What Is Tissue Culture?
Plants grown in sterile nutrient gel in sealed cups. Labs (Tropica, Dennerle) produce under strict conditions.
Zero pests, snails, parasites, or algae. Sealed jar until moment of planting.
Preparation for Planting
Remove plant from cup carefully. Rinse gel off roots under tap water (don't soak in tank water).
Gel residue causes bacterial bloom in new tanks. Rinse thoroughly.
Transition Period
Tissue culture plants are emersed-grown. They may melt partially when first submerged, similar to crypts.
New submerged leaves emerge within 2-4 weeks. Keep patient — don't throw out.
Cost and Availability
Tissue culture cups cost 2-3x more than loose plants. But one cup yields 5-10 small plantlets — usually cheaper per plant.
Available at specialty aquarium shops and online vendors. Tropica is the gold standard.