How to grow a Decembrist at home?

At the moment when the crackling winter frosts are outside the window, an unusual tropical cactus blooms on the windowsills. It has no needles, has dark green shoots and pleases the owner with the appearance of buds only once a year. Caring for a Decembrist flower at home is different from caring for other cacti, but there is no difficulty in it.

Decembrist flower - cultivation features

The Decembrist is a forest cactus that grows in the wild on the trunks of tropical trees. Their root system is not very resistant to unfavorable factors, this can cause the death of the plant. Decembrist bloom begins in November and ends in February.

With proper care, the plant can live up to 20 years.

During flowering, do not turn or move the pot, because of this, the buds may fall off. The Decembrist does not like dry air, so it can be sprayed from a spray bottle. In order to prolong flowering, you can cover the trunk of the plant with snow or ice from the refrigerator.

How to properly care for a plant at home

The Decembrist loves water, which makes it different from other cacti. You need to water it with warm liquid, and you can also place the flower on a tray with damp pebbles. It is better to grow it on the eastern windows. In summer, the flower can be taken out into the fresh air, and in winter the temperature in the room can be kept at least 10-11 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and do not turn it only one side to the light, otherwise the plant will be "one-sided".

The Decembrist is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, so he needs to be examined periodically. The flower may be damaged by a spider mite, scabbard and mealybug. At the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to start treatment with drugs.

Lighting, temperature control

The Decembrist cannot be kept under the scorching sunlight; it will be much more comfortable for him in diffused lighting.It is best to place it on the east or north-east windows. If you can place the zygocactus only on the south side, then the plant will need to be shaded to avoid sunburn.

For flowering, the Decembrist needs the day to become short, this period falls on the winter. The temperature in the room during this time drops to 10-15 degrees. It often happens that only the part of the flower that was facing the cold window blooms. But it is also impossible to reduce the temperature too much, the plant does not tolerate frost and may die. In summer, the Decembrist feels great at 18-24 degrees Celsius.

Soil requirements

First of all, you need to carefully consider the choice of soil for the pot. The Decembrist loves light, nutritious soil with good drainage. The soil should easily allow moisture and air to pass through. Often a mixture of peat, leaf earth and sand is used for these purposes. You can also add humus and sod to the soil. The best soil for the Decembrist is slightly acidic. You can use ready-made succulent potting mix.

Before planting a flower, the ground must be disinfected. For these purposes, crushed coal can be used. For greater airiness of the soil, small pieces of tree bark and perlite are added to it.

Watering, feeding

The plant is watered all year round. Although a cactus can store a certain amount of water in its leaves, it will not last for a long time. Decembrists naturally grow in tropical rainforests and they need liquid. Drought will lead to the death of the roots and the death of the plant.

Watering should be constant but moderate. With prolonged waterlogging, the roots of the plant can rot. Water the flower after the top earthen layer has dried. You can place the pot on a pallet with damp pebbles.

From the beginning of September, the Decembrists begin to feed with potash fertilizers and stop after the beginning of flowering. After the buds have fallen off, the plant rests on nutritional supplements. Starting from March-April, the tropical cactus is fed with complex fertilizer for potted flowers.

How to cut a Decembrist?

June is the best time for the circumcision of the Decembrist. In order to form a beautiful crown, shoots that grow incorrectly are removed. After the procedure, the plants bloom more intensively and look better. It is better not to cut the shoots, but to twist them off, so less damage is done to the flower.

Transfer

A young Decembrist needs a transplant once a year, in the spring. The pot is chosen not too large, since it is easy to water the plant in it. Adult Decembrists are transplanted every 3-5 years.

It is best to choose a pot that is short but wide. It is forbidden to transplant the plant during flowering, this will negatively affect its health. The container is filled by a third with drainage, the rest is occupied by the soil layer, which is previously disinfected with crushed coal.

When replanting, loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and remove the plant along with the soil. Slightly clean the root system of soil residues and bury the Decembrist in new soil. Water the flower abundantly after transplanting.

Post-flowering care

After flowering, the Decembrist is moved to a cool place and slightly limited in watering. The room should be protected from direct sunlight, it is better if there is partial shade in it. At the end of March, the flower is transferred back and the flow of moisture is increased. They also begin to apply mineral fertilizers.

Reproduction of the Decembrist flower

Decembrists' flowers reproduce in short cuttings, 2-3 links in each. Pieces of stems are gently broken off from the plant and left to dry for 2-7 days. For faster rooting, the procedure is carried out in the spring-summer period, when the night is shorter than the day. The best temperature for breeding Decembrist is 25 degrees Celsius.

Before planting, treat the lower tip with Kornevin and deepen the cutting into the substrate.The best soil will be a mixture of equal proportions of peat and perlite. Water the plant liberally. Spray the flower periodically with a spray bottle, this will promote faster rooting.

You don't need to create a greenhouse effect by covering the scion with a glass jar or bottle. With free access of air and favorable temperature conditions, the plants root perfectly. Make sure that the soil does not dry out. Keep the flower in the shade and away from direct sunlight.

Many growers combine the reproduction of the Decembrist with pruning, because in the process a large number of cuttings are formed. Since the plant is pruned in June, this is justified, because the summer months are favorable for obtaining new zygocactus.

Pests and possible plant diseases

Decembrist is quite resistant to pests and other diseases with proper care.

Insects dangerous for the plant:

• mealybug;
• spider mite;
• shield.

To get rid of pests, it is best to use special preparations sold in a flower shop. For prevention, the plant must be regularly inspected and sprayed.

Also, the Decembrist is susceptible to infections:

• bacterial;
• fungal.

Prevention is a regular examination of the flower and quick treatment at the first signs of the disease.

With a bacterial infection, wet slippery spots appear on the plant. For treatment, you can remove the affected shoots, but this method does not always give a positive effect and the disease spreads. In this case, you can take healthy cuttings for propagation and root them, and destroy the old plant.

With a fungal infection, the Decembrist becomes pale, shoots begin to fade. This is due to damage to the root collar of the plant. For treatment, drugs are used that can be purchased at a flower shop, for example, Topaz or Maxim.

Why does the Decembrist not bloom, wither, fall off?

If the Decembrist does not bloom, then either there are errors in caring for him, or the plant is sick.

The most common reasons for the poor condition of zygocactus:

• damage by insect pests or infection;
• poor moisture intake;
• bad light;
• insufficient nutrient soil;
• too hot room;
• the pot has become small and the plant needs a transplant.

If you recently purchased a blooming Decembrist and its buds have fallen off, then you should not worry, as the plant reacts to a change in room.

On New Year's Eve, a beautiful Decembrist flower blooms on the windowsills of many apartments. It got its name due to flowering in December, when there are bitter frosts in the yard. With its unusual flowers and unpretentious care, the Decembrist fell in love with 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 Schlumberger's zygocactus belongs to forest cacti, although it does not have thorns. In nature, it grows on the trunks and roots of tropical trees. Bushes 30-40 cm high consist of hanging branchy green stems formed from segments similar to leaves.

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

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

How to take care of a Decembrist at home?

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

Location

Zygocactus is best grow on eastern windowsills... It is not recommended to put a pot with a plant near the southern windows, since the segments of its stems will begin to turn yellow and crumble from direct sunlight. If the Decembrist cannot provide diffused light, it must be shaded.

During bud formation and flowering, the plant pot should not be turned or rearranged. Otherwise, the flower will throw off its buds.

In summer, zygocactus can be grown on a balcony, loggia or garden. In this case, he needs to find a well-lit place protected from 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 from + 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 a 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 for in two ways:

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

With the beginning of spring, the zygocactus needs monthly feeding. For this, complex fertilizers are used for flowers, the dose of which should be two times less than what is written in the instructions. In the summer, the plant is fed twice a month, and in the fall, the Decembrist does not need fertilizers.

Pruning zygocactus

When caring for a Decembrist, do not forget about pruning, after which the bush will take on an attractive appearance and bloom profusely. To do this, in June, ugly and improperly growing shoots are shortened. Moreover, experienced flower growers recommend not cutting off parts of the shoots, but unscrewing them by hand.

Decembrist transplant

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

Decembrist prefers a light, loose substrate, which includes:

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

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

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

Possible growing problems

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

Diseases and pests of the Decembrist

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

1. If whitish lumps, similar to cotton wool, appear between the shoots, it means that the Decembrist is infected with mealybug. Getting rid of a pest is quite difficult. We need urgent treatment of the plant with special preparations that are sold in flower shops.
2. The leaves covered with a rusty bloom and an almost invisible cobweb indicate that the zygocactus is infected with a spider mite. They are very small and almost invisible insects of reddish, yellow or brown color. They appear when there is insufficient air humidity. You can get rid of them with the help of the drug "Neoron", "Fitoverm", "Actellik".
3. Of the fungal diseases, the Decembrist is most often affected by phytophthora, phytum, fusiriosis. First of all, the root collar of the flower suffers, as a result of which it begins to wither in moist soil, becomes gray and pale, and loses its segments. In this case, the plant must be treated with Vitaros, Topaz and Maxim fungicides. In addition, you need to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged. It should dry well between waterings.

Why doesn't the Decembrist bloom?

Most often nthe reason lies in non-compliance with growing conditions:

1. Insufficient watering.
2. Insufficient lighting.
3. The pot is too small for the plant and a transplant is required.
4. Insufficiently nutritious soil.

In order for the plant to bloom, it must be properly prepared for flowering. For this, in the fall, he is provided with a dormant period, removing the zygocactus in a cool room. At this time, it practically does not need to be watered and 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 abundant flowering of the Decembrist, for neitherm it is necessary to properly care for:

1. In winter, it is recommended to illuminate the plant with an additional source of illumination.
2. During the flowering period, you cannot move and rotate the pot, as well as prepare cuttings for propagation.
3. It is strictly forbidden to expose the plant to temperature extremes during flowering.
4. If there is cool air in the room, the flowering will last longer.
5. The bush will bloom profusely in a narrow pot.
6. A more active flowering is facilitated by a temperature regime not higher than + 16C.
7. After a dormant period, watering and feeding is resumed very carefully. Otherwise, the plant can get a lot of stress and shed the 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 zygocactus wither?

As mentioned above, the plant withers if it suffers from fungal diseases. But there may be another reason - this rotting roots.

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

If such a problem is found, the flower needs to be urgently transplanted into another soil. When transplanting, the roots are examined, 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 do leaves fall?

Decembrist leaves may fallseemingly for no reason. However, nothing happens so easy, 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 temperature changes, too dry air, or a transplant made at the wrong time.

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 are planted in moist soil and covered with glass or polyethylene. In this case, there will be a greenhouse effect and the shoots take root well and give roots. Containers should be kept in the shade at a temperature of 15-20C. The glass must be lifted daily to ventilate the seedlings. It is also necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out during rooting.

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

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

Indoor flower Decembrist

Every year, on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, the Schlumberger zygocactus blooms, which is better known as the Decembrist. It is the ability to bloom in winter and unpretentious care that this delightful and unusual flower has won many fans for itself. If provided with proper care, the flower will be able to bloom several times throughout the year. In the article we will tell you about the cultivation of the Decembrist, give advice on watering, feeding and transplanting.

The Decembrist, popularly referred to as a Christmas tree, is a fairly popular and beautiful decorative house plant.

Types and varieties of Schlumberger's zygocactus

Basically, Schlumberger's zygocactus blooms in a pink-lilac color, but breeders have bred (and are breeding) many new species and varieties, due to which the palette of shades has significantly increased. There are several varieties of this flower. Some are more in demand, others are rare. Among the most popular are the following:

Name	Plant characteristics	Description of colors
Golden Fever	The fleshy stems of a green hue have a drooping arrangement.	Flowers are tubular, multi-tiered, large. Their color is bright yellow.
Malissa.	A compact plant with short stems. The segments are small, glossy. May bloom for more than 4 months.	In comparison with the bush, the flowers are much larger. They are white, multi-tiered with rounded petals. The pink pistil is very long, so it hangs from the calyx.
Dark Eve.	A small plant with drooping stems. Blooms for a long time, profusely.	The edges of the white flowers are pink.
Chris Kringle.	A compact plant with fleshy, glossy green segments. Blooms for a long time.	The flowers have a multi-tiered tubular shape. The bright red petals are pointed at the ends.
Peach Perfe	A small bush with vertical shoots. The segments of the stems are shaped like leaves.	Small peach flowers. They have a multi-tiered shape.

Features of caring for the Decembrist

Although the zygocactus plant is unpretentious, if it is not provided with the necessary conditions, it may not bloom for years. What you need to know in order to enjoy beautiful flowers every year and even more - several times throughout the year. There are several factors that are important for a given plant that can influence the appearance or absence of flowers.

1. Lighting. The presence of light is important for zygocactus, but they do not like direct rays of the sun. It is best to place them on or near windows, where direct sunlight cannot enter. In addition, periodically, potted plants need to be turned - on the side where the light source is located, the plant usually releases more shoots and leaves. Thanks to this, the plant will not be one-sided. But, when shoots appear and flowering begins, it is better not to disturb the Schlumberg.
2. Content temperature. This plant does not tolerate high temperatures - if it is hot in the room, the zygocactus can drop buds and even flowers. In addition, in a cool room (18-20 degrees), the plant will bloom much longer and more abundantly. After the last flowers have faded, the Decembrists need to be taken out to a place where the temperature is lower (loggia, balcony).
3. Pruning. It is used to make the bush look attractive. In addition, after pruning, Decembrists bloom better and more abundantly. Pruning is carried out in June, removing ugly shoots or those that grow incorrectly. Moreover, not all unnecessary shoots need to be cut off, and some of them need to be unscrewed by hand - this is exactly what experienced flower growers advise to do.
4. Airing. Zygocactus do not like too high temperatures, so for the summer they need to be taken outside or on the balcony and left in a place that is protected from the sun.

Decembrists come in various colors, so everyone can choose the most suitable for their liking, as well as for the color of the interior, the form of flowering may also differ.

How to water Schlumberger's zygocactus

Although this plant is a zygocactus, it belongs to a deciduous plant and therefore needs frequent watering. But this does not mean that it can not be watered, but poured: both the complete drying out of the soil and its excessive moisture cannot be tolerated by the Decembrists. With waterlogging, the plant rots and later the roots die off, and with a lack of moisture, the plant weakens and does not bloom. For irrigation, do not use fresh, freshly drawn cold water. It is best to defend it and warm it up a little.

Tip # 1. Zygocactus are very fond of bathing and spraying. This procedure can be carried out weekly, but only with warm water.

In spring and summer days, the Decembrists are watered only when the soil (its top layer) dries up noticeably. At first, in the fall, watering is carried out no more often than once every 7-8 days: the plant needs to rest before flowering. When the first buds appear, you need to restore the regularity and abundance of watering.

Advice from experienced specialists: before flowering, it is advisable to spray zygocactus every day. During the entire flowering period, you need to water the flowers regularly, preventing the soil from drying out. If there is dry air in the room or the soil dries up, the buds and flowers will surely fall off. When flowering is over, moderate watering should be done again.

How and when to transplant zygocactus

After flowering is completed (early-mid February), the Decembrists need to be transplanted. Young zygocactus are transplanted first every year, and then a year later. For an older plant, this procedure is recommended after 3-5 years. Since the root system of these plants is very weak, any violation of the maintenance regime can lead to its death. Therefore, you need to be very careful when transplanting.

In the picture you can see in close-up what the Decembrist looks like just before flowering, small buds have already appeared on the flower.

There are cases that during transplantation it turns out that the roots are badly damaged. What should be done to save the flower from death? The following actions will help to save the plant:

1. Remove soil from the root.
2. Rinse it with warm water.
3. Remove all damaged areas.
4. Dry the root.
5. Prepare a new disinfected container.
6. Pour a drainage with a height of 3-5 cm on the bottom.
7. Mix well and partially fill the planting containers with the substrate.
8. Place the plant in a pot, leveling out its roots.
9. Pour the substrate to the top, leaving a little space for watering.
10. Water the plant and after the soil has compacted and settled, add some earth.

Tip # 2. It is not necessary to immerse the plant too much in the pot. It should remain at the same level as before transplanting.

The choice of capacity and soil preparation

Since the root occupies only the upper part of the container, it is not necessary to take too deep pots for the zygocactus. The main thing is that they are wide enough. The material of manufacture does not matter. The only requirement is a drain hole. Pebbles, small pebbles, small pieces of brick can be used as drainage. The drainage should occupy at least one third of the height of the planting container.

To provide the plant with all the substances necessary for growth and flowering, it is advisable to buy a ready-made substrate - specialized stores offer it in a large assortment. Read also the article: → "Land and soil for indoor plants."

Experienced growers can prepare the soil themselves, taking for this:

1. Sod land (glass).
2. Sand (glass).
3. Leafy ground (two glasses).
4. Crushed charcoal (1/2 cup)
5. Brick chips (1/2 cup)

Slightly acidic soil is most suitable for the Decembrists - they grow well in it. If the soil does not meet the stated requirements, zygocactus will grow poorly and are unlikely to bloom.

In the photo you can see a rather gentle and unique flowering of the Decembrist, this plant has a huge advantage - it is not particularly demanding to care for.

Breeding features of Schlumberger's zygocactus

You can propagate the Decembrists by cuttings. This can be done at any time when the need arises, but it is best to do it in the summer. For reproduction, you need to take pieces of the stem with two or three segments. They need to be separated from the mother bush and left for a couple of days to dry. To do this, they must be left indoors. Further:

1. Prepare containers (disinfect and rinse).
2. Fill them with some drainage material.
3. Add soil. It needs to be prepared, as well as for transplanting.
4. Water the substrate.
5. Bury the shoot a little in moist soil.
6. Cover the banks on top to create the desired microclimate.
7. You need to remove the can every day for airing.
8. It is necessary to moisten the substrate often, but so that it is neither dry nor very wet.

Fertilizing zygocactus: what and how to use

It is not often necessary to fertilize this type of plants - twice a month for the entire growing season, from November to the end of August. During the dormant period, fertilizers do not need to be applied. For feeding the Decembrists, you can use preparations intended for fertilizing cacti. Read also the article: → "Rules for feeding houseplants with folk remedies and fertilizers."

The table provides information on the most popular types of fertilizers, but this does not mean that you can use others if these drugs are not on sale. You can buy any other fertilizer designed for succulents or cacti.

Name	Release form and features	Appointment
"Kakteen"	Liquid with a set of essential trace elements. Contains an increased dose of potassium.	For the formation of flowers, strengthening the stems, regulating the water balance of the internal tissues of plants.
Scotts Everris	Dry mix designed to be dissolved in water.	For rooting, accelerating growth, abundant flowering, improving immunity.
"Pokon"	Liquid formulation with essential nutrients in ideal proportions.	Activates the growth of green mass, promotes abundant flowering.
«Agricola " reviews of gardeners about fertilizer Agricola	Dry mix. After dissolving in water, it can be used for watering or spraying flowers.	For intense flowering and growth. Not only flowers, but also leaves acquire a more juicy and intense color.
"Good power"	Liquid concentrate with essential trace elements and vitamins.	Improves plant nutrition, activates growth, increases stress resistance, strengthens the immune system.

Zygocactus are far from unpretentious ornamental plants, therefore they are great for growing people who want to enjoy beautiful flowering, but cannot devote much time to the plant.

Growing a Decembrist: possible problems

Sometimes, even with proper care, certain problems arise:

Description	Possible reasons	Elimination
Lack of flowering	Lack of nutrients. Lack of light.	Transplant or fertilize the plant, make sure it is in a sufficiently lit area.
Zygocactus sheds buds. Segments of leaves fall off.	Lack of moisture. The room temperature is too low. Frequent rearrangements.	The choice of action depends on the reason. If there is really not enough moisture, reduce the time gap between waterings.
The segments turned pale. The plant withers.	Roots rotted. Pests have appeared. The plant is in direct sunlight.	Transplant a flower, carefully examine it for pests. If any, apply the appropriate medication. Read also the article: → "Plan for dealing with scale insects on indoor plants + the most effective ways."
Withering and dropping of segments. Flowers die off Yellow spots appeared.	The plant is affected by a flat red mite.	Ticks start when the room is very dry. Frequent humidification of the air will prevent the appearance of the pest, but if it has already hit the flower, it is necessary to apply the appropriate preparations.

The Decembrist does not bloom: how to make him throw away the buds

Sometimes Schlumberger's zygocactus does not want to bloom among novice florists. Is there a way to get the plant out of this state? A few tips from experienced florists will help you achieve the desired result:

1. You need to plant the plant in a slightly cramped pot.
2. Lowering the temperature in the room with the Decembrist will cause him to throw out the buds and extend the time of his flowering.
3. When the zygocactus blooms, you cannot rearrange the plant, change its location.
4. Avoid large temperature drops in the room where the plant is located.
5. Before flowering, it is unacceptable to tear off (let alone cut off) the cuttings. If the dormant state of the flower is disturbed, the buds on it may not appear at all. For the same reason, it is unacceptable to feed the Decembrists in August-October and install them near heat sources.
6. In winter, it is imperative to provide additional lighting - its lack weakens the plant, and it does not bloom.
7. When throwing out the buds, you cannot water the flowers of this type too abundantly, otherwise they can throw off not only them, but also the blossoming flowers.

In the photo you can see the original flowering of the Decembrist white color, the flowers have a rather unusual shape.

Questions about growing a Decembrist and caring for him

Question number 1. What shape and size do you need a pot for a Decembrist?

The first thing to look at is the shape. The pot should not be too narrow and high, but rather the opposite. For a Decembrist, the most suitable option is a low but wide pot. As for the material, then, as practice shows, this does not play a cardinal value. Take your pick.

Question number 2. Why doesn't my Decembrist bloom?

In fact, there can be many reasons. However, the most common are the wrong place, lighting and sudden changes in temperature. During flowering, the plant should never be moved. It is also necessary to monitor the air temperature in the room, it should not change too sharply and be below 20 degrees.

Question number 3. When and how often should zygocactus be transplanted?

The transplantation process is carried out immediately after the flowering of the zygocactus. As for the frequency of transplants, the first few years of the Decembrist need to be transplanted annually so that it grows faster, after which you can transplant in a year.

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Many will now be surprised that the familiar Decembrist flower, which can often be found on the windowsills of our compatriots, is a cactus. After all, home cacti in our view are a streamlined plant with thorns. But scientists identify many unique tropical species that differ significantly from the usual cactus.

Decembrist is an attractive cactus

The Decembrist belongs to the genus of epiphytic cacti. It is also called zygocactus, Christmas tree, barbaric flower, Schlumberger. Brazil is the birthplace of the Decembrist plant. Home care should take into account all the features of its growth.

The Christmas tree was brought to the European continent by A. Kanninger. This collector of tropical plants decided in 1858 to name this cactus Schlumberger.

Flat shoots are devoid of thorns. On the edge of the branch, the shoots have several notches. The most common shades of Decembrist flowers include:

• Orange;
• pink;
• Red;
• purple;
• White;
• purple.

Description

Having decided to grow this plant, you need to know all the features of home care. The photo of the Decembrist during the flowering period delights with colors. It begins to bloom in December, on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Therefore, this flower has acquired the name familiar to us.

Plant petals reach 4-6 cm in length. The buds do not open too quickly, therefore, almost all winter, the Decembrist can delight the eye with bright flowering.

Only 3 species of plants belong to the genus of zygocactus, all the rest are hybrids. Today you can find an attractive flower, very similar to a Christmas flowerpot. This is the "Easter Cactus". These two plants practically do not differ from each other.

In our area, the most common species are "barbarian color" and trunkata.

Care features

A tropical cactus that has successfully taken root on our windowsills blooms by Christmas. Its bright saturated flowers resemble a miniature fairy-tale fireworks. Such a flower perfectly complements the atmosphere of the New Year holidays. Many growers recommend presenting such a flower to their family and friends.

In order for the Decembrist not only to grow well, but also to bloom profusely, ideal conditions should be created for him. Particular attention should be paid to:

• the composition of the soil;
• watering;
• lighting;
• humidity;
• ambient temperature.

Soil composition

For planting, it is recommended to choose a slightly acidic or neutral soil with an optimal pH value of 6.5. This soil provides the roots with good aeration. Florists recommend preparing their own soil for growing from turf, leafy soil, peat and medium-grained sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1.

It is recommended to lay drainage at the bottom of the pot, which will occupy 1/3 of the volume of the container. You can also add pieces of styrofoam or brick shards to the finished soil.

A correctly selected container is the key to the lush flowering of the Decembrist. Home care should be done in a timely manner. The plant must be repotted periodically.

The capacity should be shallow, because the root system is superficially developed. It allows you to get all the nutrients from the topsoil in the wild.

Watering the Decembrist

The plant needs sufficient and regular watering. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the soil is not excessively wet. Use warm soft water for irrigation.

During the period of flowering and bud ovary, special attention should be paid to watering. At this point, the substrate should not dry out. As soon as the last inflorescences are removed, watering should be gradually reduced. But remember that a Christmas tree is a plant that needs permanently moist soil.

Air humidity

The air humidity indicator is very important for tropical plants such as the Decembrist.Home care must take this fact into account. Florists recommend maintaining this figure at over 60%. Low humidity can cause the plant to wilt and discard buds.

The pot can be placed in a deep drain pan. River pebbles are poured onto the bottom, which is subsequently poured with water.

The flower needs regular spraying and a warm shower. But during the flowering period, only the air needs to be humidified.

Ambient temperature

Many people think that tropical plants like high temperatures, such as the Decembrist. Caring for it at home is quite simple. In addition, this plant is unpretentious to the ambient temperature. He feels great in a room with a temperature of +18 oC to +30 oC. A Christmas man can tolerate a short-term drop in temperature to +3 ° C well. But experienced flower growers recommend gradually reducing the temperature to + 15 ° C in September. This manipulation ensures abundant flowering in winter.

Lighting in the room

How to grow a room Decembrist at home? Care should be consistent with the natural habitat of the species. This plant belongs to the cactus family. Remember that its leaves can be damaged by direct sunlight. Therefore, many gardeners recommend placing the Decembrist cactus on windowsills facing the west or east side. At noon, it is recommended to shade the glass with gauze or matte film.

The Christmas tree needs good lighting from the moment the buds appear until the end of its flowering. In addition, it cannot be moved at this moment, otherwise the Decembrist may drop buds or flowers. After that, the plant can be placed in shaded areas - corridor or foyer.

Top dressing

A sufficient amount of nutrients is very important for a good flowering of the Decembrist. Home care does not require frequent feeding. It is necessary to regularly (every 20 days) apply mineral-containing solutions to the soil until the first buds appear. After fertilization, the plant is stopped, and after flowering, it is renewed again.

Fertilizers designed for cacti should be chosen. You can use other mineral fertilizers, but make sure that the proportion of nitrogen in their composition is minimal, and that of phosphorus and potassium is maximal.

These are the basic rules for caring for a Decembrist flower at home.

Plant pruning

This plant tolerates pruning well. You can independently give the bush the desired shape in the phase of active growth. In addition, pruning can also stimulate flowering.

Due to the universal structure of the plant, it is not necessary to use sharp cutting objects. It is enough to carefully unscrew the leaves at their junctions. Proper home care for the Decembrist plant will allow you to get a spectacular flower.

Flowers look attractive in hanging, round pots, flowerpots.

Flower transplant

Plant transplanting is an important part of home care. A photo of a Decembrist flower fascinates many, but not everyone knows how to properly transplant this amazing plant. Young plants should be replanted annually. Adults, however, need to be transplanted once every 5 years. The plant has a developed root system with strong and sturdy roots. Therefore, this manipulation is tolerated quite easily.

On top of the drainage, a small amount of soil is poured into the container, the flower is lowered and the roots are straightened. Fill the pot with the rest of the potting mixture and water the plant well.

In the first 2 days, it is advisable to place the plant in partial shade.

If the Decembrist does not bloom

The plant should bloom annually. If the Decembrist did not bloom in winter, home care for him was wrong. The plant clearly lacks minerals, lighting, watering, or pot volume.

The plant can be stimulated.In the fall, a dormant period should be organized by removing the flower in a cool, dark place. Until the end of November, the flower is not watered or fed.

After the Decembrist cactus is exposed on a well-lit windowsill and watered. You will soon be able to see the first buds appear.

All flower growers need to know that the Decembrist blooms profusely, subject to proper care.

Care features

Proper care of the Christmas tree will allow you to enjoy the abundant flowering of the plant in winter. Care features:

• narrow shape of the container for planting;
• additional lighting in winter;
• you cannot move the container during the flowering period;
• do not separate cuttings during flowering;
• after a dormant period, feed and water the plant carefully so that the plant does not drop its buds.

Christmas tree propagation

Many growers often want to share this beauty with their loved ones. Many people like a photo of a Decembrist flower during the flowering period. Care, reproduction at home allow you to grow several copies on your own on your windowsill.

The Decembrist reproduces in 2 ways:

• rooting of the cuttings;
• seeds.

You need to know how to properly care, propagate a flower at home. The first method is often used. To do this, it is necessary to separate the shoot with 4 leaf links from the mother plant. It is not cut off, but twisted. During the day, the shoot is kept in the open air so that the cut dries up.

A wet substrate is laid out in a small plastic cup, a shoot is planted in it. Make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom of the container.

The soil is moistened, covered with a large plastic cup or jar, and left in partial shade. Such a greenhouse allows the plant to take root quickly. Be sure to regularly water and ventilate the plant.

In a month, the shoot will take root, new leaves of the Decembrist flower will begin to appear. Home care for a rooted sprout is the same as for an adult. But the plant should be transplanted into another container over time.

Diseases and pests of the Decembrist

The main task of flower growers is proper home care. The houseplant Decembrist rarely gets sick, because it has good immunity. But sometimes it is necessary to use drugs.

Fungal infections are considered dangerous for the plant - phytium or fusarium. The spores of the fungus first enter the soil, and then infect the plant through the wounds. First of all, the root neck suffers, so it is quite difficult to detect this symptom. Often, growers recognize the defeat of a plant by the color of the plant. The Christmas tree turns pale, turns gray, and some of the leaves-links fall off. These diseases are well treated: fusarium - with fungicides, phytium - with Topaz.

Insufficient humidity and high temperatures will become an excellent environment for the emergence and development of pests: spider mites and scale insects. A sign of a spider mite is yellowish spots and a small silvery cobweb. The scale is a small gray shell on the shoots. To combat, use chemicals or soapy water.

Output

The Decembrist is an unpretentious plant that, with proper care, will delight you with abundant flowering in winter. It will be a great gift for the New Year holidays.