Decembrist (schlumbergera, zygocactus) is an unusual cactus that does not have thorns, does not like the open sun, but consumes moisture with great pleasure. This indoor plant is a long-liver: with proper care, it grows and at the same time blooms annually at home for up to 20 years. Fans of zygocactus are primarily attracted by the bright and unusual flowering of the Decembrist. In addition, the obvious advantages of Schlumbergera include the ability to grow it as an ordinary indoor flower or as a spectacular ampelous plant.
For each grower, the flowering time of the Decembrist is the most crucial period: the duration of this period and the quality of the buds depend on how well the plant is cared for.
Description of the plant
Zygocactus, or Decembrist (Schlumbergera) refers to epiphytic cacti. The plant is native to the tropical forests of Brazil. Jointed type flat shoots do not have thorns, which are the hallmark of almost all cacti. Along the edges of the branchesSchlumbergers have small notches.
The flowering of the Decembrist begins in the second half of November or in December, before the New Year and Christmas holidays. The buds open alternately, with some slowdown, so the plant pleases with beautiful flowering throughout the winter. The most common shades of flowers include orange and red, lilac and pink, white and purple.
The genus Zygocactus consists of only three species, but today many hybrid plants have been bred. In our country, "trunkata" and "varvarin color" are the most common.
Features of flowering
The flowering of the Decembrist at home occurs once a year. The rest of the time the plant is preparing for this process. In its development, an unusual cactus goes through the following stages:
- vegetation;
- rest state;
- flowering;
- recovery.
As a rule, the flowering of the Decembrist begins at the end of November and lasts until the beginning of March. It is easy to see that the plant begins to prepare for this process: tiny buds appear at the tips of each branch, from which magnificent tubular flowers open over time.
Conditions for the flowering of the Decembrist. Plant care
Some flower growers complain that the zygocactus pleases with beautiful flowers not every year or the buds are showered unopened. How to create optimal conditions for flowering for a plant? For this, it is necessary to follow simplerules:
- Choose the right place for the flower.
- Prepare the necessary potting mix.
- Maintain a certain temperature in the room.
- Ensure a period of rest.
- Regularly transplant the Decembrist.
- Don't forget to feed.
Where to place the plant?
It is advisable to put a Decembrist flower on the windowsill of the western or eastern window. Zygocactus blooms in bright but diffused light. Schlumbergera does not tolerate both direct sunlight and complete shading. In summer, there should be enough light for leaf development. It is cut in the fall. When the Decembrist stands at the window, it is not difficult to do this, since daylight hours naturally shorten in autumn.
Water zygocactus
Of great importance is the optimal mode of watering the Decembrist during flowering. You need to know that a plant needs quite a lot of moisture only in winter, spring and summer - during the period when the flower is actively growing and blooming. In autumn, the plant enters a dormant period. At this time, watering is limited to twice a month.
In spring and summer, the zygocactus is actively growing, increasing its green mass. Watering is activated in winter, when the first buds appear on the branches. After flowering is completed, it is reduced to moderate. How to water the Decembrist during flowering, at low temperatures? In this case, the plant needs a moderate amount of moisture. The flower will not have time to absorb a large amount of water, its excess will not evaporate due to lack of heat, andthe roots will start to rot. In addition, pests can start in the soil. Naturally, this will negatively affect the plant.
Experienced flower growers know that the Decembrist loves spraying in summer. This procedure increases the level of humidity, which is necessary for this native of the rainforest.
Resting period
Autumn rest is a prerequisite for the active flowering of the Decembrist. Without it, you are unlikely to wait for the buds on the plant. From early spring, gradually reduce the watering of the flower. During the dormant period, it requires a minimum of moisture. At this time, the air temperature in the room should not exceed +15 °C. At higher rates, the Decembrist will not enter the stage of rest. It will continue to grow green mass. However, it may not reach the buds.
In addition, at this time it is necessary to reduce the length of daylight hours: it should not exceed eight hours. This is a natural signal for the Decembrist to lay buds.
How to feed the Decembrist for abundant flowering?
It should be recognized that all agrotechnical measures for the care of this plant are aimed at active and long flowering. This is difficult to achieve without regular feeding of the flower. In spring and summer, fertilizers help the plant grow green mass. During this period, nitrogen supplements are used, which stimulate the growth of leaves. Apply them until the end of August.
With the advent of autumn, after the plant enters a dormant period, it is necessary to stop fertilizing. When the first buds appear,feed the Decembrists. For flowering, any complex compositions are used, with the exception of nitrogen. This rule should be strictly observed, since during the flowering of the zygocactus it should not grow new stems. Otherwise, the flower grows strongly at the expense of flowering.
It is impossible to completely abandon nutrient compositions: over time, the soil becomes poorer, and in indoor floriculture it cannot restore its nutritional properties in a natural way. The only way to help the plant is to use fertilizer.
Transfer
Many indoor flower lovers do not attach much importance to the transplantation of zygocactus. In fact, the flower needs this procedure, on which not only its general condition depends, but also the duration of flowering. In a cramped flowerpot with depleted soil, the plant will not be able to actively develop. A young flower needs an annual transplant, as it actively grows stems and needs a lot of nutrients. For an adult Decembrist, this procedure is recommended once every four years.
During transplanting, it is not enough just to replace the soil: a new pot should also be used, which should be one and a half centimeters larger than the previous one in diameter. Do not purchase a container "for growth". In a large pot, the Decembrist takes too long to master, directs all his strength to the growth of roots that can fill the entire volume of soil. As a result, he simply does not have the strength to blossom.
We talked about what ifin a flowerpot, do not change the soil mixture for a long time, it loses its qualities. It should be understood that this applies not only to reducing its nutritional value. Its structure is also significantly deteriorating. The soil is compacted, it passes not only water, but also air worse. This causes stagnation of moisture, the appearance of infections and pests.
For the Decembrist, the quality of the soil is extremely important. It should be loose. To do this, brick chips, coal are added to the mixture. The plant needs a good drainage layer. In this case, the risk of moisture stagnation is significantly reduced. The further development and flowering of the plant depends on how timely and accurately the plant is transplanted.
Do pests affect flowering?
Quite often, the zygocactus does not bloom, as it directs all its forces to fight infections and pests. Look closely at the leaves of the flower. It is likely that they are affected by late blight or spider mites. Both of these infections equally negatively affect not only the stems of the Decembrist, but also the buds. As a result, the plant either does not bloom, or the resulting buds fall off without opening. In this case, the flower must be sprayed with insecticides ("Aktara", for example). If the situation is running, in addition to spraying, an emergency transplant may be needed.
To prevent the appearance of pests in a pot with a Decembrist, ventilate the room more often, water the soil moderately and loosen it more often.
Reviews and advice from flower growers
According to most lovers of indoor plants, the Decembrist isspectacular plant that fits perfectly into any interior. In addition, the flower does not require complex care, although it has some features. For anyone who wants to replenish their collection with an unusual cactus, experienced owners recommend listening to some tips:
- Decembrist does not transfer permutations from place to place. Moreover, you should not even turn it around its axis, especially during flowering. This forces the Decembrist to re-adapt to external conditions. In such a situation, the plant may refuse to bloom.
- Zygocactus should be updated periodically: just pick a branch and root it in the soil. The Decembrist is distinguished by a high level of survival. After two years, the young plant can bloom. Do not be afraid of the flower rejuvenation procedure. Sooner or later, all plants require it.
