The word “ epin ” increasingly appears in articles about plants, in videos and in general in conversations among flower growers.
This substance is a relative novelty, but has already gained a reputation and popularity among many summer residents and farmers.
The rules for using epin are elementary , but still mandatory, because failure to comply with them can reduce all its effectiveness to zero. In the article below you will find out whether it is possible to spray an orchid with epin and how to use it correctly.
Description of the drug
Epin-extra (popularly “epin”) – the trade name, short for 24-epibrassinolide – is the first brassinosteroid that was obtained artificially and fully corresponds to a plant hormone.
The drug itself is a broad-spectrum, regulator, adaptogen and detoxifier . It is used to stimulate the growth and development of plants and provide an anti-stress effect on them. 1 ml of the drug contains 0.25 ml of active substance.
Release forms
Available in polypropylene ampoules with a cap of 1 ml for use in the country or indoors, 50 ml for household plots oriented to the sale of goods, as well as in bottles of 1000 ml for large farms , farms, etc. 1 ml contains 40 drops of the drug.
Benefits of use
- The drug significantly accelerates the rooting of plants after transplantation ;
- Stimulates the immune system of plants , making them more resistant during frosts, drought, excessive humidity and other unfavorable conditions;
- Accelerates growth rates and vegetative mass gain;
- Increases resistance to diseases and pests , relieves stress during transplantation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Epin is extremely effective when used on indoor plants , particularly orchids. These plants, existing in indoor conditions, are subject to relatively greater stress compared to natural conditions.
Epin gently has a general strengthening effect on them , allowing them to more fully use the available reserves and replenish their reserves.
Increases resilience, makes it possible to more confidently overcome various stressful situations (moving, transplanting, drought, flooding, low temperatures, damage, diseases, pests, etc.). Promotes shoot growth and green mass growth.
Among its advantages : high returns, efficiency.
The disadvantages are : rapid disintegration of the active substance in bright light and neutralization in an alkaline environment.
Contraindications
The manufacturer of Epin does not indicate any contraindications to the use of the drug.
- The composition includes the substance epibrassinolide. In the light it quickly disintegrates. It is no longer possible to use such a solution, as it can harm the orchid.
- Also, do not reuse liquid drained from other flowers. Since the chemical composition of the solution changes, this can harm the delicate flower.
- The drug Epin is quite popular, so there are a large number of fakes. Currently it is called “Epin-extra” and is sold in specialized stores under this name.
This is a powerful, effective remedy . Increases the resistance of orchids to diseases and pests. Helps to cope with stress easier and faster after a purchase or transplant. Activates the internal processes of the plant, encouraging it to increase green mass and abundant flowering.
Instructions for using Epin for orchids
Below you will learn how to dilute epin and is it possible to water the plant with the drug? Since alkalis exist in the soil, orchids are not watered with epin, but only sprayed at a concentration of 0.2 ml/1 liter of water . Instructions on how to spray a plant are as follows:
- First of all, you need to take care of personal protective equipment , since epin can irritate the mucous membranes;
- The water for the solution must be tested for pH value . To do this, use indicator paper, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or pet supply store in the aquarium department;
- Water should have a slightly acidic reaction, pH = 6.2-6.8 . If pH>7, you can acidify the water with citric acid or alcoholic table vinegar. Do not use inorganic acids and fruit vinegars;
- A microdose of the drug can be taken with an insulin (1 ml) syringe;
- Spraying should preferably be carried out pointwise , with a microspray or with a sprayer, which produces a misty stream. All vegetative parts of the plant need to be treated, leaves should be treated on all sides;
- The best place for the procedure is the bathroom. Plants should be kept in the dark for about 12 hours. After work, the bathtub should be washed with a cloth soaked in a solution of baking soda.
When using Epin in residential premises, you must understand that it can damage the finish of furniture and various decorative coatings.
Adviсe
- Exceeding the recommended dosage reduces the effectiveness of the drug ;
- If treatment with Epin is planned, then it is recommended to feed the orchid by foliar feeding 2-3 days before treatment;
- For a better response to the active substance, temporarily increase the plant’s usual stress with a lack of light ;
- How to use during pest control: Epin is used a day after using the main drug ;
- As an anti-stress agent, Epin is used 1-2 days before expected stress , or immediately after the stressful situation has passed;
- It is necessary to spray in the early evening hours or in the morning before sunrise if the day promises to be cloudy. When using Epin during the day, the plants must be placed in a dark, ventilated place (in the bathroom).
IMPORTANT ! The working solution must be used on the day of preparation . It can be stored in a tightly closed container for up to 2 days in a dark place.
Is it possible to replace it with something?
The only analogue of Epin remains Zircon. This is a biological growth stimulator, which is a phytohormone. Only if you use it in increased dosage, the plant may die.
As for Epin, its effect is milder. The only thing in which Epin loses to Zircon is the concentration of the active component. In the first preparation it is smaller, so the result is not immediately noticeable.
If for some reason you decide to replace this drug with another, then gardeners offer the following options for feeding and treating orchids: Bona Forte, Cytokinin paste, succinic acid, garlic water, Fitoverm, Aktara, Agricola, Fitosporin, B vitamins and self-prepared at home fertilizers.
Epin is a popular remedy for treating phalaenopsis in order to enhance its growth and create strong immunity , which will allow the flower to fight pests and diseases. Epin is practically harmless to indoor plants, but nevertheless, the process of preparing the solution and its use requires compliance with all recommendations and rules.
Methods of using the drug for orchids
- Soil treatment. The substrate is not treated for several reasons. Firstly, the substrate used for orchids is too loose. Secondly, it already contains a significant amount of salts that neutralize the drug, nullifying the entire effect;
- Soaking the roots. Orchid roots are soaked in epin only during transplantation, and then very rarely. First of all, the substance is applied by spraying;
- Watering orchids. Orchids are also not watered with epin for the reasons described above;
- Spraying. The most justified and recommended method of using Epin. In this case, all vegetative parts of the plant are sprayed: leaves on all sides, stems, pseudobulbs, peduncles, roots (if possible). Flowers are not sprayed with epin ;
- during transplantation . It must be applied 1-2 days before the intended transplantation or immediately after transplantation, spraying the plant. Sometimes it is recommended to soak the roots of the orchid - this is possible, but greater effectiveness should be expected from spraying.
Alternative to Zircon
First, let's define zircon. It is also a biological growth stimulator for household crops, including indoor plants. This is a kind of phytohormone. But with a severe overdose of this drug, the plant may simply die due to the fact that the excess zircon will not allow other nutrients to enter the plant. Therefore, scientists have long been thinking about creating an alternative to this drug. And “Epin” began to be considered a generally accepted replacement for zircon, the effect of which became a little softer compared to its older comrade.
“Epin” loses to zircon in only one way: the concentration of the active substance in the former is lower , so the result will be less noticeable and lasting. But I repeat: this is only if we compare these two drugs. Therefore, some gardeners have not yet switched to using the more gentle Epin. We talked in more detail about the drug Zircon in this article.
In conclusion, let us remind you that everything living, just like humans, needs support from the outside. Therefore, if you want to see your orchid healthy and blooming, periodically use biological stimulants. And we recommend using only proven drugs.
Precautionary measures
Epin belongs to hazard class 4 (low-hazard substance), however, it is somewhat volatile in the solution.
- Use rubber (latex) gloves , goggles and a respirator;
- If the working solution gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with running water;
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse eyes thoroughly with running water;
- If ingested, drink a solution of baking soda (1 tsp per glass of water) or a solution with a suspension of activated carbon (4-5 tablets per glass of water) and induce vomiting, consult a doctor ;
- After work, wash your hands and face with soap;
- Empty containers are disposed of with household waste;
- Store the drug in a dark, dry, closed room , at a temperature of -5 to +25 ° C, out of reach of children and animals, separate from food and medicine.
- As already noted, water should have a slightly acidic reaction, pH = 6.2-6.8 . If the indicator is more than neutral, you can acidify the water with a few grains of citric acid or alcoholic table vinegar. Inorganic acids and fruit vinegars should not be used. To determine the pH level, use pH tests , which can be purchased at a pharmacy or pet store in the aquarium department;
- An overdose of the drug is unacceptable , as this reduces its effectiveness. A smaller dose of a substance is much more effective than a larger one. Since epin is completely absorbed by the plant within 2-3 days, it is recommended to re-treat it no earlier than after 7 days;
- During work, smoking, eating or drinking is prohibited .
- The working solution must be used immediately after preparation . It can be stored for up to 2 days in a dark place, however, its effectiveness is significantly reduced.
Where and for how much can I buy it?
Despite the fact that Epin is a very powerful and truly effective remedy, it is very cheap. The drug is sorted in packages, which can contain several ampoules or a whole bottle. You can find a package with one milliliter of the product, two, fifty or a whole liter of Epin.
For the smallest package you will need to pay only thirteen rubles. For the second largest - already 15 rubles, for 50 milliliters you will have to part with the amount of 350 rubles, and prices for liter bottles fluctuate around 5000.
On a note. You can purchase this drug in any stores specializing in the sale of seeds or ready-made potted flowers.
Reviews from flower growers about the use of Epin
Maxim, Moscow. For a long time I avoided the use of various stimulants and growth regulators. However, when my collection began to grow, I realized that not every plant likes the conditions of a city apartment. It was decided to use epin in order to support orchids that grow in a relatively shaded, dry place. The plants responded very well to the treatment. It was noticed that they became more immune to adverse conditions. During the season, the phalaenopsis grew two leaves, and in the winter they successfully flowered . Since then I have been using Epin for all my plants.
Angelina, Saratov. I have been using Epin for more than two years. A very effective, multifunctional product. One might say, the support of any gardener. If you have given or received some kind of stunted plant, then after treatment with epin it comes to life in literally a week . Orchids, and indeed other plants in general, do not notice transplants and ignore any stress or sudden changes in conditions. In general, Epin makes care much easier and plants become more independent . The main thing is to use acidified water and shade the plants after treatment for at least a day.
How is it different from other fertilizers?
Other means, compared to Epin, activate the growth of an orchid, regardless of whether it has the strength to do so. Sometimes it happens that after applying other fertilizers, the flower begins to grow quickly and then dies. The reason is that the flower spends all its energy on growth.
Epin's action is completely opposite. It promotes the production of nutrients that will later help the flower grow . Thus, the phalaenopsis will initially accumulate strength inside, and only after a certain period of time will the effect of Epin be noticeable.
Is it possible and how to treat a blooming orchid with epin?
Spraying flowering orchids with epin is possible and even necessary in some cases.
For example, if an orchid was purchased in winter and survived transportation from the store to home, spraying with epin will significantly reduce stress and facilitate adaptation to new conditions, which in turn will help preserve the flowers.
A blooming orchid will also more easily endure an invasion of pests or diseases after spraying with epin . Preventive, periodic spraying can extend the flowering period of an orchid.
What kind of remedy is this?
Epin is a similar natural plant stimulant created artificially. His work is aimed at activating the protective functions of flowers by increasing immunity.
Note! The drug, called "Epin", has been discontinued since the beginning of the 2000s due to numerous counterfeits. Now they produce a product called “Epin-extra”. Therefore, when we say “Epin”, we mean “Epin-extra”.
The remedy is very common not only within our state, it is also widely known in other countries, for example, in China.
