Alocasia Jacklyn Tissue Culture

Deflasking and acclimating tissue-cultured plants can be a delicate process, but with careful handling and attention, it can lead to healthy and thriving plants. Here’s a detailed guide on how to deflask and acclimate tissue-cultured plants.

Recommended Materials:

• Sterile scissors or tweezers

• Clean, distilled water

• A sterile tray or container

• A soft brush

• Growing medium (e.g., sphagnum moss, perlite, a mix of both. Just use whatever you feel comfortable using)

• Clear plastic containers or propagators for high humidity

• A mild fungicide (optional)

• Rooting hormone (optional)

• Labels (to track plant varieties)

• Spray bottle with water

Step 1: Preparing the Work Area

Make sure your work area is clean and sterile to minimize the risk of contamination. 

Step 2: Remove the Plants from the Flask

1. Gently tap the flask or container to loosen the gel medium inside.

2. If the plants do not come out easily, carefully use sterile scissors or tweezers to cut the sides of the flask or slide the plants out.

3. Avoid pulling on the plants directly to minimize root damage.

Step 3: Clean Off the Gel Medium

1. Rinse the plants gently with distilled water to remove as much of the nutrient gel as possible. Use a soft brush to help loosen any remaining medium.

2. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate roots and leaves. If you do happen to lose a leaf or a root, it’s ok! They will grow back. 

3. For larger plants, you can soak them in a container of water for 10–15 minutes to make cleaning easier.

Step 4: Inspect the Plants

• Check for any signs of rot or damage. If you find any unhealthy parts, prune them off using sterile scissors.

• If you’re concerned about fungal infections, dip the plants in a diluted fungicide solution (optional).

Step 5: Prepare the Acclimation Medium

1. Prepare a sterile growing medium. A mix of sphagnum moss and perlite is commonly used because it retains moisture while allowing air to circulate around the roots.

2. Moisten the growing medium with distilled water, but ensure it is not too soggy—just damp.

Step 6: Planting the Tissue-Cultured Plants

1. Gently plant the cleaned tissue-cultured plants in the prepared growing medium. Avoid burying the plant too deeply; the roots should just be covered.

2. Lightly press the medium around the base of the plants to secure them in place.

Step 7: Acclimation and Hardening Off

1. Place the planted tissue cultures into a clear plastic container or propagation dome to create a high-humidity environment. The humidity will help prevent shock during the acclimation process.

2. Keep the container in a well-lit area with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause overheating or burn the delicate leaves.

3. Gradually reduce humidity over time by slightly opening the container or dome after 1-2 weeks. Increase ventilation slowly to help the plants acclimate to normal air conditions.