Effect of CCC and pH on shoot elongation in Sedum rubrotinctum R.T. Clausen

Sedum rubrotinctum plants grown during winter in a glasshouse had decreased leaf density and increased internode length as well as loss of red coloring, leading to diminished ornamental value. Treatment with growth retardant (2-chloroethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride (CCC) reduced internode length as well as the number of internodes. Concomitant changes of ethylene production and peroxidase activity were found in CCC-treated plants. Substrate pH had a significant effect on the growth of S. rubrotinctum. This leads to the conclusion that increase of shoot growth during winter period could be reversed by means of growth retardant CCC and acidification of substrate.