Do I need to cut the Decembrist. Decembrist (Schlumbergera, zygocactus): home care, reproduction, transplantation

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Reproduction of the Decembrist: how to transplant at home

For lovers of needleless lush cacti, we will reveal the secrets of zygocactus reproduction and tell you how to transplant a Decembrist at home.

Decembrist (zygocactus) begins its flowering in December, feels great on the windowsill.

We are talking about the same plant. Zygocactus is official name a flower, popularly referred to as the Decembrist, or Rozhdestvennik (Christmas cactus). vernacular name associated with the flowering period. And the flowering period is quite long. It begins in December and, with proper care, lasts at least 2 months. Caring for a Decembrist is simple - sufficient watering, since he loves moisture, and in no case should he move or turn, avoid sudden changes in temperature during the flowering period. The Decembrist reacts to any changes during this period by dropping buds.

If the Decembrist reacts so sensitively to any, even the most insignificant changes, then it is not worth transplanting it during the flowering period. At the same time, it must be remembered that after transplantation, all plants “get sick” for some period of time, adapt to new conditions of existence. Therefore, it is not necessary to replant the Decembrist immediately before flowering - if necessary, it is better to carry out this procedure at least 2 months before the buds appear or wait until the end of flowering.

Reproduction of zygocactus

Zygocactus is propagated most often with the help of processes.

Zygocactus has a tree-like shape. How to transplant a Decembrist at home? It's easy to do. Over time, the plant ages and will need to be rejuvenated. No need to buy again young plant in flower shop, you can transplant the process at home. The Decembrist is propagated by cuttings. It is worth noting that in nature, the zygocactus also reproduces by strengthening the segments torn off by the wind or animals and insects in the soil. It is possible to propagate a Christmas tree with seeds, but a plant grown in this way does not retain varietal properties.

It is necessary to separate the cutting from 3-4 young segments from an adult plant. The separation is carried out by pinching (not cutting): the lower segment, which remains, is clamped with the fingers of one hand, and the upper one is “unscrewed” at the junction with the fingers of the other. The place of separation of the cutting (kink) does not need to be processed.

Leave the separated stalk for 2-3 days without access to water, so that it dries up, and then plant it in moist soil.

The cutting should be planted in small pot small diameter. It quickly gives roots and strengthens. But small size the pot does not stimulate the development of the root system, but the ground part of the plant. In the process of growth, it is possible to form the shape of a Decembrist by plucking 1-2 segments on a branch. Regular plucking helps to strengthen the stem and more abundant flowering.

(lat. Zygocactus bridgesii, also known as Schlumbergera Buckley, Epiphyllum Bridges, Christmas cactus) refers to epiphytic tropical cacti common in Central and South America.

How to care for a tropical cactus at home? What mode of lighting, watering and air humidity is necessary for a Decembrist? What soil does the plant prefer, how to properly prune and propagate it? What conditions are necessary for him to active growth and blooms? In this article, we will try to cover all the most common questions that amateur flower growers have in the process of caring for this unusual tropical plant.

Home Care

In order for any plant to feel good in your home, it needs to create conditions that are as close to natural as possible - suitable lighting, humidity and air temperature, watering, soil and fertilizer. And for this you need to remember or read about its natural conditions of growth.

Like many epiphytes, the Decembrist grows under natural conditions in the forks of tree trunks and branches, content with accumulations of nutritious and loose humus in them. Frequent and fast tropical showers create high humidity air, and the sun's rays sufficiently illuminate the plant without falling on it through the crowns of trees.

Now we will try to transfer the natural conditions of the rainforest to the conditions of our apartments:

• Lighting - partial shade or bright diffused light with obligatory shading from direct sun. The plant is very sensitive to the sun's rays, under the influence of which the flat segments of the shoots become thinner, turn yellow and wither. A similar picture is observed in low light. For correct placement Decembrist windows of northern, western and eastern orientation are best suited.
• Humidity - moderately high, but not less than 60%. For achievement required indicators humidity, it is best to place the plant on a tray with well-soaked fine / medium expanded clay. This will not affect the overall humidity of the air in the room, but will have a significant effect of a local increase in the humidity index. The Decembrist also has a positive attitude towards a cool shower and periodic spraying of shoots with soft water.
• Temperature - on average from +10 °C to +25 °C depending on the season. In summer and winter - from +18 °C to +25 °C, in autumn and spring - from +10 °C to +15 °C.

Watering

How to water the Decembrist? Despite belonging to the genus of cacti, the Decembrist requires the usual irrigation regime for decorative leafy plants. In summer and during budding and winter bloom- plentiful watering as the top layer of soil in the pot dries up, in autumn and spring - watering is very moderate, but does not allow the soil in the pot to dry out completely. It is advisable for an amateur flower grower not to bring to two extremes that are disastrous for a Decembrist in irrigation - waterlogging and drying out of an earthen coma. Water the plant with soft settled water at room temperature.

The soil

What kind of soil does the Decembrist need? Nutritious, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH = 5-6). Can be purchased at the store ready ground"For cacti and succulents" and mix it with high-moor/coco peat, vermiculite and humus in equal proportions. Or independently prepare an earthen mixture for the Decembrist: leafy, soddy, humus soil, horse / coconut peat and large river sand in proportions 6:1:4:2:2.

The Decembrist is relatively unpretentious in terms of the shape and size of the pot. Of course, within reasonable limits - you should not plant a small young plant in a 5 liter container. The size of the container must match or be a little over size plant root system. The Decembrist can be grown both in tall pots and in wide bowls, be sure to put 1-2 handfuls of expanded clay or other drainage material on the bottom. The Decembrist is transplanted in the spring at the end of flowering: young plants are transshipped / transplanted annually, adult plants - after 2-3 years, very large specimens - after 4-5 years.

pruning

To form a neat plant shape with lush and branching shoots, periodic pruning of the Decembrist is required. True, the action being performed can hardly be called exactly pruning in the literal sense of the word, rather, plucking or unscrewing. Decembrist shoots should not be cut with scissors / knife. It is necessary to clamp the segment between the large and index fingers and, holding the stem with the other hand, unscrew it from the main shoot with a rotational movement. This is the only way to preserve the integrity of the lower part of the plant, from the top of which 1 to 3 new segments are formed. The remaining shoot becomes stronger, more branchy and subsequently forms more abundant buds. So not only wilted or diseased parts of the plant are separated, but also healthy areas of shoots suitable for Decembrist propagation.

The Decembrist is propagated in spring or early summer by sections of shoots containing from 2 to 4 segments. Before planting, the separated part of the plant is slightly dried until a film forms in place. former connection with the main shoot and planted in the soil mixture, deepening the entire lower segment into the ground. Next, cover with a transparent bag to create greenhouse conditions and put in a bright place without direct sunlight. After rooting stem cutting(after about 2-3 weeks), the package is removed and the usual care is taken for the resulting young Decembrist.

Fertilizer

What fertilizer is suitable for the Decembrist? The Decembrist is suitable for any type of fertilizer (water-soluble, liquid, in granules) for cacti and succulents or for ornamental flowering plants, as well as any mineral fertilizer balanced in composition N: P: K. Carefully monitor the composition of the fertilizer: excess nitrogen is not suitable for succulents and can cause root rot even in a healthy plant. During the application of fertilizer, its amount must be reduced by 2 times relative to the instructions in the instructions.

In the fall (during the budding period) and in the spring (during dormancy after flowering), the Decembrist is not fed. Summer (during growth) and winter (during flowering) mineral fertilizers applied to the soil 2 times a month simultaneously with watering.

Care during flowering

The popular name of the plant "Decembrist" or "Christmas cactus" is associated with the timing of its flowering - from early November to late January. It was at this time that the Decembrist is covered with a real hat of bright and rather large tubular flowers. But it happens that the plant misses the annual flowering period or that the year stubbornly does not want to acquire buds and flowers. Why is this happening? The plant simply did not feel the onset of flowering, since the content of the Decembrist in the autumn winter time has its own characteristics.

Features of caring for the Decembrist before and during flowering:

1. Caring for the Decembrist in the fall.
In order for the Decembrist to bloom profusely by the onset of winter, it is necessary to place the plant in a cool place from the beginning of September (but not below +10 ° C, otherwise the budding process will not begin), slightly shade, reduce watering and completely eliminate fertilization. Under such conditions, the plant is kept for 2 months, and then moved to a well-lit and warm place. After that, the plant seems to wake up and begins to actively release buds.

2. Caring for the Decembrist in winter.
From the beginning of budding to the end of flowering, the Decembrist requires increased attention to himself. A pot with a plant not only cannot be moved to another room or moved from place to place, but also rotated around its axis. Failure to do so may result in premature bud drop. Dropping buds can also provoke insufficient humidity in the room. Blooming Decembrist needs timely watering warm water, regular top dressing, bright lighting and sufficient humidity.

And in conclusion - briefly about the main requirements for caring for a Decembrist at home:

1. Adequate lighting without direct sunlight.
2. Local increase in air humidity, spraying and periodic showers.
3. Compliance temperature regime in different time of the year.
4. Timely watering and fertilizing, taking into account autumn budding and spring period rest.
5. Composition of a loose, nutritious and breathable earth mixture.
6. Periodic transplantation of plants.
7. Correct molding of the shoots of the Decembrist.
8. Organization of proper care for the Decembrist before and during flowering.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow your favorite Decembrist to grow big, beautiful and healthy, pick up buds and delight you all winter with its abundant flowering.

Before the New Year, when it’s frosty and cold outside, and all the houseplants are sleeping in anticipation of warm spring days, suddenly blooms on the windowsill bright colors Decembrist flower. It was named so for flowering in December.

Decembrist, or "grandmother's flower", is a type of cactus, although it does not have thorns. Looking at him in the summer, one cannot understand why many flower growers adore him so much. But after waiting for flowering, you can forever fall in love with this lovely creature. This is an amazing feeling of warmth that this flower gives. cold winter warms the heart and soul.

But only with proper care can you see the flowering of the Decembrist.

The second name of this flower is Schlumberger's zygocactus. This is a type of forest cactus, but without thorns. Under natural conditions, the Decembrist uses the roots and trunks of plants for growth.

The green branches of this bush consist of many segments resembling leaves. They fall and branch, forming a cascade up to 30-40 centimeters in length.

The roots of the Schlumberger zygocactus are weak, unfavorable conditions can easily destroy the plant. But it is saved by the presence of air processes - roots, with the help of which the zygocactus feeds on moisture in the air. Thanks to this, the Decembrist manages to survive and restore the root system.

In nature, zygocactus has white or red flowers with spectacular long stamens that are pollinated by hummingbirds.

Home varieties are distinguished by a variety of shades bred by breeders. You can find a bush with flowers of crimson, purple, pink, yellow, white.

IN natural environment this epiphyte grows in tropical forests with high humidity, at temperatures above 20 degrees, in constant shade or partial shade, in thickets of other trees.

To achieve the flowering of this unpretentious plant in care, it is necessary to provide him with competent care that would correspond to his natural conditions growth.

The soil

For the Schlumberger zygocactus, it is possible to grow as an epiphyte, living on trees or in the ground. The composition of the soil for the Decembrist: humus earth and sand, in equal parts.

Although the plant does not have any special claims to the soil, an acidic environment is still not suitable for it. In addition, it is better to provide it with more breathable, light soil.

Temperature and lighting

To provide proper care for an epiphyte, it is necessary to turn Special attention for temperature and lighting. After all, it is precisely the non-compliance with these conditions that leads to the fact that flowering may not occur at all.

The most important condition is compliance with the temperature regime. Although the Decembrist comes from tropical forests, this does not mean that it is necessary to constantly maintain the temperature above +20.

The plant will be able to feel great and even bloom in a room where it is only +15, even +10 degrees. For him, the danger is in temperature changes, from this the plant receives stress.

In addition, Schlumberger's zygocactus begins to bloom only when daylight hours decrease. It is the short daylight hours that are the signal to stop the development of green mass and the beginning of the formation of flowers. And if the plant did not receive such a signal, the daylight hours are still long, then there will be no need to wait for flowers.

Therefore, it is not even worth mentioning any additional highlights in winter.

In summer, the light regime for zygocactus requires only one condition. Zygocactus Schlumbergera does not tolerate direct sunlight. This will entail a halt in the growth and development of the Decembrist, the leaves injured by the sun will begin to turn yellow and shrivel, the plant may die.

Watering and humidity

With breathable soil and good drainage, there is no fear of waterlogging the Decembrist. IN summer period It is necessary to water the plant daily, and in winter it will be enough once a week. But pouring water into a pan with a pot is not recommended. Stagnation of water can lead to rotting of the root system of the plant and its death.

Humidity - the higher the better. tropical flower needs humidification.

The best way to grow an epiphyte is to create a microclimate that matches natural conditions growth of zygocactus.

To do this, on the windowsill on the western or eastern side of the house, you should put a lot of pots with such plants so that they are closely intertwined, as in a tropical forest. It is better to fence off this forest from the room thick curtain which will create the necessary microclimate.

At the same time, you can follow the zygocactus by conducting a test for air humidity. If he formed air roots and did not dry out after two weeks, then you can be sure that the air humidity is suitable for a Decembrist.

In dry air, daily spraying with warm and soft water should be carried out. You can also put a pot of epiphyte on wet moss or wet expanded clay on a pallet.

top dressing

From the first spring days, it is necessary to carry out monthly feeding of the bush with complex fertilizers for indoor plants. When applying top dressing, it is necessary to halve the dose of fertilizer indicated in the instructions.

With coming summer days bush fertilizers are carried out every two weeks, and in the autumn, feeding is stopped.

pruning

During the care of the zygocactus, pruning of the bush should be carried out in time. As a result, the plant will have a neater appearance and abundant flowering.

To this end, in the summer, better this June, you should shorten the shoots that grow ugly and incorrectly. To do this, it is better not to cut them with a knife, but simply unscrew them from the twig with your hands.

Zygocactus transplant

Decembrist transplantation is best done after flowering has ended. The container for planting must be chosen wide enough, and not too large in height, since root system the plant is small. Laid out at the bottom good drainage layer.

The soil for the plant is breathable, loose, consisting of: 2 parts of peat; 1 part of humus earth and 1 part of coarse sand.

To disinfect the soil from unwanted microorganisms, add to a small amount crushed coal. To improve water permeability, the soil is diluted with vermiculite or brick chips.

When transplanting, you can add rotted compost - this contributes to more abundant and prolonged flowering.

Transplantation of young plants must be carried out every year. In this case, the pot must be chosen a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one. Old bushes are transplanted only if necessary, about once every 3-4 years.

How to achieve flowering zygocactus Schlumberger, video:

Is it still possible to rotate and rearrange Schlumberger's zygocactus

Many experts assure that in no case should you turn and even move the flower at the time when buds began to form in it, otherwise they may crumble.

Indeed, it is well known that any plants are able to turn towards the light source, because they are all phototropic.

This mechanism works in all plants during growth, before flowering. In this case, the position of the leaves changes at different angles of incidence of light. For the ampelous zygocactus, this is not essential after the start of flowering.

If, during the flowering period, the plant is carefully deployed with flowers to the public, this will not be detrimental to it. But after flowering, it should be turned with the same care to its previous position and not rotated around its axis until the next flowering.

Why the Decembrist does not want to bloom

The main reason for not wanting to bloom is improper care. First of all:

• Lack of watering;
• Lack of lighting;
• Flaw nutrients in the soil;
• A cramped pot interferes with development, it is necessary to transplant a flower.

To get a flowering Decembrist, you need to make some efforts to prepare for flowering. It is very important that the plant has a dormant period before flowering.

To do this, the plant is removed for some time in a cool, darkened room, where the flower is practically not watered and not fed at all.

Starting from the last days of November, the pot is moved to a bright place and watering begins. At this time, the flower should wake up and its buds will begin to tie

Some general rules for the abundant flowering of Schlumberger zygocactus

• Additional lighting for the plant is not needed. During the period of preparation for flowering, the daylight hours for the Decembrist should not exceed eight hours.
• During this period, you can not change the phytonation of the plant! You can rotate it a little or rearrange it to another place, but at the same time it cannot be twisted around its axis.
• It is also not necessary to prepare cuttings from this plant during the dormant period.
• In no case should you arrange temperature drops in the room where the zygocactus is located.
• A cool temperature, not exceeding +16 degrees, will contribute to a more active flowering of the Decembrist.
• And even when the dormant period is over, you need to start watering and feeding the flower very carefully. This can be the cause of severe stress, and as a result, the Decembrist is able to lose buds.

But even if a zygocactus brought home, already blooming, suddenly dropped flowers, this is not a reason to panic. This is not a disease and there is no need for treatment. Most often, this is how the plant adapts to new living conditions in a new place.

It may seem surprising to some, but not all blooming cacti have nasty spines. So, the Decembrist flower took over the special popularity in Russia. Home care for this attractive plant is not difficult. However, it should be hidden from the sun and watered abundantly, which is rather strange, given that this type of plant came to Russia from the hot tropics. Due to its beautiful flowering, which comes on the eve of the New Year, flower growers fell in love with the plant and affectionately nicknamed it "Decembrist".

Description of the Decembrist at home

The Decembrist flower is an epiphytic cactus that prefers to grow not in the soil, but on another plant, feeding on moisture from its bark. Its flat, branched stems consist of numerous flat segments with several teeth along the edges.

The Decembrist of Schlumberger differs in many ways from his closest relatives, cacti. Yes, he can't handle the heat well. bright sun, he does not have thorns at all, and he really needs moisture.

When the vast majority ornamental plants are in a dormant phase, the Decembrist flower blooms with the brightest and sunniest colors. At home, in the tropical forests of Brazil, this plant begins to bloom in summer, while in our latitudes winter is already coming. Surprisingly, even long-cultivated forms remember the change of seasons of their homeland and bloom just when the hot summer comes in Brazil, and we have bitter frosts outside the window.

How to water the Decembrist at home

How to water the Decembrist? Despite belonging to the genus of cacti, the Decembrist requires the usual irrigation regime for decorative leafy plants. In summer and during the period of budding and winter flowering - watering is plentiful as the top layer of soil in the pot dries up, in autumn and spring - watering is very moderate, but does not allow the soil in the pot to dry out completely. It is advisable for an amateur flower grower not to bring to two extremes that are disastrous for a Decembrist in irrigation - waterlogging and drying out of an earthen coma. Water the plant with soft settled water at room temperature.

Watering the Decembrist during flowering at home

How to water the Decembrist during flowering? During this period, the plant requires a lot of moisture, which should be provided. Keep watering the soil after it dries out, just know that this will happen more often than usual. At the same time, do not forget to monitor the air temperature. If it is high enough, you can not particularly limit watering. The moisture will be consumed by the plant and evaporate. But at low temperatures it is better to refrain from heavy watering in order to avoid souring of the soil and rotting of the roots of the Decembrist. At moderate air temperatures, you will have to moisten the soil every three to five days.

Spraying is better to stop at the time of flowering. So you protect the buds from fading in the sun.

Watering the Decembrist after transplanting at home

After transplanting, watering the Decembrist should be approached with great care, because for about 15 days the bush will “sick”. At this time, spray it often enough.

Watering the Decembrist after flowering at home

When the Decembrist blooms, begin to gradually reduce watering by placing the plant in a cool place where it will stand until the end of March, resting after flowering. At the end of March, the Decembrist begins the vegetative period, so transfer the flower to his usual place, gradually increase watering and start fertilizing the plant.

The location of the Decembrist at home

Decembrist is best grown on eastern window sills. It is not recommended to put a pot with a plant near the southern windows, because from direct sunlight the segments of its stems will begin to turn yellow and crumble. If the Decembrist cannot provide diffused light, it must be shaded. During the formation of buds and flowering, the pot with the plant should not be turned and rearranged. Otherwise, the flower will drop its buds.

In summer, the Decembrist can be grown on a balcony, loggia or in the garden. In this case, he needs to choose a well-lit place protected from the wind and direct sunlight.

The Decembrist begins to bloom at the end of November. After flowering, it must be placed in a cool room until spring.

Temperature regime for the Decembrist at home

A comfortable temperature for the growth and flowering of the Decembrist ranges from 18-25C. During active growth and flowering, the plant requires a temperature of + 18C to + 20C. In order for the plant to gain strength before flowering, it must be kept at a temperature in the range of 12-16C.

Feeding the Decembrist at home

In addition to standard fertilizers from the store, you can use home remedies:

Sugar is perhaps one of the most popular top dressings. It is necessary to dilute 1 tablespoon of sugar in 500 ml of water and pour the earth with this solution. For better action fertilizer should use an EM preparation.

Ash. Another excellent and proven tool for years. good option there will be an addition of ash to the soil when transplanting a Decembrist, or watering the plants with water mixed with ash (2 tablespoons per liter).

Citrus. Finely chop the fruit peels, and then pour boiling water in a ratio of 1:3. Let the fertilizer brew for a day, and then drain the liquid and use it for irrigation, diluting with ordinary water in half.

Yeast. They contain a large number of useful substances and minerals your plant needs. To prepare fertilizer, you need to take yeast (2 tablespoons) and sugar (1 tablespoon) and dissolve in 1 liter warm water. After two hours, you can safely water the Decembrist, diluting the infusion with ordinary water in a ratio of 1: 5.

Homemade fertilizers are a great substitute for store-bought fertilizers. The most important thing is not to overdo it with them. After all, natural dressings are sometimes stronger than those sold in the store.

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Decembrist pruning at home

A “haircut” for a Decembrist is recommended to be done in order to form a neat and attractive flowering crown in the future. The "tousled" Decembrist can be improved by pruning. The procedure is unscrewing the extra links and cutting off old and dried branches. The removed parts of the flowerpot can be used to propagate a Christmas cactus.

Decembrist transplant at home

Basic rules for transplanting a plant:

Provide the Decembrist with nutritious soil, for example, use peat soil or connect peat, leaf ground, brick chips and some sand.

Provide good drainage, which should fill flower pot by a third.

The flowerpot is needed shallow, but wide.

It is better to transplant a bush when there are no flowers on it.

A transplant for young Decembrists is useful every year. Adult bushes can be transplanted no more than once every three years.

Reproduction of the Decembrist at home

To begin with, carefully inspect the plant and look for long, slightly branched or not branched stems. This is done to combine two useful things - when pinching the stem of the Decembrist, which will then begin to branch, and take a cutting for propagation. I advise you to take not one, but several cuttings. Try to choose such cuttings on which the lower segment has an air root. As in the photo. But if your Decembrist does not have them, then it's okay. The cutting for propagation of the Decembrist should have at least two segments, but it makes no sense to take more than four.
Then it will not be very convenient to work with a long handle. In order to separate the cutting from the stem, it is not necessary to use cutting objects. It is easily "unscrewed" by hand from the stem. With this method of separating the segments, it will branch more readily and will more easily endure this operation. After that, the Decembrist cuttings must be dried in the shade for two to three days. Having broken off the place, it will be covered with a kind of glassy film.

Hello dear flower growers. Do you already have a Decembrist flower? If not, then this article will help you fall in love with this unusual gift of nature and teach you how to care for the Decembrist so that it blooms magnificently.

Event Predictor

Why is this plant named so? Because in December, its zigzag leaves are covered with bright buds. It can be red, bright pink or white inflorescences. The scientific name of the flower is Schlumberger.

The types of this plant differ according to the time of its flowering: Rozhdestvennik, Christmas cactus, Dekabrina, Decembrist.

Before growing this flower at home, find out what signs and superstitions are associated with it.

Bloom related clues.

1. The Decembrist is able to capture the slightest changes that will occur in your family. If it bloomed in December, it means that a kind, cozy atmosphere reigns in the family. Spouses get along with each other, and their children grow up in a peaceful, healthy atmosphere of understanding and love.
2. December flowering predicts that the whole next year will be successful.
3. If the buds bloomed back in November, then expect good changes in life, even a salary increase or an inheritance.
4. Late flowering can predict that a family is expected soon unpleasant events. Perhaps this is due to your work or your child’s studies, or you have started misunderstandings in the family, you have begun to quarrel and conflict more often. Pay attention to this, just the Decembrist suggests that something needs to be changed in the relationship.
5. If the flower began to wither, wilted, then trouble is not far off, perhaps you will lose money or one of the family members. In this case, our ancestors increased their care of the plant, and it often happened that a sick family member began to recover.
6. And people noticed if a person came into the house with bad energy, then the flower immediately wilted. Our ancestors tried not to invite such a person into their home.
7. If the flower does not bloom at all, it means that scandals and abuse are often heard in the family.

Perhaps for some this is superstition, but for some it is not. Now decide whether to start a Schlumberger at home or not.

If we discard all doubts, then the benefits of a flowering pet are undeniable, because everything beautiful improves mood, leads to a peaceful state. And in winter, we especially lack natural beauty!

Schlumberger at home - this is serious!

As you can see, the Decembrist is a special plant, which means that caring for it is also special.

He is completely different from other varieties of his "brothers", so you need to know what he loves and what he cannot stand.

1. The flower does not like direct sunlight.
2. In summer, it must be taken out to the balcony or terrace.
3. Loves Summer shower or spraying.
4. During the unfolding of the buds, the pot cannot be moved from place to place.
5. The room where it is located should have a humid atmosphere. It does not tolerate dry air.

Many beginners have a question, how to care for the Decembrist?

important to him proper watering. The irrigation regime is divided into three stages:

Bloom time. Decembrist blooms all winter. It is necessary to water so that the soil in the pot is always wet. But it is not necessary to fill in, so as not to destroy the root system.

Period before and after flowering. Watering should be done as the soil dries out. As soon as the top layer dries, start watering. But it is not recommended to allow the soil to dry out.

Summer time. This is a rest period. Watering should be done as the soil dries completely, but spraying should be continued.

Attention! Lush flowering of this type of cactus depends on proper watering.

The red flower looks beautiful.

What to feed? In nature, the Decembrist receives all useful substances from trees that do not generously share with him. Therefore, feeding is not so important for him.

But still, to ensure abundant flowering, you can feed the universal complex fertilizer, which includes nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus.

It is not necessary to feed during the flowering period.

But pruning is a mandatory procedure for him, especially in early June. It is necessary for flowering. This is the first answer why this type of cactus does not bloom. If you do not trim, then winter period you won't be able to enjoy it lush bloom. Moreover, it is necessary to free from everything superfluous not with scissors, but with your hands, twisting a separate shoot.

How to transplant a plant

Transplantation requires special skill. They do this at the end of February, immediately after flowering, so that the plant gains strength during the spring. young green pets a transplant is arranged every year, for adults - 1 time in 4 years.

Choose a low, wide pot, as the root system of this type of cactus is located in upper layers earth.

Drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot, with a layer of 1/3 of its height. Then the soil is laid, which should be bought at a specialized store. The main thing is that the soil is slightly acidic.

How to propagate? Use propagation by cuttings, following the instructions:

• Unscrew a few segments from the branch.
• Put in the shade for 3 days to dry.
• Prepare a small container of soil as described above.
• Plant without digging deep.
• Cover with a jar on top, arranging a small greenhouse.
• Put in a dark place.
• Ventilate the greenhouse daily by watering the soil until moist. Do not overdo it so as not to flood the cutting.
• Rooting can last up to 30 days.

How to help the flowering of the Decembrist

Many novice flower growers are wondering: how to make their pet bloom. Follow the basic requirements, then in winter this type of cactus will please you with an abundance beautiful flowers.

1. Put in a pot quality soil.
2. Avoid nutrient deficiencies.
3. Do the right watering.
4. Choose appropriate place. Does not like too dark or too sunny place.
5. The pot should be a little cramped.
6. The room should have cool air.
7. Reduce watering during budding, increase during flowering.
8. Avoid temperature fluctuations.

Green pet problems

Like any plant, a Decembrist can get sick. Diseases can develop due to the appearance of various pests. It could be aphids spider mite, shield. If you notice pests, then immediately begin treatment.

If red leaves appear, then remove away from sunlight. From the scab, apply insecticides, remove the affected areas.

To combat the tick, spray with such means as Topaz, Skor, pour Maxim, Vitaros with a solution.

How to restore a faded Decembrist? If the leaves wither, then the plant is affected by phytophthora or phytium. Do not hesitate, transplant the flower into another pot with healthy soil.

Question: whether this flower is poisonous or not, worries many novice flower growers. No, it is not poisonous, therefore it is allowed for cultivation in schools and kindergartens, but it is not necessary to eat it. Unusually beautiful white Decembrist.

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