Comparison of the Effects of Triacontanol and Gibberellin (920) on Orchids

Triacontanol is a plant and animal growth substance. Its role within the plant body is to enhance photosynthesis, thereby strengthening the action of enzymes within the plant. In the short term, the effect of this growth substance is less obvious than that of gibberellin 920 (about one month), but after three months (counting from the time of use) it will be found that buds have emerged on old plants as well as on new ones, with a relatively high budding rate. Old plants degenerate later. Gibberellin 920 is also a plant growth substance. It does have the effect of elongating plant cells, thereby causing a single stem to elongate and grow taller. Its short-term effect is remarkable (about one month, but the product must be genuine), and it is an effective growth substance for accelerating propagationorchids, promotingorchidsrapid growth, and shorteningorchidsthe growth period. However, both must be combined with fertilizer, temperature conditions (15-25°C) and other factors such as humidity, light and ventilation. Otherwise they will fail. The two growth substances can be used in different situations and at different times. For weak seedlings and during the seedling-recovery period, because mechanical damage and degenerating seedlings and other causes require a very long time to recover, triacontanol is suitable. Acting from within the plant body, it is used onwild-collected orchidsafter transplanting during seedling recovery, and has a good effect on the recovery of physiological functions. Using gibberellin 920 to stimulate the dormant buds of pseudobulbs, and to promote growth in slow-growing small-leaf seedlings that are only two to three months from the dormancy period and grow them into large orchids, will also produce ideal results. It is a good growth substance for achieving a certain goal in a relatively short time. The effects of the two are similar, but the timing of their action differs. Their modes of action also differ somewhat. One must adapt to local conditions and must not use them blindly, and even less should one use them on rare and precious varieties without fully mastering their usage. Keep this in mind! (Tian Qiao)