# Cloning dome

> A cloning dome is a clear lid over a tray that keeps humidity high around unrooted cuttings or seedlings, reducing water loss until roots form.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cloning-dome.html
- Also written: humidity dome, propagator, propagation dome, clone dome, propagator lid
- Glossary category: Cultivation and training · Evidence: Grower practice
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

A [cloning](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cloning.md) (humidity) dome is a clear plastic cover over a seed or propagation tray. Cuttings have no roots, so they can only replace water lost through their leaves by drawing it up the cut stem; a dome keeps the surrounding air near saturation, typically 80-95% [RH](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/relative-humidity.md), so they lose very little.

## In practice

Mist the inside, keep the medium damp rather than wet, and keep the tray warm (about 22-26 °C, 72-79 °F) under gentle light. Most domes have vents. Open them gradually once roots show, usually after a week or so, then remove the lid over a few days so the clones adjust to room humidity. Wipe condensation and remove dead leaves daily; stagnant, saturated air favours mould.

A heat mat under the tray speeds rooting by warming the medium more than the air.

## Don't confuse with

- **Aeroponic cloner**: roots cuttings in mist, often without a dome.
- **Hardening off**: gradually lowering humidity is a form of it, but the term usually refers to moving plants outdoors.

## Related terms

[Cloning](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cloning.md), [Cutting](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cutting.md), [Relative humidity](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/relative-humidity.md), [Hardening off](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hardening-off.md)

## Read more

- [Seedling care: the first three weeks](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/germination/seedling-care.md)