What are 'in vitro' plants?

'In vitro' (Latin for 'in glass') is a term used in laboratories, among other places, for cultivation in an isolated, sterile glass or plastic cup.

Because the plant has been grown 'in vitro' in its own mini-greenhouse, it is free from algae, fungi, pesticides, snails, and other pests. Normal aquarium plants – in a pot with rock wool, imported or grown in greenhouses – are therefore more susceptible to algae, fungi, and pests.

At the bottom of the cup there is a gel with nutrients for the young plant. Rinse this gel off carefully before placing the plant in your aquarium.

The young plants in a cup may seem sparse, but one fully grown in-vitro plant is often equivalent to more than three normal aquarium plants. With a little patience and the right care, the in-vitro plants will grow into beautiful aquarium plants.