Orchids are propagated by placing a tissue mass containing cells capable of reproduction in a liquid nutrient solution, controlling the light intensity and temperature so that the tissue mass grows, dividing the grown mass into segments before differentiation occurs and subsequently treating the segments so that differentiation, shoot formation and normal development occurs. The light intensity specified is less than 100 and about 30 foot candles and the temperature between 40 DEG F. and 85 DEG F. The tissue mass may be in the form of seeds, or comprise nodes cut from the stem of the parent plant, the nodes being formed by placing the parent orchid in a darkened incubator so that it becomes etiolated. The method is stated to be applicable also to carrots, grasses, tree peonies and oak trees.
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