Acclimation 101

Written By Anya Devine

  • Your tissue-culture plant has spent its life in a cosy, sterile jar — now it’s time to show it the big, bright, slightly-draughty world.

  • Hint hint — my Acclimation Kit can make this way easier and give your plant a better chance. But no magic guarantees (plants are divas).

Quick overview (what to expect)

  • Timeline: 2–6 weeks for the full transition (depends on species).

  • Goal: move from 100% humidity + low light → normal home humidity + brighter light without shocking the plant.

  • Biggest culprits: sudden humidity drop, bright direct sun, overwatering, and impatience.

What you’ll need (basic checklist)

  • Clean pot with drainage

  • Light, well-draining potting mix (or sphagnum moss mix for sensitive species)

  • Small spray bottle for misting

  • A clear dome/propagation box or large zip-lock bag to hold humidity

  • Tweezers or clean forceps (for handling)

  • Scissors or small snips (sterilised)

  • Thermometer/hygrometer (optional but useful)

  • Optional but handy: my Acclimation Kit (dome, pre-mixed substrate, labels) — yes you should get one, it’s useful!

Step-by-step guide (do this, not that)

  1. Prep first

  • Fill and water your potting mix so it’s evenly moist but not soggy.

  • Place your dome or humidity box nearby and have tools ready.

2. Open the jar carefully

  • Work on a clean surface sanitised surface (a spray with alcohol will do)

  • Gently lift the plant with tweezers out of the container — it’s tiny and fragile.

3. Remove excess gel/agar

  • Gently shake or rinse off loose agar with room-temperature water so roots can contact the potting medium. Try and avoid disturbing the roots too much.

4. Pot the plant

  • Make a shallow hole, place the plant so the base of the shoot meets the soil surface, and press lightly. Don’t bury the crown.

  • If the plant is extremely small, sit it on top of the substrate and cover around it—don’t force it deep.

5. Create high-humidity microclimate

  • Cover with a clear dome or place the whole pot inside a clear plastic box/large zip bag. Ensure some tiny airflow (don’t seal it airtight).

  • Aim for very high humidity initially — ~80–95%. Keep temperature steady ~20–25°C if possible.

6. Low but steady light

  • • Place in bright, indirect light — no direct sun. A north or east window is usually fine. Artificial grow lights on low work great.

7. Watering & misting

  • Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged. Misting the leaves once daily helps. Avoid heavy overhead watering until roots are stronger.

8. Slowly reduce humidity (the crucial part)

  • After 7–10 days, start opening the dome for 1–2 hours a day to introduce airflow.

  • Increase the venting time every 2–3 days over 2–3 weeks until the plant is comfortable with normal room humidity.

9. Increase light gradually

  • Once the plant is holding turgor and roots look healthy (~2–4 weeks), move it to brighter indirect light. Avoid direct midday sun until it’s well-established.

10. Feed lightly (optional)

  • After 4–6 weeks, you can start very light feeding with a dilute fertilizer. Less is more — these babes are sensitive.

Timeline at a glance (simple)

  • Days 0–7: High humidity, low light, minimal disturbance.

  • Days 7–21: Gradual venting, continue misting, watch for new growth.

  • Weeks 3–6+: Increase light, reduce humidity, begin light feeding if strong.

Common mistakes & how to avoid them

  • Removing the dome too fast → plant wilts. Solution: slow venting!

  • Overwatering → rot. Solution: keep substrate moist, not soggy.

  • Too much light → leaf burn. Solution: indirect light, slow increase.

  • Impatience → too many changes too soon. Solution: take it slow; plants don’t like surprises.

Troubleshooting (quick fixes)

  • Yellowing or limp leaves — check humidity and watering; they might be drowning or dehydrating.

  • Black base / rot — likely overwatered or left in cold. Remove dead tissue, repot, reduce water.

  • No new growth after 3–4 weeks — still acclimating; be patient, but reassess light and temp.

  • Final tips (because we all love hacks)

  • Use a cheap hygrometer to monitor humidity — it’s a game changer.

  • Label every pot — tiny plants look identical.

  • Keep a notebook/photo log — you’ll love seeing progress.

  • Hint hint — the Acclimation Kit would be perfect for Acclimating plants/

Friendly reminder / tiny legal bit

We offer guidance and kits to improve your chances, but acclimation success depends on your home conditions — we can’t guarantee survival once the plant leaves the sterile vessel.

Anya Devine