Tissue Culture Acclimation Substrate

Our Acclimation Substrate is a light, airy substrate mix designed for acclimating tissue-cultured plants after they leave sterile culture, and simultaneously works great as a starting substrate for young plants and cuttings.

The mix combines coco coir, perlite & vermiculite to provide a good balance between moisture retention, drainage and aeration around delicate young roots. This helps plantlets transition gradually from the humid, controlled environment of tissue culture to normal growing conditions.

It is especially suitable for Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Anthurium and other aroids. But also works great for a range of other plants that require a light and airy substrate.

Key features

• Airy structure with good drainage
• Retains moisture without becoming overly compact
• Suitable for delicate newly formed roots
• Designed for the acclimation stage after tissue culture 
• Suitable for young plants and cuttings
• Works well with humidity cups or propagation domes

How to Prepare?

Our Acclimation Substrate is supplied dry and expands when hydrated, allowing you to prepare only as much as you need.

Quick Mixing Ratio

For approximately 1 L of prepared substrate, use:

≈ 100 g dry substrate + 250 ml water

The exact amount of water can be adjusted slightly depending on your preferred moisture level.

1. Mix the dry substrate

Before taking out a portion, gently shake or mix the contents of the bag to redistribute the coco coir, perlite and vermiculite evenly.

This is especially important if the bag has been transported or stored for some time, as the different components may settle slightly.

2. Measure the amount you need

Use approximately:

• 100 g dry substrate→ 1 L prepared substrate
• 200 g dry substrate → 2 L prepared substrate
• 500 g dry substrate → 5 L prepared substrate

3. Add water

For every 100 g of dry substrate, start with approximately 250 ml water.

Add the water gradually while mixing rather than pouring it all into one spot. You can slightly reduce or increase the amount depending on the moisture level.

4. Mix thoroughly

Mix until the coco coir, perlite and vermiculite are evenly moistened. Break apart any pieces of coco coir as they absorb water.

5. Check the moisture

Squeeze a handful of substrate gently.

The ideal substrate should be:

• Evenly moist
• Light and airy
• Slightly cohesive when squeezed
• Not dripping or waterlogged

If it still feels too dry, add a small amount of water and mix again.

7. Fill your acclimation cups

Loosely fill your acclimation cup or pot with the prepared substrate. Do not compact the substrate heavily. Keeping the mixture porous allows air to reach the developing root system.

8. Plant your tissue-cultured plantlet

Carefully place the cleaned plantlet into the substrate and gently distribute the substrate around the roots. The plant should be securely supported while the substrate remains loose and aerated.

Complete Mixing Guide

Prepared Substrate	Dry Substrate	Standard Water	Adjustable Water Range
1 L	≈100 g	250 ml	225–275 ml
2 L	≈200 g	500 ml	450–550 ml
5 L	≈500 g	1.25 L	1.125–1.375 L
10 L	≈1 kg	2.5 L	2.25–2.75 L

Moisture Tip

For newly deflasked tissue-culture plants, we recommend starting slightly on the drier end of the range. Additional moisture can always be added later, while an overly saturated substrate can reduce root-zone aeration.

Contents: Perlite + coconut coir + vermiculite