Synergistic regulation of plant growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis and optimization of rejuvenation culture in Sinocrassula indica  (Decne.) Berger

To address the industrial bottlenecks of Sinocrassula indica (Decne.) Berger, including prolonged propagation cycles, poor genetic stability, and low acclimatization survival rates, this study established an efficient in vitro rapid propagation system. An L ₉ (3 ⁴ ) orthogonal design was employed to optimize the hormonal combinations of 6-BA (0.1–1.0 mg/L), NAA (0.05–0.5 mg/L), and KT (0.5–2.0 mg/L), integrated with paclobutrazol (PP333)-mediated rejuvenation culture to enhance plantlet quality. Results demonstrated that the optimal hormonal combination (0.1 mg/L 6-BA + 0.3 mg/L NAA + 1.0 mg/L KT) achieved a proliferation coefficient of 93.5 ( P  < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.01 mg/L PP333 treatment significantly improved acclimatization survival rates from 54.83–100%, increased stem diameter by 48% ( P  < 0.01), and preserved the characteristic rosette morphology. Notably, this system maintained genetic fidelity during long-term cultivation. The established protocol provides a robust solution for germplasm conservation and industrial-scale propagation of Crassulaceae plants, offering dual benefits for ecological preservation and commercial horticultural applications.