In room floriculture amber acid is a long-time and well-proven assistant with an extensive spectrum of action. The safety and effectiveness of the drug make it a mandatory component of the phyto-first-aid kit of a grower for resuscitation of dying orchids. From the article you will learn how to dilute tablets and powders containing succinic acid, whether you can often water a houseplant, and also wipe its leaves instead of watering an orchid.
What is this remedy?
Succinic, also known as butanedium or ethane dicarboxylic acid, is a product of the processing of natural amber. The substance is safe and has a large number of useful properties. It is a colorless crystal powder that resembles citric acid in taste and is readily soluble in alcohol or water. In its natural form in small quantities found in almost all plants.
Beneficial features
- Increases stress resistance of plants to external environmental factors.
- It is a biostimulator that accelerates the growth of a plant and its parts.
- Prevents excessive accumulation of nitrogen and toxic substances.
- Normalizes soil microflora.
- Reanimates the sick and damaged plants.
- Helps to better absorb nutrients and fertilizers.
Important! Succinic acid is not capable of replacing applied supplements, it contributes to their absorption by plants and prevents excessive accumulation of nitrogenous substances.
Learn about how to feed a flower, as well as see a review of the best means for fertilizing orchids here, and in this material we told which ready-made feeding is better how to make them ourselves.
We offer to watch a video about the benefits of succinic acid for orchids:
What effect does it have?
Applying succinic acid solution to an orchid will have a very positive effect. If you water a plant with it, then a part of the drug will settle on the bark and even after the excess liquid will drain into the pan, it will nourish the orchid's roots, stimulating their growth and contributing to the formation of new processes. In cases where the goal is to restore the plant after transplantation, injury or illness, it is recommended to water it once a week.
Why fertilize?
Substances that are part of succinic acid, are stimulants. They increase the plant immunity to diseases and pests and activate its growth. Succinic acid can be used for:
- Glaze.
- Spraying.
- Soak the seeds.
When to use?
- If the plant is damaged after the disease or as a result of improper care, too wet or too dry, it is a reason to apply succinic acid.
- If the stems and leaves are wilted and sluggish, and flowering is delayed, then the use of "amber" is simply necessary.
- Also, the drug can be applied to the soil to help microorganisms, concentrated in the ground, quickly destroy toxic organic matter.
- If the plant is healthy, additional treatment with succinic acid will increase the resistance of the flower to the negative effects of the environment, accelerate growth, strengthen the roots and the aerial part.
When can not do fertilizing?
Regarding orchid feeding, succinic acid has no contraindications. The main attractive feature of the drug in its absolute safety, it is important only to observe the dosage and treatment regimen.
- Watering orchids amber acid can be carried out only in spring or summer, during the period of active growth. In autumn and winter, the plant rests, all processes slow down and they do not need to be stimulated.
- During the formation of the orchid ovaries, it is better not to process it, because at this time the stimulation can harm the flower.
Ways to reanimate a plant
Wiping the leaves protects the plant from stagnation, especially in the leaf axils. When watering, a solution of succinic acid penetrates the soil, saturates the roots. These two procedures can be carried out simultaneously. First wipe the leaves and moisten the soil with the remaining solution.
Competent dosage
Orchid solution must be prepared immediately before use, because the active substance disintegrates very quickly and loses its properties. To achieve a pronounced effect, you must comply with proper dosage. For an orchid, one gram of substance should be diluted in one liter of water.
To do this, a little warm water is poured into the container, the preparation is added, and then the rest of the liquid is added. You should not be afraid of high concentration of succinic acid, since its toxicity is zero.
How often to feed?
Despite the fact that succinic acid is a harmless drug, it is used intensively and is often not recommended. Being a stimulant, it will bring a positive effect with infrequent use - once every one or two weeks. During the feeding period, it is important to monitor the condition and reaction of the plant.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing fertilizer
Succinic acid is available in the form of powder and tablets. The method of preparation of the solution depends on the form of the drug.
Of pills
- It will take one tablet and one liter of water at room temperature.
- The tablet is dissolved in 200 ml of water.
- Add the remaining liquid.
From powder
- It will take 1 gram of powder (if there are no special scales, you can take the powder with the tip of a knife) and half a liter of warm water.
- The drug is thoroughly mixed with water until completely dissolved.
How to apply?
In watering
- Used solution prepared according to standard formulation from powder or tablets.
- Watering is carried out using a small watering can.
- The solution should be applied to the soil slowly and over the entire surface of the substrate.
- The signal for the termination of irrigation is the fluid flowing out of the drainage holes, you need to wait until the surplus is completely drained into the pan.
- This method of irrigation will nourish the roots well.
How to fertilize a flower growing in a flask? If the orchid grows in a container without drainage holes, for example in a glass flask, watering has its own characteristics. The watering can is used the same, but after watering, after about twenty minutes, the excess solution needs to be drained by tilting the pots and holding the root system and drainage with the palm. It is important to wait until the liquid has completely drained.
In the processing of leaves
- The napkin or cotton pad is moistened in the finished solution.
- Rub the sheet plate.
- It is important to prevent acid from entering the base of the leaves.
- Two days after applying the drug, the leaves are wiped with a clean cloth moistened with warm water.
Consequences of misuse
Amber acid can harm orchid when used during flowering (For more on the rules of orchid feeding during flowering, read here.) The plant will throw all its forces on active growth, the formation of roots and leaves, and the flowers will simply fall off.
Obtaining an overdose of succinic acid is difficult. If you make it in large quantities, the flower simply will not absorb the extra dose for yourself. Overdose in the case of succinic acid can be considered that with frequent use the soil is acidified.
Where is it for sale and how much does it cost?
You can buy succinic acid at any pharmacy. It is very important not to confuse drugs, because along with the usual succinic acid, pharmacists can offer a variety of dietary supplements containing it. Such options are not suitable, they are applicable exclusively for people and may contain additives that are detrimental to plants.
To purchase the drug does not require a prescription its price varies from 15 to 50 rubles. Depending on the form of release and dosage.
Succinic acid is an affordable and effective resuscitator, stimulator and adaptogen of wide application, the competent use of which will bring excellent results when growing orchids.