Altercel Plant Growth Regulator | Formerly Cycocel PGR
Altercel PGR Plant Growth Regulator – Professional Height Control for Ornamental Plants
Altercel PGR Plant Growth Regulator helps greenhouse growers produce compact, attractive ornamental plants with stronger stems and richer foliage color. Formulated with 11.8% chlormequat chloride, this concentrated liquid reduces excessive stem elongation by inhibiting gibberellin production, the natural process that promotes plant stretching. The result is shorter internodes—the spaces between leaves—and a more controlled plant shape.
Designed for container-grown ornamentals in commercial and research greenhouses, Altercel supports growth management across a broad selection of flowering plants, bedding plants, foliage plants, and selected woody ornamentals. Depending on the crop and application timing, treatment can also encourage earlier flowering, improve flower development, or promote a more balanced branching habit.
| Product Detail |
Information |
| Active ingredient |
Chlormequat chloride, 11.8% |
| Formulation |
Concentrated liquid plant growth regulator |
| Primary purpose |
Reduce stem elongation and control plant height |
| Labeled growing environment |
Container-grown ornamentals in commercial or research greenhouses |
| Application methods |
Foliar spray or growing-medium drench, according to crop directions |
| Restricted-entry interval |
12 hours |
| Package size |
1 gallon (3.78 L) |
| EPA registration number |
62097-21-59807 |
Altercel offers specific benefits for several important ornamental crops:
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Poinsettias: Helps manage stem elongation during propagation and crop production for more compact finished plants.
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Geraniums: Controls plant size in seed and vegetatively propagated geraniums; properly timed applications can encourage earlier flowering in seed geraniums.
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Hibiscus: Improves flowering and encourages compact plants with more uniform shoot growth.
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Azaleas: Promotes earlier flower bud formation, multiple buds per shoot, and compact, symmetrical growth. Earlier bud formation does not necessarily mean earlier flowering.
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Bedding and foliage plants: Helps limit stretching in suitable crops grown in packs, pots, hanging baskets, and plug trays.
For selected crops requiring stronger height control, Altercel can be tank-mixed with B-Nine WSG, subject to both product labels. A combination of 1,250 ppm Altercel plus 1,250 ppm B-Nine WSG is an example for evaluating medium activity in small trials. This combination is applied as a foliar spray; suitable concentrations depend on the crop, growing conditions, and desired response.
Foliar applications work through absorption by leaves and stems, with the greatest effect generally achieved near the beginning of rapid stem elongation. Apply for thorough coverage without excessive runoff, and allow at least six hours without overhead irrigation or rainfall. Drench applications are absorbed through the roots and require careful measurement of both solution concentration and volume per container.
Use only on healthy plants and test a small group before treating an entire crop. Excessive rates can cause leaf yellowing or injury, and late applications may affect flowering or poinsettia bract development.
Always follow the container label for crop-specific rates, application limits, timing, protective equipment, and use restrictions.