In Spathiphyllum floribundum 'Petite', which was cultured on medium containing benzyladenine (BA), uptake of this cytokinin and its conversion to 9-ß-D-ribofuranosyl-benzyladenine (9R-BA) or 9-ß-glucopyranosyl-benzyladenine (9G-BA) was monitored. BA and extremely large quantities of 9G-BA were exclusively located in the basal part of the plant (callus and meristems). 9R-BA was found in the basal part, the petioles and the leaf blades. After an acclimatisation period of 9 weeks the plants still contained high levels of 9G-BA, but BA and 9R-BA could no longer be detected after one week. The possible role of BA and its derivatives on inhibition of root initiation or irreversible chloroplast deficiency is discussed.