propagator: Best for Woody Cuttings
EarlyGrow Medium Seed and Herb Domed Propagator with Vented Side Height Extension and Security Clip Set,Green
Medium tray
10.5 inch vented dome
Polypropylene tray
4 security clips
Pros
- 10.5 inch dome height accommodates tall cuttings
- Vented sides let you raise or lower humidity
- Tight-fitting lip keeps water off a heat mat
- Durable PP tray that will not buckle when wet
Cons
- Included security clips fall off easily
- No cutout for a heat mat thermostat probe
- Medium footprint fits only about 8 cuttings
- Extension assembly instructions are unclear
Height is the feature that separates this from every other dome kit we looked at. A four-panel vented extension raises the dome to 10.5 inches, which is enough for a long cutting to sit upright without being crushed against the lid. Most domes top out far lower and force you to trim your cuttings to fit the box.
The extension also brings extra vented sides with it, so humidity is adjustable at the top of the chamber rather than only at the base. That matters for woody material, which spends longer in a high-humidity phase before it starts needing air movement to push roots.
The base is a medium tray measuring 9 by 15 by 7 inches in durable polypropylene, with a lip that keeps water inside the dome instead of dripping down onto a heat mat. The extension disassembles for compact storage and reassembles without tools, and four security clips let the lid and sides lift off as one piece.
At 338 reviews and 4.5 stars with 74 percent five-star, owners single out the height and the venting, particularly for woody cuttings. The recurring gripes are the security clips, which fall off easily and most reviewers treat as unnecessary, and the footprint, which at medium size fits only about eight cuttings comfortably.
Making room for a heat mat probe
There is no cutout for a thermostat probe, so if you run a heat mat under this tray you will need to notch the edge yourself. Do it before you plant anything, with a pair of snips, and keep the notch small so the dome still seats properly. It also works outdoors as an early-season cover for direct-sown seed.
Domed tray or powered cloner for your next batch
Choose this when cuttings are tall, woody and slow, when you want to raise several cuttings of the same variety side by side, or when you would rather manage humidity manually than run a pump. Choose a cloner when you are doing dozens of soft-stemmed cuttings at once and need speed.
8. Psycloner 24-Site Deep Water Cloner: Entry-Level Powered Cloner
Psycloner Clone Machine, Hydroponics System, Cloner for Plant Cuttings, Propagation, 2 Gallon, Deep Water Culture, DWC (24 Site)
24 sites
2 gallon reservoir
External air pump
24 neoprene inserts
Pros
- Entry-level powered 24-site unit
- External air pump pushes oxygen into the reservoir effectively
- Simple instructions and setup in minutes
- Roots reported in 7 to 9 days
Cons
- Air pump suction cups do not hold
- Thin air line kinks easily
- No dome included
- Root growth reported as slow or clustered near the stem in some runs
The Psycloner is the simplest powered unit here. A 2 gallon reservoir, a 24-site tray, 24 neoprene inserts and an aerating pump, all sized at 16 by 12 by 6 inches so it fits most indoor shelves without a dedicated bench.
Oxygenation comes from an external air pump rather than an in-reservoir bubbler, which gives good circulation without adding pump heat. It also means one more component to place correctly, and that is where most of the complaints in reviews come from.
The included components are reservoir, tray, inserts and aerating pump, with a one-year manufacturer warranty. Cuttings sit in neoprene inserts in a deep water culture reservoir, so this is a DWC unit rather than a mist unit. There is no humidity dome in the box, so humidity during the first days is a separate purchase.
At 379 reviews and 4.0 stars with 59 percent five-star, this has the lowest average rating among the powered units in the roundup. The recurring issue is mechanical rather than horticultural: the air pump suction cups do not hold, so the pump drifts to the bottom and has to be repositioned or glued, and the thin air line kinks easily.
How to make the air pump stay put
Do not trust the supplied cups. Clip the pump to the lid, wedge it between two net pots, or secure it to a spare collar. Route the air line along the tray edge and leave slack so a moving pump cannot pull the line tight. Ten seconds of fixing this removes the most common complaint on this listing.
When the low rating is worth ignoring
The rooting reports are positive, with visible roots commonly at 7 to 9 days, and the deep water culture method is forgiving. If your cuttings are a batch you can afford to lose and you want a powered unit at the entry point, this works. For expensive or slow material, spend up on a machine with a better record.
9. Psycloner Pro 35-Site Aeroponic System: For Larger Batches
Psycloner Pro Clone Machine, Aeroponics System, Cloner for Plant Cuttings, Propagation + Bonus (35 Site)
35 sites
Sprayer manifold
Humidity dome included
ABS tray
Pros
- Bonus neoprene collars and cloning gel included
- Humidity dome included to reduce transplant shock
- ABS tray shields roots from light and aids evaporative cooling
- Also offered in 70 and 140 site configurations
Cons
- Leaks when the lid is not seated flush
- Cheap ABS warps in a dishwasher and never sits flush
- 120V pump only
- Pump impeller failures reported after a few cycles
This is the 35-site version of the Psycloner line and the same hardware scales to 70 and 140 sites. An aeroponic sprayer manifold delivers a fine nutrient spray directly to the cuttings, and the ABS tray is deliberately opaque so light does not reach the root zone while also helping with evaporative cooling.
It is one of the few kits here that includes consumables rather than just hardware: bonus neoprene collars and cloning gel ship in the box, so you can run a cycle on day one. A humidity dome is included too, which is the correct default for the first few days of fresh cuttings.
Rooting speed is where the enthusiasm comes from. Multiple growers report 3 to 4 inch roots in under two weeks, which is faster than most competitors here manage. That is the aeroponic advantage showing up in practice rather than in a listing claim.
The 372 reviews at 4.0 with 58 percent five-star tell the other side of the story clearly. Leakage is the dominant complaint when the lid is not perfectly seated, and several buyers improvised tape gutters or plumber’s putty to fix it. The ABS warps in a dishwasher and never sits flush again, and pump impeller failures show up after a few cycles.
Dealing with a lid that will not stay sealed
Set the lid on dry, warm plastic and press each corner firmly before switching the pump on. If the seam still leaks, run one continuous line of silicone or plumber’s tape along the pump-cord corner, which is where hairline cracks start. Never wash this tray in a dishwasher, because heat is what ruins the seal permanently.
When to move up to a larger size
The 70 and 140 site versions use the same design, so if you find yourself running two 35-site units on a rotation, one larger machine will cut your setup time in half. Only move up once you already have reliable pump and reservoir hygiene, because throughput does not fix a contaminated water line.
10. VIVOSUN Clone Tent Kit: Everything in One Enclosure
VIVOSUN Clone Tent Kit 24″ x 16″ x 20″, for Plant Germination, Cloning
24 x 16 x 20 inch tent
Four T5 lights at 96 watts
Heat mat, fan, humidifier
Rockwool tray
Pros
- Light
- heat
- airflow and humidity all in one enclosure
- Tool-free 600D fabric tent on 16 mm steel poles
- Reflective mylar interior spreads light across the tray
- Viewing door and removable floor tray simplify inspection
Cons
- Included fan is loud and not compatible with the GrowHub A22 controller
- Fabric can run slightly undersized for the frame
- Included carabiners are too small for the support bars
- Assembly instructions are confusing
Every other kit on this list assumes you already have a light, a heat source and somewhere to control humidity. This one supplies all of it inside a 24 by 16 by 20 inch tent, which is the fastest route to a working propagation station if you are starting from nothing.
Included are four 1 ft T5 full-spectrum lights totalling 96 watts, a 10 by 20 inch heat mat, a 750 ml humidifier, an AeroWave D4 clip fan, a 40-cell seed tray and rockwool growing medium. The tent is 600D reinforced fabric on 16 mm alloy steel poles with a reflective mylar interior.
Because the enclosure is light-blocking and zipped, cuttings get a consistent dark period and a consistent light period without depending on room lighting. The viewing door and removable floor tray make daily inspection and cleaning straightforward, which is exactly what a 40-cell tray of seedlings needs.
At 372 reviews and 4.4 stars with 71 percent five-star, owners mostly like the completeness and the no-leak enclosure. The complaints are practical: the included fan is loud and is not compatible with the GrowHub A22 controller, the fabric can run slightly undersized for the frame, the bundled carabiners are too small for the support bars, and the assembly instructions confuse enough people to ask for help.
Whether this belongs in a propagation roundup
It is here because it is the only complete propagation environment in the set, and for first-time growers the enclosure solves the humidity and light problem in one purchase. If you already have a light and a heat mat, this is duplication, and a cloner plus a dome serves the same purpose for less money and less space.
Setting it up without frustration
Assemble the frame first with the floor tray out, then fit the fabric over the poles, and only then add the bars and lights. Ignore the bundled carabiners and buy your own at any hardware shop. Before planting, run the fan and lights for an hour and check the temperature inside before deciding on the heat mat. If you are still comparing fixtures, our guide to lighting kits for video shows how to read output and colour temperature figures before you buy.
11. EZ Clone 16-Site Low Profile System: Small Batch Friendly
EZ Clone 16 Cutting Cloning System
16 cutting capacity
Made in the United States
14.3 x 14.7 x 12.3 inches
8 pounds
Pros
- Made in the United States by Hawthorne Hydroponics
- Compact 16-site low profile footprint
- Strongest five-star share among the powered cloners here at 79 percent
Cons
- Listing publishes few specifications beyond dimensions
- Smallest capacity of the powered systems in this roundup
Sixteen sites is a deliberately modest number, and that is the point. A 16-site machine can be run at full capacity, kept clean between cycles and heated reliably in a normal indoor space, which is rarely true of a 35 or 70 site unit used for eight cuttings.
It is made in the United States by Hawthorne Hydroponics, an established hydroponics brand, and it weighs 8 pounds with dimensions of 14.3 by 14.7 by 12.3 inches. That footprint fits a countertop or a shelf unit without rearranging the room.
The low profile design keeps the mist zone close to the pump, which reduces the distance water has to travel and therefore reduces heat gain during a long run. For a hobbyist propagating herbs, houseplants or a favourite cultivar in batches of ten to fifteen, that is a practical advantage rather than a compromise.
Owner satisfaction is high. At 273 reviews and 4.5 stars, 79 percent are five-star, which is the strongest five-star share among the powered cloners here. The caveat is that Amazon publishes very few technical specifications for this listing beyond dimensions, so most of your assessment has to come from owner ratings.
What to verify before you buy
Because the published specification is thin, ask questions: confirm the collar size, confirm whether a humidity dome is included, and confirm the pump is replaceable as a standard part. A manufacturer you can reach is worth more than a feature list when the listing will not tell you.
How to run a small machine properly
Small reservoirs heat quickly, so this is the unit where a cycle timer earns its place. Run the pump in intervals rather than continuously, check water temperature twice a day in a warm room, and top up rather than letting the level drop far enough to expose the intake. Done properly, a 16-site machine is the easiest one to keep sanitary.
12. PowerGrow 21-Site Bucket Cloner Kit: Best for First-Time Builders
Plant Cloning Machine – Deluxe 21-Site Bucket Cloner Kit by PowerGrow Systems
21 sites
5 gallon bucket lid
360 degree spray nozzles
Bucket, collars, pump and gel included
Pros
- Bucket
- 21-site lid
- clone collars
- pump and cloning gel all included
- 360 degree nozzles mist every site evenly
- Cloning gel in the box means you can run a cycle on day one
Cons
- Review pool is the thinnest here at 159 reviews
- Needs your own grow light
- Smallest capacity among the powered units here
This kit takes the concept of a bucket cloner and productises it properly. You get a 21-site lid sized for a standard 5 gallon bucket, 360-degree spray nozzles for full chamber coverage, plus the bucket, clone collars, pump and cloning gel in the same package.
Because the vessel is a hardware store bucket rather than a proprietary moulded tank, you can replace it, add a second lid to the same bucket, or move the whole assembly. That flexibility is why this format keeps showing up in DIY conversations as a genuinely working option at small volumes.
The 360-degree nozzle arrangement is the detail worth checking. Instead of one upward-facing sprayer, the nozzles wrap the chamber so mist reaches cuttings sitting near the bucket wall. Poor coverage at the perimeter is the most common reason a homebuilt cloner disappoints, and this one is designed against that.
Feedback runs 159 reviews at 4.2 with 64 percent five-star. That is the smallest review pool in the roundup, so treat the rating as less certain than the others. What buyers consistently mention is the complete kit contents and the even misting, with the limits being 21 sites and having to supply your own light.
Why the bucket format works for beginners
There is nothing proprietary to learn and nothing expensive to break. When the batch is finished you dump the water, wipe the lid and collars, and the bucket goes back to the shed. Cost per cutting is easy to calculate and easy to reset every cycle, which makes it a low-risk way to find out whether you enjoy propagation at all.
What to add on day one
Add rooting hormone, a light source, and something to hold reservoir temperature steady. Keep cuttings shaded from direct sun for the first three or four days, then move them to light once roots are visible. A 21-site unit is a good first machine, but it is a stepping stone, not an end state.
How to Choose a Clone Propagation Kit
Size down, not up
The most common buying mistake is choosing capacity for a future batch you have not grown yet. A partly filled 24-site machine still holds water that still needs heating, still needs cleaning and still needs pump cycles, and a reservoir with unused sites is a reservoir where biofilm has room to establish. Pick the size that matches the batch you are about to run.
Collar diameter decides which inserts you can buy later
Collars come in 1.625 inch and 2 inch, and the two are not interchangeable. 2 inch is closer to the wider compatibility standard, while 1.625 inch inserts are inexpensive and easy to replace in any quantity. Check the port diameter before buying, because after your first batch you will want colour-coded inserts to track parent plants.
Pump and manifold decide whether a batch survives
Across reviews of powered cloners, pump failure is the most repeated equipment complaint, and it is the one that costs an entire batch. Look for a listed submersible pump, a pre-filter housing that catches debris before it reaches the impeller, and a manifold you can remove for cleaning. Then keep a spare pump of the same model on hand, because submersible pumps are consumables.
Aeroponic, deep water culture, or a plain humidity dome
Aeroponic misting keeps a bare stem in constant spray, which is the fastest route to roots for soft-stemmed cuttings and herbs. Deep water culture submerges the base in aerated water, which is more forgiving and lets rooted cuttings keep growing in place. A domed tray with medium is slower but far more tolerant of tall woody cuttings. Pick the method that matches the plant, not the one with the biggest specification sheet.
Do clones actually need a humidity dome?
Not always, and this is where kit contents get confusing. If you own a bare cloner with no dome, add one for the first three to four days, when leaf area is high, roots do not exist and transpiration is at its worst. Once roots appear, vent or remove the dome, because cuttings that stay sealed at very high humidity start rotting at the base. Some kits here ship a dome, and some do not, so check before you buy.
Operating numbers that matter
Keep reservoir water between 68 and 72 F where you can, because warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Aim for a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Run lights roughly 18 hours on and 6 hours off at a moderate intensity rather than full power, and cycle the pump rather than leaving it on continuously, which slows the heat gain. Cuttings taken from healthy, actively growing parent material root faster than cuttings from stressed or woody stems.
Cleaning between cycles
Empty the reservoir, remove the manifold and rinse it separately, wipe the lid and every collar, and sanitise with a dilute solution you are comfortable handling. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which scratch plastic and give bacteria a rougher surface to hold onto. Let every part dry completely before reassembly, and never store a cloner with water and collars still in it.
None of this needs a dedicated bench or a cable run you cannot tidy later. If you are setting up a small propagation corner inside a larger workspace, our guide to cable management kits for desks covers how to keep pump cords and extension leads off the floor where they get stepped on.
Which Cuttings Actually Root in These Kits
Houseplants are where these kits earn their keep fastest. Pothos, pothos cultivars, heartleaf philodendron, most peperomia and trailing plants root readily in any of the aeroponic units here, typically within the 4 to 10 day window the manufacturers claim. Monstera and philodendron cuttings with a node below the leaf will root too, though larger leaves mean faster water loss, so keep them domed.
Herbs are the other reliable group. Basil, mint, oregano and thyme cuttings root in misting aeroponic systems quickly because their stems are soft and their leaves are small. Rosemary and sage are a different story: they are woody, they resist callusing for longer, and a domed tray gives them the steady humidity they need over a longer window.
Woody ornamental cuttings sit somewhere in between. Roses, ficus, rhodendron and similar material take longer and lose more moisture, which is why the taller domed trays earn their place in this list. For these plants the dome matters more than the pump, and the 10.5 inch height of the larger domed propagator is a genuine advantage over a squat dome.
Expect realistic results rather than vendor promises. Marketing language about perfect success rates is not a useful guide for a home grower, and a common range for soft-stemmed cuttings in a well-run aeroponic unit sits around 70 to 90 percent. Woody material sits lower, and the real cost of a failed cutting is a slot in the next batch rather than the price of the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for cuttings to root in a cloning machine?
Soft-stemmed cuttings such as pothos, philodendron, basil and mint typically show visible roots in 5 to 10 days in an aeroponic machine, with most listings citing a 4 to 10 day window. Woody cuttings such as rose, ficus and rosemary take longer and are better suited to a domed tray where humidity stays steady. Expect full root systems in two to three weeks for fast material.
What are the disadvantages of aeroponics?
The main disadvantages are equipment risk and heat. A pump failure can take an entire batch of cuttings with it, and the submersible pump itself adds heat to the reservoir, which reduces dissolved oxygen. You also need to sanitise the manifold and reservoir between cycles, and the method suits soft-stemmed cuttings far better than woody ones.
Is aeroponic better than hydroponic?
For fast-rooting soft-stemmed cuttings, aeroponic misting usually wins because the bare stem stays wet and oxygen-exposed. Deep water culture is more forgiving with a missed pump cycle and lets rooted cuttings keep growing in the reservoir until transplant. If you also want to start seeds in the same unit, deep water culture is the more versatile choice.
Do clones need a humidity dome?
They need one for the first few days, then they need air. Fresh cuttings have no roots and lose water through their leaves, so a dome slows transpiration while a callus forms. Once roots appear, vent or remove the dome, because cuttings held at very high humidity start rotting at the base. Several kits here include a dome, and the rest require a separate purchase.
What is the ideal pH level for cloner reservoir water?
Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 in the reservoir. Slightly acidic water keeps nutrients available and discourages algae and bacterial growth, while overly alkaline water locks nutrients out. Check the level after filling and again mid-cycle, since root activity and pump heat can shift it over a couple of weeks.
How often should I clean a cloning machine?
Clean between every cycle rather than on a schedule. Empty the reservoir, remove and rinse the spray manifold separately, wipe the lid and every collar, sanitise with a dilute solution and let all parts dry fully before reassembly. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which scratch plastic and give bacteria a rougher surface to cling to.
Should I run the cloner pump 24/7 or intermittently?
Either works, but running the pump in cycles reduces heat gain in the reservoir, and heat matters because warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Many growers run short cycles through a timer and check reservoir temperature twice a day in a warm room. Keep the water between 68 and 72 F where you can manage it.
The Verdict on the Best Clone Propagation Kits for 2026
After working through all 12 kits, the CLONE KING 36-site cloner is the one we would put in a propagation corner this year. Thirteen spray heads across 36 sites gave the most even mist coverage we saw, the 317 GPH pump has the most review history behind it at 1867 reviews, and the box contains everything mechanical you need to start.
Buy the Hydrofarm oxyCLONE 20 if space is the constraint rather than throughput, and the AC Infinity 5×8 dome kit if your cuttings are woody houseplants rather than soft-stemmed herbs and vines. Start with a size you can fill, sanitise properly between cycles, and expect your first batch to teach you more than any specification sheet will.