Tissue culture plants, also known as in vitro plants, are specimens which have been grown in a sterile environment from tissue samples, and are highly valued among aquarium hobbyists and advanced plants growers for their disease-free status and vigorous growth.
According to Allied Market Research, the global plant tissue culture market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2030, and reach $895 million by 2030. This growth presents significant opportunities for local plant growers to expand their businesses by shipping live plants overseas.
Proper packaging is crucial for exporting live plants, ensuring they arrive at their destination healthy and in top form. Tissue culture plants can be especially sensitive due to their delicate nature and sterile environment.
From temperature and moisture control, to tissue culture containers and more, this guide explores how to pack these plants for shipping and ensure they maintain their vitality during transit.
Special Requirements for Packaging Tissue Culture Plants
Tissue culture plants have specific needs and challenges that must be addressed to ensure their health during transport. These include:
- Moisture Control: Ensuring the right level of moisture to prevent drying out, and preventing excessive moisture, which can lead to rot and fungal growth.
- Algae Prevention: Using packaging materials that block light to prevent algae growth, which can compete with plants for nutrients.
- Protecting Delicate Stems and Leaves: Cushioning and securing plants to prevent physical damage during transit.
- Nutrient Supply: Including a nutrient-rich gel or plant preservative mixture to sustain the plants while in transit.
- Contamination: Failing to maintain sterile conditions can introduce diseases and pests, which can be detrimental to the plants.
Custom packaging solutions are essential for accommodating the varying needs of different tissue culture plant species. Each species may require specific moisture levels, nutrient types, and protective measures to ensure their health and vitality during transport.
For example, certain plants may thrive in high-humidity environments, while others might need drier conditions. Tailoring the packaging to these specific requirements helps in maintaining plant health and reduces the risk of damage during transit.
Most countries will also have strict regulations for importing live plants that require the plants to be free from pests and diseases. When packing plants for shipping, one must keep these in mind and ensure that all shipments comply with the necessary phytosanitary certificate requirements for the destination.
These are the top three packaging options for shipping live plants safely and effectively:
In-vitro cups
In-vitro cups are sterile containers that house young tissue culture plants in an airtight, sealed environment. In this type of packaging, plants are typically bunched together while their roots are encased in a nutrient-rich, jelly-like gel that sustains the plants. This jelly is a plant preservative mixture that provides essential nutrients and moisture to keep the plants healthy during transport.
Benefits of in-vitro cups for shipping live plants:
- Preservation of plant health: The sealed, sterile nature of in-vitro cups prevents contamination and nourishes roots during transit, making them ideal for delicate species.
- Disease Prevention: Sterile conditions minimise the risk of disease, ensuring plants arrive in optimal health and increasing their likelihood of passing phytosanitary regulations.
- Longer Shelf Life: The controlled environment extends the shelf life of the plants, reducing the risk of spoilage.
Logistical considerations:
- Packing and handling: In-vitro cups can be stacked on top of each other, but care should be taken to minimise movement during shipping in order to prevent damage to the exterior of the container.
- Seal integrity: The airtight seal must remain intact to maintain sterility and prevent leaks.
- Temperature control: In-vitro cups should be transported in a cool environment as heat can cause the jelly sustaining the plant to melt.
Suitable plants:
- Delicate species: In-vitro cups are ideal for delicate and high-value species such as bucephalandra or rare aquatic mosses such as fissidens
Sealed pouches
Sealed pouches like zip-lock bags are flexible, air-tight packaging options for tissue culture plants, often used without a gel medium. These pouches are designed to maintain moisture and protect the plants during short transit periods.
Benefits of sealed pouches for shipping live plants:
- Lightweight and cost-efficient: Sealed pouches are lightweight, which reduces shipping costs. They are also flexible, allowing for efficient use of space, making them ideal for bulk shipping plants.
- Moisture control: The pouches can be designed to contain a moist medium, ensuring the plants remain hydrated without becoming waterlogged.
- Transparency for inspection: Many sealed pouches are transparent, making it easy to inspect the health of the plants upon arrival.
Logistical considerations:
- Packing and handling: Sealed pouches should be reinforced to prevent punctures. Absorbent materials inside the pouches can help manage moisture levels and prevent leaks.
- Breathability: Employ breathable films to allow gas exchange without compromising humidity, ensuring the plants receive enough oxygen during transit.
- Space optimisation: Flexible pouches can be packed tightly to maximise shipping space, but care must be taken to avoid crushing the plants.
Suitable plants:
- Robust species: Sealed pouches are ideal for robust, fast-growing species like certain ferns and stem plants that can tolerate slight variations in humidity and temperature.
- Hardy plants: Plants like Cryptocoryne and Anubias that are hardier and can withstand less than ideal conditions.
Clear plastic bags with humidification
This type of packaging involves storing plants in vacuum sealed plastic bags during shipping, typically incorporating moist materials like wet paper towels to maintain a humid environment for the plants.
Benefits of clear plastic bags with humidification for shipping live plants:
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- Hydration: The moist materials inside the bags ensure that plants remain hydrated, preventing them from drying out during long shipping periods. This is particularly important for plant species that require consistent moisture.
- Protection from moisture Loss: The sealed nature of the bags helps prevent the loss of moisture, keeping the plants healthy and vibrant.
- Affordable and straightforward: Using clear plastic bags with humidification is a cost-effective and simple method for shipping plants. The materials are readily available and easy to use, making it a practical solution for exporters.
Logistical considerations
- Packing and handling: Bags should be sealed securely to maintain humidity but also allow for some breathability to prevent mould growth. Proper cushioning is necessary to protect the plants from physical damage.
- Balance of humidity: It’s crucial to balance high humidity whilst preventing excess water accumulation that could lead to rot or fungal growth. Using breathable materials or small ventilation holes can help achieve this.
Suitable plants
- Humidity-loving Species: Sealed bags with humidification are suitable for a wide range of plants, particularly those that thrive in humid conditions, such as Cryptocoryne or Anubias.
- Large and medium-Sized Plants: These bags are ideal for larger plants that require more space and a consistent humid environment.
- Tropical Plants: Species like Echinodorus and various Cryptocoryne varieties benefit from the high humidity levels maintained in these bags.
Leverage DHL Express for exporting plants
