Provided herein are methods for cultivating epiphytes, comprising transferring a plantlet from an in vitro culture to a tubular container and allowing for further development of said plantlet into a pre-formed plantlet. In particular embodiments, the tubular container is a container with a diameter of 10-30 mm and the time period is between 3 and 21 days. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of transferring an epiphyte plantlet from an in vitro culture to the tubular container maintaining the epiphyte plantlet in the tubular container until the plantlet is pre-formed and transferring the pre-formed plantlet from the tubular container to a growth container comprising a substrate. In particular embodiments of the methods, the transfer step is automated. The methods are of particular interest for plants which are a member of the family of Orchidaceae.
