40/40 QPlug 100 Ct Bags

What the iHort 40/40 QPlug Is

The 40/40 QPlug is iHort's flagship square propagation plug — the shape that defined the category and has been widely copied but not duplicated. Each plug measures 1.25" × 1.57" and is formed from iHort's proprietary Agriphillic blend of Sphagnum Peat Moss, Coco Coir, and Coconut Shell Biochar. The media is fully biodegradable and contains no perlite or vermiculite. Every plug is predrilled from the factory for direct stem insertion or seed placement — no prep work at the bench.

The 40/40 designation refers to the plug's square footprint geometry. It is designed specifically to fit standard 50-cell propagation trays, making it a drop-in addition to existing propagation infrastructure without requiring new hardware. The media is compressed and bonded so the plug holds its geometry throughout the entire propagation cycle, from cuttings to transplant-ready root zone.

Who This Plug Is Built For

Commercial cannabis and hemp cultivators running continuous mother-plant programs, weekly clone batches, or high-volume seed-start operations are the target user. The 40/40 QPlug is sized and structured for propagation rooms that move hundreds to thousands of starts per week and need consistent, repeatable results across every tray.

The stabilized media structure means staff can inspect, count, move, and stage plugs — or run them through automated transplanting equipment — without damaging developing roots. The 100-count bag format works for mid-scale propagation rooms managing their own clones, while the 15-bag case (1,500 plugs total) suits larger licensed operators running dedicated propagation spaces. Pallets ship at 24 cases (36,000 plugs) for high-volume facilities.

Key Technical Attributes

Air porosity is the functional differentiator in the QPlug design. The peat-coco-biochar blend is formulated to maintain balanced air-to-water ratios in the root zone — enough moisture retention to sustain developing roots without saturating the plug and restricting oxygen. Lateral root development is actively encouraged by the media's porosity, which allows roots to ramify outward through the plug body rather than circling or binding.

The plug maintains its shape without significant slumping or disintegration through the propagation cycle. This matters for operators running hydroponic or aeroponic systems downstream — media breakdown that clogs emitters and filters is a real operational cost. The QPlug's bonded structure minimizes particulate shed, keeping recirculating systems cleaner. Natural buffering in the media blend supports pH stability during the sensitive early rooting phase.

Predrilling is consistent factory-side, not variable by batch. The stem channel provides direct media-to-stem contact on insertion, which supports rooting hormone uptake and uniform establishment across the tray. Plugs transplant cleanly into rockwool slabs, coco, loose soil mixes, or can be fed directly into hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic grow systems.

How It Fits a Commercial Propagation Build

The 40/40 QPlug fits standard 50-cell propagation trays without modification. Pair with a carrier tray and dome for a complete propagation cell — no sourcing new infrastructure if you already run 50-cell trays. For operators building or scaling a propagation room, the plug's standard geometry is compatible with common automated transplanting equipment, enabling pull-and-pack workflows that improve throughput and reduce handling time per plant.

Prior to use, plugs should be pre-soaked in purified water or a propagation solution for up to 24 hours to fully hydrate the media and stabilize pH before stem insertion. After rooting — typically 7–14 days depending on species and environment — plugs transplant directly with no bare-rooting, no media disruption, and minimal transplant shock. The plug travels with the plant into its next container or system, where the biodegradable matrix breaks down over time.