oxyCLONE oxyCERTS 1 7/8″

oxyCLONE oxyCERTS 1 7/8″ are soft, non-toxic EVA foam plant inserts shaped to fit the net-cup sites in oxyCLONE recirculating cloning systems. Each pack contains 20 blue inserts (SKU OX50020) with a no-pinch collar that holds delicate cuttings firmly yet gently throughout the rooting phase. The foam is fungus-, bacteria-, chemical-, and heat-resistant, will not absorb water, and is writable and reusable — rinse with warm soapy water between cycles.

oxyCLONE oxyCERTS 1 7/8″ Specifications

Specifications below are drawn from the cultivate_supply primary supplier record (SKU OX50020) and oxyCLONE brand product documentation. Pack count, diameter, color, and material are confirmed across cultivate_supply, grow_wiser, and hydrobuilder retailer listings.

Specification	Value
Product	oxyCLONE oxyCERTS — foam plant inserts
SKU	OX50020
Diameter	1 7/8 in (1.875 in)
Pack Count	20 inserts per pack
Color	Blue
Material	Soft, non-toxic EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam
Collar Design	No-pinch slit collar that grips the cutting stem without crushing
Weight (pack)	0.2491 lb (approx. 4.0 oz)
Water Absorption	None — closed-cell foam does not absorb or water-log
Resistance Profile	Fungus, bacteria, chemical, and heat resistant
Writable Surface	Yes — can be labeled directly with permanent marker
Reusability	Reusable; clean with warm soapy water between cycles
Compatibility	Sized for 1 7/8″ net-cup sites in oxyCLONE recirculating cloning systems (PRO Series 20, 40, and 80 site)

Why Choose oxyCLONE oxyCERTS

The points below are grounded in the oxyCLONE product description, supplier listings, and the confirmed material properties of EVA foam inserts used in recirculating cloning systems.

• No-pinch collar holds delicate cuttings without crushing the stem. The slit collar in each oxyCERT opens to receive a freshly cut stem, then grips around it gently to keep the cutting upright and centered over the spray manifold. Because the EVA foam compresses around the stem rather than pinching it like a rigid neoprene collar, the cambium layer is not damaged at the insertion point. Damage to the cambium is one of the common causes of cutting failure during the first 48 hours of propagation, when callus formation is initiating at the cut surface.
• Closed-cell EVA foam does not absorb water or degrade in the reservoir. Unlike rockwool, Rapid Rooter plugs, or peat pellets — all of which absorb water and break down chemically or biologically over time — oxyCERTS remain dimensionally stable in the constantly wet environment of a recirculating cloner. The inserts will not water-log, will not slump into the net-cup site, and will not shed fibers or particulates into the reservoir to clog spray nozzles or block the return drain.
• Resistant to fungus, bacteria, chemicals, and heat — suitable for repeat-use propagation. The EVA foam is non-toxic and chemically inert in contact with dilute nutrient solutions, dilute hydrogen peroxide, and the rooting hormones used in cuttings. The closed-cell structure does not provide a substrate for fungal or bacterial colonization the way that organic plug media does, which reduces the risk of pythium and other damping-off pathogens establishing in the cloner during the 7-to-14-day rooting window.
• Reusable across multiple propagation cycles with a simple wash. After roots have established and the clones are transplanted out of the cloner, the inserts are removed, rinsed clean of root tissue, and washed in warm soapy water. Once dry they can be reinserted for the next round of cuttings. The reusable lifecycle reduces per-clone media cost over time compared to single-use rockwool cubes or peat plugs, particularly for operators running back-to-back propagation cycles.
• Writable surface allows clone-by-clone labeling. Each insert can be marked directly with a permanent marker on the upper foam face. For propagators running multiple genetic strains in a single 20- or 40-site cloner, writing a strain code or cut date directly on the insert makes mother-plant tracking straightforward without paper tags, separate trays, or marker stakes that get displaced in the cloner.
• Purpose-fitted to oxyCLONE net-cup sites — no fit guesswork. The 1 7/8 in diameter is sized to seat in the oxyCLONE PRO Series net-cup sites with a snug fit that centers the cutting over the spray manifold below. Generic neoprene cloning collars sold for universal use are often slightly oversized or undersized for any given cloner brand; the matched oxyCERT geometry eliminates that uncertainty and keeps the cutting stem positioned at the correct height for spray contact.

Best Uses for oxyCLONE oxyCERTS

oxyCERTS are designed for one primary job — holding cuttings in an oxyCLONE recirculating cloner — but the practical use cases span the full propagation workflow from cut to transplant. The list below covers the applications most relevant to commercial and serious hobby propagators.

• Stocking oxyCLONE PRO Series cloners for daily propagation runs. Operators running a continuous propagation schedule keep at least one full pack of oxyCERTS per cloner on hand. The 20-pack is matched in count to the oxyCLONE PRO Series 20 Site Cloning System, so a single pack refills the entire cloner between cycles. For 40-site and 80-site PRO Series cloners, stock two or four packs respectively to complete a full reload.
• Cloning soft-stem cuttings where collar pressure is the failure mode. Tomato, basil, and other soft-stemmed cuttings can be damaged by rigid neoprene collars that pinch the stem at the insertion point. The compressible EVA foam in oxyCERTS distributes pressure evenly around the stem circumference, which is the design intent behind the no-pinch label and is the application where the EVA material has the largest performance margin over neoprene.
• Genetic separation within a single cloner. When running multiple cultivars in one 20- or 40-site cloner — common practice when taking small numbers of cuts from many mother plants — the writable foam surface allows each insert to be labeled with a strain code, mother plant ID, or cut date. Labels stay legible through the rooting cycle and are easily wiped off with isopropyl alcohol before the next reload.
• Backup stock for replacement of damaged or aged inserts. Inserts that have been through multiple propagation cycles can develop wear at the slit collar — the foam can fatigue around the gripping edge after dozens of stem insertions. Keeping a fresh pack on hand allows worn inserts to be cycled out one or two at a time without taking the entire cloner offline. For a 20-site cloner, replacing five or six inserts per cycle keeps the average insert age low and the grip consistent across all sites.
• Pairing with a clean, organized propagation area. The reusable workflow benefits from a structured cleaning and storage routine. Inserts pulled from a finished cycle can be rinsed, soaked briefly in a dilute peroxide solution, washed with warm soapy water, dried, and stored in a labeled container or alongside other cloning supplies. Keeping inserts in a sealed bin between cycles in a clean grow-room storage area protects them from dust, contaminants, and physical damage. Operators organizing media and substrates in 3-gallon Smart Pot fabric containers for transplant-out can also use the same labeled-container approach for clean insert storage.
• Demonstration and teaching applications. For greenhouse education programs, the inserts are well suited to demonstrating cloning technique because the foam is visually distinct, easy to handle, and forgiving for first-time users. The pack of 20 supports a small class of students each taking one or two cuts with their own labeled insert.

oxyCLONE oxyCERTS vs Generic Neoprene Cloning Collars

The most common alternative to oxyCERTS in recirculating cloners is the generic neoprene cloning collar — a slit foam-rubber disc sold for universal use across most brands of bubble cloners and aeroponic cloners. Both products perform the same fundamental job of holding a cutting upright in a net-cup site, but the material properties, fit, and operational behavior differ in ways that matter for repeat-use propagation.

Material and stem contact. oxyCERTS use closed-cell EVA foam, which is softer and more compressible than the closed-cell neoprene used in generic collars. The softer material grips the stem with less point pressure and is less likely to mark or crush soft-stemmed cuttings. Neoprene collars are slightly firmer, which can be an advantage on woody-stemmed cuttings that need more lateral support but is a disadvantage on the soft, herbaceous cuttings typical of indoor propagation programs.

Fit precision in the oxyCLONE net-cup site. oxyCERTS are dimensioned specifically for oxyCLONE PRO Series net-cup sites at 1 7/8 in diameter. Generic neoprene collars sold as “2 inch” or “1 3/4 inch” collars are sized for a range of cloner brands and may sit too high or too loose in the oxyCLONE site. A loose-fitting collar can rotate when bumped or shift during cleaning, which disrupts the spray pattern hitting the cutting base.

Water and chemical behavior. Both EVA and neoprene closed-cell foams are non-absorbing and resistant to water damage. EVA is generally rated as more chemically inert and more resistant to UV degradation than standard neoprene, which can matter for cloners exposed to T5 fluorescent or LED light over many propagation cycles. Both materials are tolerant of dilute hydrogen peroxide and the rooting hormones used in cuttings.

Cost and packaging. Generic neoprene collars are typically sold in bulk bags of 50 or 100 at a lower per-piece cost than the 20-count oxyCERT pack. For operators running large cloner banks where matched-fit precision is less critical than per-piece cost, the generic option is more economical. For operators running a single oxyCLONE PRO Series unit who value the matched fit and the soft-stem cutting performance, the per-piece premium is small in absolute terms across a 20-pack.

When the generic neoprene collar is the better choice: bulk-purchase economics for large operations, cloners other than oxyCLONE, or woody-stem cutting programs that need firmer collar support. When oxyCERTS are the better choice: oxyCLONE PRO Series cloners specifically, soft-stem cutting programs where collar pressure is the dominant failure mode, and operators who value the matched 1 7/8 in fit and the writable foam surface for cultivar tracking.

Compatibility & Operating Range

oxyCERTS are a passive media component with no electrical or mechanical operating parameters. Compatibility is defined by the net-cup site dimensions in the host cloner and the chemistry of the solution circulating through the system.

Cloner compatibility: The 1 7/8 in diameter is matched to the oxyCLONE PRO Series recirculating cloner net-cup sites. The 20-pack count aligns with the oxyCLONE PRO Series 20 Site Cloning System; the 40- and 80-site PRO Series cloners use the same 1 7/8 in insert and require two or four packs for a full reload respectively. Inserts will physically fit other recirculating cloners or DWC bucket lids with a 1 7/8 in opening, but performance is optimized for the spray geometry of the oxyCLONE manifold below the cutting base.

Cutting stem diameter: The slit collar accepts stems in the typical clone range of approximately 1/8 in to 1/4 in diameter (3 to 6 mm). Stems thinner than 1/8 in may not be gripped firmly enough to stay centered; stems thicker than 1/4 in can stress the foam slit and accelerate wear at the gripping edge.

Reservoir chemistry: The closed-cell EVA foam is chemically inert in contact with dilute hydroponic nutrient solutions, pH-adjusted water in the 5.5 to 6.5 range, rooting hormones in standard concentrations, and dilute hydrogen peroxide used for reservoir sanitation. Avoid soaking the inserts in concentrated bleach, full-strength hydrogen peroxide, or solvent-based cleaning agents; these can degrade the foam structure over time.

Operating temperature: EVA foam is heat-resistant within the range of normal cloner operation. Reservoir water temperatures in the recommended 65 – 75 °F range for cloning have no thermal impact on the foam. Avoid exposing the inserts to sustained high heat (above approximately 160 °F / 70 °C), such as hot-water sanitation cycles or autoclave attempts — the foam will soften and may permanently deform.

Light exposure: Inserts in service in a cloner are exposed to the propagation light source above the unit (typically T5 fluorescent or low-wattage LED). The EVA material tolerates standard propagation lighting without UV-driven degradation over normal service life. For long-term storage between propagation cycles, store inserts in a dark, dry container to maximize service life.

Storage and shelf life: Unused inserts in the original packaging have effectively unlimited shelf life under normal grow-room storage conditions (cool, dry, dark). Used inserts that have been cleaned and stored under the same conditions can typically be cycled through many propagation runs before the slit collar wears to the point that stem grip is compromised — replace individual inserts as needed when collar wear becomes visible.

Usage Guidelines

oxyCERTS support a simple, repeatable cloning workflow. The steps below cover loading cuttings, running the propagation cycle, harvesting clones for transplant, and resetting the inserts for the next run.

Loading a cutting into an oxyCERT: Take the cutting from the mother plant with a clean, sharp blade, making a 45-degree cut just below a node. Optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Hold the oxyCERT in one hand and gently open the slit collar by flexing the foam with your thumb. Insert the cutting stem through the collar from the top side until 1/2 in to 1 in of stem protrudes below the bottom of the insert. Release the foam to allow it to grip around the stem. The cutting should stand upright on its own when the loaded insert is set down on a flat surface.

Seating the loaded insert in the cloner: Place the loaded oxyCERT into an open net-cup site on the cloner lid with the cutting positioned vertically. The insert should drop into the site and seat with the upper face of the foam flush with the lid surface. Confirm that the cutting stem extends down toward the spray manifold and is not contacting the side wall of the net-cup site, which can wick water away from the stem base or block spray contact.

Cycle duration: Typical rooting in an oxyCLONE recirculating cloner takes 7 to 14 days depending on cultivar, mother plant health, ambient temperature, and lighting. Inspect the cuttings daily for callus formation at the cut end (visible as a white swelling) followed by white root primordia and finally root extension into the cloner reservoir. Cuttings are ready for transplant once roots are 1 in to 2 in long.

Harvesting clones for transplant: Lift each insert from the lid by gripping the upper foam face. The clone, insert, and root mass come up together. To transplant, place the insert and clone directly into the destination growing media (rockwool block, soil pot, coco cube) with the bottom of the insert at the media surface, or remove the clone from the insert by gently flexing the foam slit open and sliding the rooted stem out. Removing the clone is recommended when transplanting into smaller containers where the insert footprint would consume excess root-zone space.

Cleaning between cycles: Once all clones have been harvested, remove the inserts from the cloner lid and rinse under running water to remove loose root tissue and reservoir residue. Soak the inserts for 5 to 10 minutes in a basin of warm water with mild dish soap. Agitate gently, rinse thoroughly, and inspect each insert for foam tears or collar fatigue. Air-dry on a clean towel before storing or reusing. The cleaned inserts are ready for the next propagation cycle.

Labeling and tracking: If running multiple cultivars in a single cloner, mark each insert on the upper foam face with a strain code or mother plant ID using a permanent marker before loading. The mark stays visible through the rooting cycle and can be wiped off with isopropyl alcohol during the cleaning step before the next reload.

Inspecting for wear: Periodically inspect inserts for slit-collar fatigue, foam tears, or persistent discoloration that does not clean off. Inserts showing significant wear should be removed from rotation and replaced. For a 20-site cloner running back-to-back cycles, expect to replace a small percentage of inserts each cycle as part of normal maintenance — this is what the spare-pack stocking strategy in Best Uses is designed to support.

How to Set Up oxyCLONE oxyCERTS in Your Cloner

Initial setup of a new pack of oxyCERTS in an oxyCLONE recirculating cloner takes only a few minutes. The steps below assume the cloner itself is already assembled, filled with reservoir water at the correct level, and the spray pump is functional.

1. Inspect the pack on arrival. Open the 20-pack and confirm all inserts are intact, fully formed, with no manufacturing defects in the slit collar. Each insert should be a uniform 1 7/8 in disc of blue EVA foam with a clean slit across the center for stem insertion.
2. Rinse new inserts before first use. Although the inserts are clean from the factory, a quick rinse under cool running water removes any packaging dust or foam debris from the manufacturing process. Pat dry with a clean towel or air-dry. This step is optional but recommended for the most sanitary cloner start.
3. Confirm the cloner reservoir and pump are ready. Fill the oxyCLONE reservoir to the manufacturer-recommended level (typically just below the underside of the lid so that the spray manifold is fully submerged). Plug in the pump and verify spray output is even and reaching the underside of all net-cup sites. Address any spray pattern issues before loading clones.
4. Take fresh cuttings from the mother plant. Use a clean, sharp blade. Make each cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long with at least one or two leaf sets retained at the top and lower leaves removed to expose the stem section that will be gripped by the insert collar.
5. Optional — dip cut ends in rooting hormone. Dip the bottom 1/2 in of each cutting in a rooting hormone gel or powder per the hormone product directions. Tap off any excess.
6. Load each cutting into an oxyCERT. Flex the slit collar open with thumb pressure, slide the stem through from the top, and release the foam to grip the stem. Position the cutting so that 1/2 in to 1 in of stem extends below the bottom of the insert — this is the section that will receive direct spray from the manifold.
7. Seat loaded inserts in the cloner net-cup sites. Place each loaded insert into an open site on the cloner lid. The insert should drop in and seat flush with the lid surface. Repeat for all sites. For partial loads (fewer than 20 cuttings), fill empty sites with unloaded oxyCERTS to maintain the reservoir cover and keep the spray manifold sealed.
8. Verify spray contact on all cuttings. Briefly observe the cloner with the pump running. Confirm spray is contacting the lower stem of each cutting through the underside of each net-cup site. If any cutting is positioned where it does not receive spray, lift the insert, reposition the stem, and reseat.
9. Position the propagation light over the cloner. Set a T5 fluorescent or low-wattage LED propagation light at the manufacturer-recommended height above the cloner (typically 18 in to 24 in for T5, closer for LED). Set the photoperiod for vegetative propagation (commonly 18 hours on / 6 hours off).
10. Begin daily inspection. Check the cloner each day for cutting health, water level, and any signs of pathogen development. Top up reservoir water as evaporation lowers the level below the manifold. Roots typically begin appearing within 7 to 14 days, at which point clones are ready for transplant.

Sources & Further Reading