Tissue Culture Care Guide
Tissue culture plants are grown in sterile conditions and need time to adjust to life outside the lab. With a little patience and the right care, your plant will thrive.
STEP 1 – Remove & Clean
Carefully remove the plant from the flask and gently rinse away all of the agar (gel) using lukewarm water. Any remaining gel can encourage mould.
STEP 2 – Pot Up
Plant into a clean, airy propagation media. Spread the roots gently and keep the crown above the media.
STEP 3 – Humidity
High humidity is essential during acclimation.
Week 1: 90–100%
Week 2: 80–90%
Week 3: 70–80%
Week 4+: Gradually adapt to normal room humidity.
Avoid reducing humidity too quickly.
STEP 4 – Light, Temperature & Water
Bright, indirect light only.
Ideal temperature: 20–28°C.
Keep the media lightly moist, never waterlogged or completely dry.
Provide gentle airflow while maintaining humidity.
STEP 5 – Fertilise
Wait until you see healthy new growth before fertilising. Start at ¼ strength and gradually increase as the plant establishes.
WHAT'S NORMAL?
• Little or no new growth for the first few weeks.
• Older leaves yellowing or dropping.
• Roots developing before new leaves
• Smaller or slightly different-looking new leaves.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Leaves turning yellow
It's normal for an older leaf or two to yellow during acclimation. If several leaves begin yellowing at once, check that the media isn't staying too wet and inspect the roots for signs of rot.
Brown or crispy leaf edges
This is usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering or excessive light. Increase humidity, keep the media evenly moist and provide bright, indirect light.
No new growth
Patience is key. Most tissue culture plants spend the first few weeks establishing their root system before producing new leaves. As long as the plant remains firm and healthy, this is completely normal.
When should I fertilise?
Wait until your plant has produced healthy new growth before fertilising. Start with a fertiliser at ¼ strength and gradually increase as the plant establishes.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Every tissue culture plant acclimates at its own pace. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always happy to help you give your plant the best possible start.