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Decembrist and his care. How to care for a Decembrist flower in order to enjoy its luxurious flowering

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. scientific name flower - 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 kindness reigns in the family, cozy atmosphere. 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 unpleasant events are expected soon for the family. Perhaps this is due to your work or the study of your child, 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 that if a person with bad energy came into the house, 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 time We especially miss the 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.

However, in order to ensure abundant flowering, you can feed with a universal complex fertilizer, which includes nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus.

It is not necessary to feed during the flowering period.

And here is the cut for it compulsory procedure especially at the beginning of 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 are transplanted every year, adults - once every 4 years.

Choose a low, wide pot, as root system 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.
• Top with a jar, arranging 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 stalk.
• 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 the right 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 can be aphids, spider mites, scale insects. If you notice pests, then immediately begin treatment.

If red leaves appear, then remove away from sun rays. 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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The botanical name of the Decembrist or Christmas tree is Schlumberger.

Its peculiarity lies in the fact that, despite belonging to the genus of cacti, caring for it at home is significantly different.

Also, a peculiar highlight of the zygocactus is its flowering at Christmas.

How to achieve this, and what other necessary conditions exist, you will learn from our article.

Decembrist: home care - reproduction

Decembrist belongs to the genus of South American zygocactus. The name comes from the flowering period. This is the end of November - the beginning of February - the time when summer is in the rainforests. It belongs to the family of centenarians and can please you for 15 years. It is believed that this plant is unpretentious in care, and even beginners can carry out the breeding process.

The most common way (and for some even the only one) is reproduction. cuttings. Best time for this - May or the time when the flower fades. Schlumbergera is distinguished by the fact that it easily forms aerial roots. At the very beginning, it is necessary to unscrew the stalk with two processes (yes, just unscrew it) from mother plant. Do not use a knife or scissors for this purpose. By turning the segment around its axis, you can easily separate it from the shoot. Then it is necessary to leave the stalk to dry in the air (we are talking about a time from several hours to two days). Next, place the cutting in sand, perlite, vermiculite (sand substitute) or soil to let it grow roots. You can do this in water, but for best effect use root - special remedy to promote root growth. After a month, you can notice the appearance of a segment - this will mean that the rooting was successful and you can transplant the plant into the ground. Also, cuttings can be planted immediately in the ground and covered with a jar to create a greenhouse effect. Most amateur flower growers agree that zygocactus cuttings take root well.

Planting a cutting

Also, one of the methods of reproduction is graft. It is used relatively rarely, mainly to obtain standard form zygocactus. The breeding technology is as follows. The top of the Peyrescia cactus (the plant that is grafted onto) is cut off with a knife. The remaining stem is slightly split and a zygocactus segment of several segments is inserted into the resulting hole. The specified place is fastened to each other and tied with a thread. After the young plant develops a crown, the thread is removed, the leaves are broken off on the Peyres. The resulting plant itself is tied to a peg to avoid breaking off. For planting, use an equivalent soil composition from a mixture of soddy, leafy soil and sand.

An important part of caring for a Decembrist at home is his transfer. It is produced immediately after flowering, i.e. in the month of February. It is recommended to carry out this procedure for young plant- every year, and for an adult, such a need arises - once every 4-5 years. Choose a wide and low pot. Fill it a third with drainage, and then fill it with prepared or purchased soil mixture, evenly distributing it over the pot. It is necessary to water one day after the top layer has dried.

Decembrist: home care - soil, lighting, conditions for flowering

Soil: It is recommended to use light, nutritious, with good drainage. According to its properties, it must be air and water permeable. The ideal is a mixture of peat and leafy soil with the addition of sand. You can also mix 1 part soddy soil, 1 part sand, 2 parts leafy soil. Such a universal composition: sheet, humus, sod land (6: 4: 1) plus peat and sand (2: 2)

For disinfection, add crushed coal, and for better water permeability, do not forget to put brick chips or expanded clay. The soil for the Decembrist should be slightly acidic.

Most important aspect when growing a Decembrist, this is that he does not tolerate direct sunlight. His place of residence should be bright, but slightly shaded. Otherwise, the segments will begin to weaken and turn gray-green.

The home Decembrist is quite tolerant of the temperature regime, its optimal degrees are 18-25 ° С. A feature of the zygocactus is that in the summer it is better to take it out on Fresh air(on the balcony or in the garden).

The Decembrist is a plant that can be grown as usual, but it has a greater effect as an ampelous one. To do this, it is trimmed, in which the extra parts are not cut off, but unscrewed by hand. This achieves not only appearance flower, but also its abundant flowering.

Pinching off a segment

After flowering, Schlumbergera needs solitude. During this period, it is better to move it to a room where the temperature does not exceed 12-15 degrees, and minimize watering. Feeding should also be stopped. If you want to achieve the flowering of the Decembrist for Christmas, then he needs to provide careful care at home.

How to make the Decembrist bloom: in mid-November, return the plant to a warm, bright place and increase the amount of incoming water, helping the plant wake up. Try to rotate the plant around its axis so that it is evenly lit from all sides. If the buds appear on one side, then it means that it was better lit than the rest. But do nothing now, but draw conclusions for the next time. An important rule: as soon as buds begin to form on the flower, i.e. the budding period will begin, it is impossible to rearrange from place to place and even turn the pot with the plant. Otherwise, the Schlumbergera may panic and drop the buds. Your flower itself will feel when it is time for it to bloom. And you must provide him with all the conditions for this.

Decembrist: home care - feeding and watering

From March zygocactus needs monthly feeding complex fertilizer. For this, you can use liquid complex fertilizer. IN summer season when the stems begin to grow intensively, the plant must be fed twice a month. From about September, saturation with fertilizers is recommended to be stopped. Will not interfere with the plant preventive treatment fungicides - drugs that prevent or kill various bacteria that cause diseases.

Watering should be moderate warm water. From mid-spring to September, you need to moisten the flower, and increase watering during the flowering period. The necessary moisture is achieved by spraying or placing the pot on a pebble tray.

The plant does not like abundant watering. If the soil is constantly wet, the root system will quickly rot. In this case, it is quite difficult to revive the Decembrist. First of all, it is necessary to remove rotten roots and change the soil. It usually consists of equal parts of peat, sand, brick chips and thin leaf earth.

The plant loves moist air, so be sure to spray it at least once a day.

Advice: try to cover the Decembrist around the trunk with snow (or ice from the refrigerator) during flowering. This will help prolong the flowering period.

Based on the above, Decembrist care calendar at home will look like this.

Spring. We transplant plants around the end of April-May.

Summer. Take out to fresh air. We hide from the bright and direct rays of the sun, increase watering, spray with warm water.

Autumn. Getting ready to bloom. We reduce watering and rearrange the Decembrist in a cool place (about + 14ºС). In November, we transfer the plant to a warmer place and increase watering.

Winter. We carry out monthly top dressing, water regularly. Zygocactus is not moved to another place. After flowering, we reduce watering and leave the plant alone until the end of March.

Decembrist: home care: why is she dying?

Despite the relative unpretentiousness of this plant, the Decembrist can also die if it is not carried out necessary care at home.

Root rot - it occurs when the roots are strongly moistened. Urgent transplantation will help prevent their death.

Wilting of plants - can be caused by diseases.

The trunk of the plant sways - this means that the plant dies from hypothermia (watering cold water, keeping in a cool room) or, conversely, from overheating in the sun. A strong concentration of fertilizers can also burn the roots. In this case, transplant the plant into another substrate.

leaf diseases

Segmented segments of the stem crumble - the cause may be either a lesion spider mite or a lack of nutrients (depleted soil, lack of top dressing). In this case, spray the zygocactus with a solution of fertilizers for epiphytic cacti or apply them under the root. In extreme cases, you can change the soil. Dry air can also be the cause.

Stress, to which a plant can be exposed, can also be the cause of its death. Avoid sudden changes in temperature, drafts, changes in environmental conditions. Transplant on time, using all necessary conditions.

Stress also includes the standard situation in which we bring the acquired plant home. Let it not upset you if in this case Schlumbergera throws off light pink buds at the tips of the leaves. So she goes through a period of adaptation. Also, be careful about the purchased flower. The segments on it should not be transparent in color with incomprehensible spots. Try the stem of the plant too. It must be whole, strong and healthy.

The Decembrist can also be struck fungal diseases, such as phytium, fusarium, phytophthora. The most common of these diseases are transmitted from an already infected bush. To get rid of such diseases will help the use of fungicides from the group of triazoles, or the presence of benomyl, chlorothalonil.

Insects pose a threat spider mites.They can appear if the plant is kept in insufficient air humidity. From touching them, the leaves of the plant turn red, yellow or brown. In this case, a variety of pesticides "Aktellik", "Fitoverm" or "Neoron" will help.

If you believe in signs, then growing a Decembrist and caring for him at home is for you.

It is believed that its owners, it helps prevent diseases of the gallbladder and adrenal glands, as well as get rid of insomnia, allergies and reduce arterial pressure.

Also, this flower takes on all the negative energy of the room and transforms it into a favorable aura.

It's so important to our home, isn't it?

Decembrist or Schlumberger - a plant that looks like a cactus, but requires more care than ordinary cacti. Very unpretentious, with proper care, the Decembrist grow for about 20 years. The Decembrist comes from Africa, has a bright and pleasant color of flowers. It is important that the Schlumberger grows very quickly, after a while it occupies a large space.

How and when to feed the Decembrist

The period of active growth and flowering of the plant lasts from March to August. It's not a mistake! It's all about the different times of the onset of the seasons in the southern and northern hemispheres, so the Decembrist blooms in our apartments in December. It is during these months that you should start feeding him.

It is recommended to carry out stem and root dressing , spray and wipe the leaves in time. Try to do this carefully so as not to break off, the stems do not damage the Decembrist. Fortunately, you don’t need to feed him much, so you can only do harm. More doesn't mean better.

The frequency of feeding depends on the conditions in which the plant is kept:

• growing in a greenhouse. With this method of cultivation, the Decembrist needs to be fertilized only once a week;
• room conditions. In such a situation, fertilizers should be applied even less often, about once a month.

Do not forget that it is very important in what soil the flower grows. It should be loose and light. good decision will take half the peat, and fill the remaining place with sand, mixed in half with ordinary earth.

Feeding the Decembrist before flowering

During flowering, some of the flowers may fall off. It's perfect normal reaction, but it may mean that the soil lacks phosphorus and potassium. It is for this that fertilizers should be applied, and this should begin from the beginning of March, and one month before the start of flowering (in our latitudes it begins in December), stop feeding. In the summer, when the Decembrist leaves grow strongly, the frequency of fertilization is increased up to 2 times a month.

For top dressing use universal liquid fertilizers for cacti and flowering plants purchased from a specialized store. A weak solution of mullein will also work. If there is a home wood ash, then she will also become excellent fertilizer. Remember that a month before flowering (it begins around December), top dressing should be excluded.

Home fertilizers for the Decembrist

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

• Sugar- perhaps one of the most popular dressings. It is necessary to dilute 1 tablespoon of sugar in 500 ml of water and pour the earth with this solution. For the best effect of the fertilizer, an EM preparation should be used.
• 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, spreading plain water in half.
• Yeast. They contain a large amount of useful substances and minerals that 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 top dressing sometimes stronger than those sold in the store.

Among the most popular houseplants is an unusual native of the South American tropics - Zygocactus or Schlumbergera, better known as folk names Decembrist and Rozhdestvennik. Cactus family. This epiphyte begins to bloom in the midst of tropical summer, which falls in November-December, that is, in winter, which is why it was named accordingly. Unlike its relatives, the Decembrist flower does not have thorns, requires a lot of moisture and is afraid of direct sun. While other indoor plants are resting, zygocactus pleases the eye of its owner with large clusters of flowers of various shades.

The Decembrist can be found on thick tree trunks or bare rocks in the southern regions of Brazil. What does a flower look like? His description is as follows: it has a branched flat stem, consisting of flattened leaves up to 5 cm long with teeth along the edges. In the wild, the flowering period of this plant is a couple of weeks, and indoor flower Decembrist blooms for 2-3 months. In addition, there are varieties and types of Decembrists that bloom several times a year (in March, August and November).

Despite the fact that there are only six species of the Decembrist, they are all very whimsical to growing conditions, therefore they are rarely found on window sills. ordinary apartments. To date, many interspecific hybrids that are insensitive to adverse conditions have been bred. Among them, the most popular, undemanding and abundantly blooming is Schlumbergera buckleyi, which can be found in any flower shop. The most common colors of the Decembrist flowers of this hybrid are red, pink, white, purple, yellow. Least of all, you can see a white Decembrist on the windowsills - this is a rare, but very beautiful and delicate flower.

In general, very unpretentious flower Decembrist: its care and reproduction is within the power of even completely inexperienced lovers of indoor plants.

Zygocactus care at home

Each indoor plant has its own characteristics and puts forward its own requirements for the conditions of detention. And zygocactus is no exception. To understand how much this flower blooms, one should determine some of its features based on the growing conditions in the natural environment.

Suitable Growing Conditions

Lighting. As in natural conditions, the Decembrist flower at home prefers to be in partial shade with diffused lighting. Excess sunlight can negatively affect the growth of the plant and provoke reddening of the edges of the leaves. Zygocactus also feels good on window sills overlooking north side and under artificial lighting.

Temperature. Proper care of the Decembrist flower provides for the creation of the correct temperature regime in different periods its development. The plant survives even when temperatures fluctuate from +2 to + 38 degrees, but it is optimal to keep it in the temperature range from + 18 to + 30 degrees. This mode must be maintained throughout the entire flowering period. At its end, the plant begins a dormant period, so it should be moved to a cooler room with a temperature of + 10- + 14 degrees. From mid-March, when the zygocactus begins a period of active shoot growth, it will need heat, so the temperature should be returned to the indicators of the flowering period.

soil and container. For the Decembrist, a small wide pot and a moderately acidic light substrate are suitable. Experts believe that for this species the ideal composition of the soil is as follows: 1 part perlite and two parts sphagnum or rotted peat with perlite. But Zygocactus also grows well on more familiar soils, consisting of equal parts of leafy, soddy soil, coarse sand and peat.

Watering the Decembrist: features

To understand how to water the Decembrist, you should remember that habitat its habitat is characterized by an abundance of rainfall and high humidity. Therefore, it is better to forget that this plant belongs to the Cactus family, and water it like an ordinary leafy indoor flower. Ideally, if the watering of the Decembrist will be carried out as the topsoil dries out in a pot with soft settled water at room temperature. Zygocactus also responds well to regular spraying.

Top dressing and fertilization

What does a flower love, and how should it be fertilized? In order for caring for a Decembrist flower at home to give the desired results, one should not forget about feeding. And although the need for additional fertilizer in the plant is low, it is recommended to apply it at least 4 times a year. Feeding should be stopped a month before the appearance of buds.

Pruning and breaking stems

Pruning, or rather a fragment of stem segments, improves the shape of the plant and is usually carried out after flowering. The procedure consists in the fact that the extra segments are clamped with two fingers and, as it were, unscrewed with gentle movements. Young Decembrists may not need a fragment, but after it is carried out, old specimens branch more readily, form stronger shoots and bloom more profusely.

Transplanting a plant to another pot

Novice flower growers often ask the question, when is the best time to transplant the Decembrists. It is recommended to carry out this procedure at the end of flowering, that is, in the second half of February. Young plants in a little pot bigger size transplanted annually, and adults as needed (about once every 3-4 years). Zygocactus requires a shallow, wide pot with a thick layer of drainage, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water. For a flower will do slightly acidic substrate for cacti with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

Decembrist transplantation has a positive effect on the power of the stems and the formation of buds. A well-groomed plant can delight with its flowering for about 20 years.

Reproduction of the Decembrist in various ways at home

To the questions of how the Decembrist reproduces and how to breed it, the answer is very simple - vegetatively, by cuttings. To do this, unscrew the shoot with 2-3 segments from the shoot, dry it for a week and dig it into moist soil. Planted stalk is better to cover glass jar to create a greenhouse effect and put in a shaded place. For rooting to be successful, the temperature in the room should be maintained within the range of +15 to +20 degrees. Often, Decembrist reproduction is carried out immediately after pruning, since after the formation of the plant, material remains ready for planting.

Reproduction of zygocactus is possible and seed way. Few people know how to propagate the Decembrist with seeds. Since in room conditions natural pollination does not occur, then it must be done artificially. After about six months, you can get a box with mature seeds that looks like a wild rose. Zygocactus seeds are distinguished by high, but uneven germination, germinate well in a moist substrate. The first sprouts may appear within a few weeks after sowing. Due to the large time and labor costs among flower growers, the vegetative propagation method is considered more preferable.

Potential Growing Problems

Despite the fact that the zygocactus is absolutely unpretentious and easy to care for, many flower growers who are just starting to grow it have some difficulties. It often happens that the Decembrist flower does not bloom for a long time, or for unknown reasons, its leaves fall or the flowers have already fallen. Such situations are the most common and cause a lot of anxiety among lovers of this plant.

Decembrist does not bloom

Growing a Decembrist flower at home is not difficult at all, but sometimes it is problematic to achieve its flowering.

The beginning of autumn is a very important period in life cycle zygocactus. It was at this time that the laying of buds and preparation for flowering began. If care during this period is incorrect, then the flowering of the Decembrist may not occur.

During the 75-90 day bud formation period, which begins in September, the plant should be kept in a cooler location and watering should be limited. Fertilizing and spraying should also be postponed. After the appearance of the first flowers, the zygocactus should be transferred to a warm room and begin to water intensively.

Sometimes the Decembrist does not bloom for a long time due to a lack of certain soils. chemical elements. This can happen if the plant has not been transplanted for a long time, and the mineral reserves in the soil have been exhausted. So how to feed the Decembrists in this case? A suitable fertilizer is considered to be a universal mineral complex for cacti, as well as a solution of mullein and wood ash. In the summer months, the plant is fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, and in November-December - with potassium-phosphorus. With the onset of spring, the soil in the pot is recommended to be replaced with a new one, saturated with nutrients.

One more thing to remember important rule- after the appearance of the first flowers, the pot with the plant must not be moved or even rotated. This can cause the buds to drop. Similar consequences await the flower and with insufficient watering.

Why does the Decembrist's leaves wither?

More often wilted leaves for the Decembrist, this is a sign of irregular watering, insufficient lighting, or illness. This symptom is observed in plants that have become ill with late blight or phytium. To determine that it was these diseases that caused the wilting, you should carefully examine the base of the root, the so-called neck. If it collapses, then the cause is infections, because ordinary decay begins from deep roots.

The Decembrist often withers due to damage to the root system. This can be determined by slightly shaking the stem of the flower. If the plant has lost resistance, then, most likely, its roots die off due to watering with too cold water or from abundant watering in conditions low temperatures flower content. Also, the roots can collapse from overheating. If there is a lot of moisture in the flowerpot, and it stands in the sun, then the roots will dry out, and if there is not enough, they will dry out.

To save the plant, you should change the conditions of its maintenance. If the flower has rotted from cold or an abundance of moisture, then it is necessary to increase the temperature and reduce watering so that the overly wet earth dries out. If the flower is hot, move it to the shade or away from the batteries and heating appliances. The lack of improvement in the condition after the measures taken indicates the advisability of plant transplantation. If this did not help, and the flower continues to die, then it is better to put it on shoots. This way you can get several young plants, the chances of survival of which will be much higher.

Excessive feeding can also lead to the death of the flower. Some of the fertilizers large quantities can literally burn the root system, so top dressing should be moderate.

Diseases and pests of culture

All varieties of the Decembrist are resistant to pests and diseases, however, improper care of the plant at times increases the risk of damage. Fusarium, phytium and late blight are the most common Decembrist diseases characterized by a fungal nature. The first disease occurs as a result of the fungi of the genus Fusarium getting on the affected segment of the flower. Treatment requires the use of fungicides.

Phytophthora and phytium can spread to root collar plants from contaminated soil. You can notice the disease by changing the color of the flower to gray or white, as well as withering and falling off of the segments. In the treatment of these diseases, the drugs "Maxim", "Topaz", "Vitaros", "Skor" have proven themselves well.

If the flowers and leaves of the Decembrist withered and die off, this is a sign of damage to his red flat tick, also known as the Greenhouse flat plant. This pest can significantly weaken the plant and make it vulnerable to various diseases. Practically any acaricides (Nissoran, Envidor, etc.) are effectively used for the treatment of ticks.

Shchitovka is another unpleasant pest of zygocactus. It has the appearance of small rounded scales of light brown color, located on the leaves of the plant. The pest should be removed mechanically, cleaning it from the leaves, previously treated with an alcohol-soap solution.

Also, the plant can be affected by spider mites. They look like very small dots of red, brown or orange color. A plant infected with a mite is covered with a rusty coating and may drop leaves. The fight against this pest is based on the use of special anti-tick drugs: Fitoverma, Neoron, Aktellika.

In general, the Decembrist is a very easy plant to care for. Knowing the features of the agricultural technology of a flower, you can keep a Decembrist at home and admire its lush flowering without applying special efforts. A lot of useful information in an article about

On New Year's Eve blooms on the windowsills of many apartments beautiful flower Decembrist. It got its name due to flowering in December, when there are bitter frosts in the yard. With their unusual flowers and unpretentiousness in care, the Decembrist came to the taste of many flower growers. A flower grown at home in compliance with all the rules is able to delight with its flowering several times a year.

Description and photo of the Decembrist flower

Decembrist or zygocactus Schlumberger refers to forest cacti although it does not have spines. In nature, it grows on trunks and roots. tropical trees. Bushes 30-40 cm high consist of hanging branched green stems formed from segments similar to leaves.

The root system of the Decembrists is rather weak, therefore, under adverse conditions, it dies. However, zygocacts are distinguished by the presence of "search" roots and aerial roots that capture moisture from the air. As a result, the plant survives, and the root system is restored.

At the tops of shoots from the alveoli appear multi-tiered, long tubular flowers with a bunch of long stamens. Under natural growing conditions, the spectacular zygocactus stamens are pollinated by hummingbirds. The natural color of the flowers is white or red. To date, breeders have bred Decembrist varieties with flowers of crimson, purple, yellow, white and pink shades.

How to care for the Decembrist at home?

Zygokatus grow at good lighting but do not like direct sunlight. They do not tolerate temperature extremes, because in the conditions of tropical forests the weather is always warm and humid. If the care of the Decembrist will be closer to natural conditions, then the plant will always be healthy and beautiful.

Location

Zygocactus is the best grow on oriental windowsills. 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, zygocactus 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

Comfortable temperature for the growth and flowering of zygocactus fluctuates between 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.

Watering and feeding

Caring for the Decembrist at home coincides with the conditions for growing indoor deciduous plants. He needs regular watering with settled water at room temperature.

If the air in the room is dry, then The lack of moisture is compensated in two ways:

1. Daily spraying of the plant with settled water.
2. Place the flower pot on a tray with wet drainage, peat moss or moss.

With the onset of spring, the zygocactus needs monthly top dressing. For this, they are used complex fertilizers for flowers, the dose of which should be half as much as it is written in the instructions. In summer, the plant is fed twice a month, and in the fall, the Decembrist does not need fertilizers.

pruning zygocactus

When caring for the Decembrist, one should not forget about pruning, after which the bush will take on an attractive appearance and will bloom profusely. To do this, in June, ugly and improperly growing shoots are shortened. And experienced growers recommend parts of the shoots not to cut, but to unscrew manually.

The flower is transplanted in the last days of February immediately after flowering. Pot for the Decembrist should be wide and not very high because its roots are superficial. At the bottom of the pot, be sure to pour a layer of drainage.

The Decembrist prefers a light, loose substrate, which includes:

• peat - 2 parts;
• fertile soil - 1 part;
• coarse sand - 1 part.

For disinfection, a little crushed coal can be added to the mixture, and for good water permeability, brick chips or vermiculite can be added.

Young plants are transplanted annually into pots that are only two centimeters larger than the previous one. Mature plants should be repotted as needed, but not more than once every three to four years.

Potential Growing Problems

When cared for in compliance with all the rules, the zygocactus grows well and blooms profusely. However, problems may arise during cultivation, so it is recommended to study the main ones.

Diseases and pests of the Decembrist

The plant may be besieged by some insects and fungal diseases . Therefore, the leaves of the plant must be periodically inspected.

Why does the Decembrist not bloom?

Most often p The reason lies in non-observance of growing conditions:

1. Insufficient watering.
2. Insufficient lighting.
3. The plant is cramped in a pot and needs a transplant.
4. Insufficiently nutritious soil.

In order for the plant to bloom, it must be properly prepared for flowering. To do this, in the fall he is provided with a period of rest, removing the zygocactus in a cool room. At this time, it practically does not need to be watered and it does not need to be fed at all. To make the zygocactus bloom, at the end of November it is moved to a well-lit place and watered. The plant will "wake up" and begin to pick up buds.

To achieve the abundant flowering of the Decembrist, for no m must be properly cared for:

1. In winter, the plant is recommended to be illuminated with an additional light source.
2. During the flowering period, you can not move and turn the pot, as well as prepare cuttings for propagation.
3. It is strictly forbidden to expose the plant to temperature changes during flowering.
4. If there is cool air in the room, then flowering will last longer.
5. The bush will bloom profusely in a narrow pot.
6. Promotes more active flowering temperature regime not higher than +16C.
7. After a dormant period, watering and fertilizing are resumed very carefully. Otherwise, the plant can get a lot of stress and drop buds.

If you brought a blooming Decembrist home, and its flowers began to fall off, you should not panic. The plant simply adapts to new growing conditions.

Why does the zygocactus wither?

As already mentioned above, the plant wilts if it suffers from fungal diseases. But there may be another reason, root rot.

If the trunk of the Decembrist began to sway, and the flower itself lost its stability, then it is possible that its roots died. This can happen as a result of watering with cold water, hypothermia of the plant, or, conversely, from overheating the flowerpot in the sun. Roots can burn too much fertilizer.

If such a problem is found, the flower must be urgently transplanted into another soil. The roots are examined during transplantation, the affected ones are removed. Then the root system of the plant sprinkled with a little crushed coal and dries up. After that, the zygocactus is planted in a fresh earthen mixture and watered only as needed.

Why are the leaves falling?

Decembrist leaves may fall seemingly for no reason. However, nothing is so simple, so you should find out the reason:

1. If the plant is infected with pests, then it is treated with special preparations.
2. If the leaves of the plant are clean and there are no insects on them, then perhaps the reason is a lack of nutrients. In this case, the Decembrist is watered or sprayed with fertilizers for epiphytic cacti.
3. The reasons for the fall of the end segments can be: a draft, sudden changes in temperature, too dry air, or an untimely transplant.

Reproduction of the Decembrist

Zygocactus propagates vegetatively, that is, by cuttings. To do this, two extreme segments are torn off or unscrewed from the shoot, which must be dried for several days. During this time, small containers or seedling boxes are prepared and filled with soil.

Segments planted in moist soil and covered with glass or polyethylene. In this case, a greenhouse effect will occur and the shoots take root well and give roots. The containers should be kept in the shade at a temperature of 15-20C. Every day the glass needs to be raised, airing the seedlings. It is also necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out during rooting.

Most often, cuttings of the Decembrist are carried out after pruning, since as a result of such a procedure, a lot of ready-made planting material remains.

At good care Decembrist flower at home lives up to twenty years. It can be grown in simple pots as a shrub, or in hanging planters as an ampelous plant. Beautiful, long and abundant flowering in the cold winter months and fairly easy care make the plant very popular among flower growers.

Indoor flower Decembrist