Increasing Vase Life and Quality of Dendrobium Cut Flowers using Aluminum Sulfate Al2(So4)3 and Sugar Solution

Abstract

Orchids, especially Dendrobium is a famous ornamental plant that has various flower diversity i.e. size, shape, and color. For decorative use like the display of vases and bouquets, Dendrobium cut flowers are one that consumers are interested in. This study aimed to identify the best preservative solution that can prolong vase life and the quality of Dendrobium orchid cut flowers. This study was conducted in a Floriculture rearranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, repeated three times. The factor I is the concentration of aluminum sulfate which consists of 4 levels: AL 0 ppm, AL 200 ppm, AL 400 ppm, and AL 600 ppm; followed with factor II is the concentration of sugar which consists of 4 levels: G 0%, G 2%, G 4%, and G 6%. Dendrobium cut flower had longest vase life (48 days) with less withered bud in 2% sugar with 200 ppm aluminum sulfate medium. 2% sugar with 200 ppm aluminum sulfate also showed the most absorbed solution which indicated that formulation was the most suitable medium for Dendrobium cut flowers. Replacing the fresh solution of 2% sugar with 200 ppm aluminum sulfate every month we guess can prolong the vase life and need to be tested in further study.