<p><i>Durvillaea incurvata</i> is a kelp species of major cultural, ecological and socioeconomic importance in Chile, whose utilization depends entirely on harvesting natural populations. This study provides preliminary evidence of phenotypic plasticity in <i>D. incurvata</i> during the first attempt to cultivate hatchery-reared individuals under wave-sheltered conditions in southern Chile. Seedlings were cultivated in three sites within the Inner Sea of Los Lagos Region using suspended longline systems. Cultivated individuals exhibited marked morphological differences compared to their parental population, including reduced holdfast, minimal stipe elongation, and a wide non-segmented lamina, contrasting with the robust and segmented morphology of wild specimens from wave-exposed coasts. Individuals from Quihua Channel, characterized by higher current velocities, reached greater frond area and length compared to those from other locations. These trends suggest that hydrodynamic conditions may play a central role in shaping morphological responses under cultivation, while other environmental variables may also contribute. Despite substantial growth, high mortality rates indicate important limitations associated to attachment in suspended systems. Improving substrate design and cultivation techniques will be essential to enhance the retention and performance of individuals on longline systems. Understanding habitat-specific requirements may contribute to the development of aquaculture strategies for <i>D.</i> <i>incurvata</i>, helping to reduce harvesting pressure on wild populations on this valuable species of the Chilean coast.</p>