Protocol For Transplanting In Vitro Plantlets

1)      Prepare as many pots as plantlets to be transplanted.  Fill pots with moist sterile potting soil (e.g. Pro-Mix or Jiffy-Mix).

2)      Take the test tube and press a hole into the potting soil a little deeper than the agar is in the test tube with the plantlets in.

3)      Next, open the test tube and carefully remove the plantlet and agar from the test tube in one piece.

4)      Place the plantlet and agar in the pre-made hole in the potting soil.

5)      Cover the agar with potting soil and press the soil down gently around the plantlet.

6)      Cover individual plantlets with a small jar for 2 or 3 days.  Then tip the jar slightly to allow some outside air in for 2 days, and then remove the jar completely; or cover the group of plants with plastic wrap (keep out of direct sunlight).

7)      Water as needed and fertilize with a weak liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks (half strength Hoagland’s solution or Rapid-Grow).

8)      Maintain plants at 20-23° C.  Supplemental lighting is usually desirable (e.g. 20,000 luc, 16 hour days).