Why and how to properly use succinic acid for orchids

Succinic acid is used for fertilizing Phalaenopsis orchids. Beginner gardeners will find it helpful to learn how to properly fertilize and the benefits of using this substance. This component is beneficial for flower crops and, in addition to its beneficial effects on the flowers themselves, improves the quality of the substrate. It improves the flora, eliminates toxins, and accelerates the processing and absorption of essential nutrients by exotic plants.

Purposes of application

Succinic acid is a unique, colorless crystal. It is also present in all living things that breathe oxygen. The component was isolated from amber in the 15th century, hence its name. Today, succinic acid (SA) is also produced through photosynthesis.

The use of succinic acid for enriching orchids began many years ago. Today, it is used for the following purposes:

1. Resuscitation of an exotic animal after a stressful situation, for example, after transportation or relocation.
2. Increased regeneration of stems and foliage damaged by extreme temperatures or frost.
3. Reducing recovery time and eliminating factors that cause flower death.
4. Increasing the overall resistance of phalaenopsis to negative factors - UV burns, moisture deficiency, low temperatures, over-watering.
5. Improving photosynthesis of orchid leaves.
6. Enriching the foliage with chlorophyll, which stimulates growth and improves the aesthetics of the flower.
7. Stimulating root formation, especially in young orchids that have not yet formed roots and are only increasing their mass.
8. Improving soil health and normalizing balance.
9. Faster conversion of fertilizers into bioform.
10. Initiating rooting when cuttings - using succinic acid for orchids significantly increases the survival rate.
11. Increased flowering time due to more complete metabolism.

Phalaenopsis plants recover quickly after stress, form flower stalks, and bloom for a long time. Using succinic acid is easy, especially since instructions are provided. If you prepare the fertilizer correctly, it will not have any negative effects on the flowers.

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When to use

Succinic acid solution should be used to stimulate growth and bloom only during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid watering the YaK orchid unnecessarily during the plant's dormant period (after flowering, fall, and winter), as it's unacceptable to artificially stimulate the growth of the houseplant.

The concentration of succinic acid used for orchids varies depending on the season. To prepare a high-quality solution, dilute one tablet in one liter of lukewarm water.

You often see advice that it's best to make the most concentrated solution (0.1 grams of the active ingredient diluted in 0.5 liters of water). Since overdosing is impossible, this method is generally acceptable.

Dissolving a tablet is difficult and quite slow. The correct method is to crush it and then dissolve the resulting powder in 0.2-0.3 liters of water. After this, add water to the required amount. Using succinic acid in cold weather is not recommended, but it can be used in extreme situations. The proportions vary. Succinic acid for orchids should be diluted at a rate of 1 tablet per 2-3 liters of water. Application should be done by spraying with a small spray bottle (every 15 days). It is important to prepare the solution immediately before use. The fertilizer can be stored in a tightly sealed glass container for up to 3 days, always in a dark place.

The powder is much easier to use. Simply dilute it according to the instructions. For 1 gram of powder, you need 1 liter of water. The prepared solution can be applied to the flower. If you can't measure out the required amount, you can use a kitchen knife. Scoop some of the powder onto the tip—that's 1 gram.

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How to use

For inexperienced gardeners, YaK treatment will be a great aid in the proper propagation of indoor plants. However, there are some subtleties to its application, and even the most inexperienced gardener can grow spectacular orchids if they understand them. The rules for high-quality treatment are as follows:

1. Root stimulation. Prepare the solution and treat the exotic plant before moving it to a new location. To oxygenate the roots and stimulate rooting, treat the root system with a solution containing Yak. To do this, soak the roots for a couple of hours.
2. Watering a flower from a watering can. Water at the roots, carefully, and slowly. Once the water flows through the drainage holes, the water is sufficient. If the container doesn't have drainage, it's important to tilt it after 20 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain. Keep in mind that watering should be done in the morning. However, watering at other times is possible, provided there are no drafts in the room and the flower is protected.
3. Wipe the orchid leaves with succinic acid. Use a cotton ball soaked in the solution. Apply only to the green parts of the flower. The acid should not penetrate the base of the leaf blades. Experienced gardeners advise against leaving the solution on the foliage—it's useless. After two days, wipe the treated foliage with cotton swabs soaked in clean, warm water.
4. If an orchid doesn't receive proper care, it will lose most of its root mass during growth. To revive the orchid, it needs to be watered with a spray bottle. However, this solution must be highly concentrated. Use 6 tablets per 1.5 liters of water. Resuscitate the orchid daily, preferably in the morning. According to the instructions, use a sprayer. You can buy one at a hardware store. Don't worry about overdosing. The flower will absorb only what it needs. For the treatment to be effective, wipe the orchid's foliage with a damp swab before each spray, removing any previous solution. Yak is especially helpful for new shoots. For preventative measures, place the rootless orchid in the mixture for no more than 30 minutes.
5. By treating seeds, you can significantly improve their quality and accelerate growth. To understand how to dilute YaK and how much to soak, it's important to know how much seed you'll need. A traditional package requires half a tablet per half liter of water. The seeds should be soaked in the mixture for 24 hours and then thoroughly dried. Treated seeds germinate faster. All these instructions must be followed carefully, so your orchid will bloom beautifully. YaK for indoor plants is a harmless biomedicinal with unique properties for plant culture.

Compatibility with fertilizers

The product is suitable for use in conjunction with other fertilizers for exotic plants, but should not be applied together. For prevention of ulcerative colitis, use no more than once every 21 days. For orchid treatment, apply daily for a week and a half. Advantages and disadvantages: The benefits of this fertilizer for flowering plants are enormous. This fertilizer is an excellent aid for all flowers. Yak has the following advantages:

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1. Activation of growth and formation of root mass.
2. Improves the formation of ovaries - increases the number of flowers and the duration of flowering (in other words, activates flowering).
3. Helping plants more actively absorb beneficial elements from the substrate and protecting them from toxins in the soil.
4. It has a positive effect on orchid cuttings, meaning it increases the likelihood of their rooting and further development of the young flower (similar to the use of heteroauxin or root fertiliser).
5. Strengthening the immune system of a transplanted flower (used as a stress reliever).
6. Provides the opportunity to bring a dying exotic animal back to life or rehabilitate it after an illness.
7. Help in combating adverse conditions and inadequate care (heat, frost, excess water and drought).
8. Application to increase seed germination (for pre-sowing treatment).

The benefits and risks of fertilizing orchids with succinic acid are the same for any plant variety. However, the solution is neither harmful nor potent, but a biological activator. Therefore, it cannot harm the orchid, and the compound does not accumulate in the flower or substrate, as it decomposes in air and light. Therefore, no special protection is required when using the succinic acid solution.

Although it's harmless, it's still an acid, so don't let the solution penetrate the plant. When treating the plant, wear medical gloves and goggles. Keep children and pets away from the acid, and keep it out of reach of children. However, as is clear, YAK also has its drawbacks (common to all biological products). Don't expect a rapid or miraculous effect from using it. The substance is quite weak, but effective. Frequent use can have a negative impact on the soil.

The acid itself doesn't pose any particular danger. However, sometimes, if it comes into contact with the skin, it can cause an allergic reaction or redness. If acid gets into your eyes, rinse them out immediately. If you experience an allergic reaction or throat irritation while using the acid, visit a doctor.

To ensure the treatment is effective, it's important to ensure the substance doesn't penetrate into the leaf axils. This will prevent stagnation.

When mixing, follow certain rules. Wear protective equipment when handling. If the mixture gets into your mouth or eyes, rinse the affected area with plenty of water. Properly diluted, YAK is essential for the healthy growth of your orchid. Even preventative treatment with YAK can be effective, but only if you follow the proper care instructions and dosage.

Reviews

People who have tried succinic acid leave reviews about it.

Christina, 45 years old.

Kimry. I discovered this product when my beloved orchids started dying. I scoured the internet and found information about succinic acid on an exotic orchid breeders' forum. It's used as a stimulant. It can be used both to restore plant life and as a fertilizer during watering.

Olga, 22 years old.

I'd like to warn you that this product should not be diluted in cold water! So I crushed it and diluted it in boiling water, then topped it up with cool water to make 0.5 liters (1 liter is also possible) and watered the orchids. Out of 15 wilting orchids, I revived 12! New foliage and roots appeared. I tried store-bought chemicals, but the acid proved to be the most effective! I've only tried succinic acid tablets for orchids.

Olga, 41 years old.

Irkutsk. I buy the product at the pharmacy; it's inexpensive. I dissolve one tablet in a half-liter jar (I have a spray bottle that size). I spray my favorite orchids twice a month in the spring. Flowers with the acid tolerate transplanting and handling better, and fresh, rooted cuttings adapt more quickly and grow fully. I liked the product so much, I've recommended it to my friends who grow orchids.

When using it, it's important to understand that the acid has a supportive effect. Its solution isn't a miracle cure and won't replace other fertilizers and care procedures required by flower crops. However, proper use of succinic acid will help maintain your exotic plants.