We find out why the Decembrist does not bloom. 10 reasons preventing buds from appearing

The Decembrist flower belongs to the cactus family. It is distinguished from its fellows by the absence of thorns and flowering exclusively in winter. Another distinctive feature of this plant is its rapid growth. Under natural conditions, the Decembrist occupies large spaces and, in an effort to get a better place in the sun, does not allow competitors to enter its territory.

The native land of the plant is the tropics of South America. This explains its flowering at an unusual time: when it snows in the middle lane, a period of rapid flowering begins in the tropics. The Decembrist, having become a houseplant, continues to open its buds according to its biological rhythms. The flower begins to bloom in November and ends by the end of the January holidays.

When should you bloom at home?

In native conditions, the Decembrist begins to bloom from mid-October to mid-March.... This happens after it has been saturated with sufficient moisture during the "Rainy Season".

In our latitudes, such climatic features for Schlumberger are absent, but in the summer season, houseplants are watered more often, this is perceived by the plant as the onset of the tropical "Rainy Season", after which it is actively preparing for flowering.

The time for flowering Schlumberger chooses depending on weather conditions... If April was hot, and the plant needed to be watered more often, then this means an earlier flowering of the Decembrist, i.e. late November - early December.

If summer started late, then do not be surprised that the Decembrist bloomed later - in January or February.

Signs and superstitions about the Decembrist flower

There are several ingrained signs about the Christmas tree that appeared a long time ago, but took root and people still believe in them. For example, unmarried girls are strongly discouraged from growing such a flower, otherwise they will remain old maidens.

About flowering time

For a long time, it has been believed that by the flowering period of a Christmas tree, you can learn a lot about the family that grows it. So, the timely flowering in the month of December promises a good year for everyone living under the roof of the house. It's okay if the zygocactus blooms on New Year's Eve or at the beginning of it, everything will be fine and no troubles are expected.

If the plant begins to throw out flowers in the fall or spring, then you should prepare for the problems that will haunt the whole year; it can be both financial difficulties and illness of family members. At the same time, there is a sign that the flowering of the Decembrist in the fall promises replenishment in the family soon.

A separate signal is the absence of flowers on the plant throughout the year, thus the plant signals tension and omissions between husband and wife, they must be resolved and reconciled, then the Christmas tree will certainly please with abundant flowering.

By the state of the flower

The following superstitions are associated with the appearance and condition of the plant:

• a magnificent and actively growing Decembrist shows an atmosphere of love and care in the family;
• a large number of young leaves informs one of the family members about the disease;
• a flower that grows well for a long time promises peace and tranquility in the house.

Interesting! For creative people, a large number of flowers on the Decembrist promises new horizons and achievements in the coming year.

How to recognize guests' intentions

The Christmas tree will also help you recognize the true intentions of people who come to your home, be they relatives or acquaintances. If among the guests there is a person who wants evil, envies the family, then the plant will certainly droop and may even begin to shed its leaves.

Noticing such changes in the state of the Decembrist, one should remember who was a guest at home during the period when such metamorphoses happened to the plant and limit further communication with people with such negative energy.

About death

Perhaps the most terrible and unpleasant sign associated with the beautiful cactus in question is its role as a harbinger of death. Popular wisdom says that a Christmas tree that has withered for no apparent reason is a symbol of the imminent death of one of the inhabitants of the house where the flower grows.

This sign allowed people to prepare for a future tragedy, but at the same time it alarms, frightens, and many avoid growing zygocactus at home.

Withering flower

How many times a year does this happen?

How often can this bloom be observed? A Christmas tree can bloom only once per calendar year. In 12 months, it goes through four stages of its growth and development, which indicates a long preparation for flowering.

Schlumberger development periods:

• Vegetation.
• Rest (at this time, preparation for the release of buds and their formation takes place).
• Bloom.
• Rest (completion of flowering and recovery).

Schlumberger in its development during the year passes several periods that must be taken into account in order to achieve success in growing this plant.

Let's consider each period in detail:

"Vegetation" periodMarch - September, the plant gains strength, grows and increases the supply of substances necessary and useful for it, releases additional segments. At such a time, the best place for its growth will be an open space, close to growth in its natural environment - this can be a terrace or balcony.

During this period, the plant should be sprayed with warm water and watered as the soil dries. The most suitable temperature for Schlumberger during the growing season will be + 21-24 Celsius.

Period "Rest" - this is September - October. Flower buds begin to form. Watering during this period should be reduced and provide cooler and fresher air, about 11-19C heat. Slightly wrinkled leaves will serve as a signal for watering. It is better to replace water with weak tea leaves.

If no approaching frost is observed until November, then the Schlumberger need not be moved from an open place to a room. The plant is not afraid of temporary, short-term drops in temperature to 4-6C of heat. During watering, watch the amount of liquid entering the plant! Rotting of the root system is characteristic of the Decembrist. Transfusion can kill the plant. Bloom period starts in November and ends in January or February. At this time of year, the flower should be placed indoors, in the place where it was previously, before being transferred to the street. During the flowering period, it is advisable to add potassium-phosphorus fertilizing and water with infusion of water on eggshells, as well as fertilize with a solution of calcium-based nitrate.

The Decembrist blooms at an air temperature of 16-21 Celsius. Throughout the entire flowering period, it is recommended to exclude contact with the plant, i.e. do not rearrange it, do not turn it over and do not wash it. Period "Rest" or recovery from February to March. After the Decembrist faded, the time has come for its formation. The tops of the segments on the shoots should be unscrewed, thereby stimulating the branching process and giving the bush density.

In the fourth period of development, the Schlumberger needs to be watered only at the moment when the top layer of her mail has dried out. BUT! In no case should it be allowed to dry out, as well as overflow.

Characteristics of the variety and the history of growing the Decembrist

Decembrist is the popular name of the plant; you can also find variants of the Christmas tree, zygocactus. The flower owes its common name to its ability to bloom its flowers on Christmas Eve. The plant belongs to the Cactus family, the Schlumberg family and has several varieties:

• Truncated Schlumberger;
• Gertner;
• Buckley.

This plant is native to the forests of South America, where it twines around the trunks of large trees and is abundantly strewn with flowers during the summer. The indoor Christmas tree was bred by breeders and got its place on the windowsills of houses in our country thanks to the original flattened leaves and unusual colors.

Zygocactus has several shades: white, pink, lilac, lilac, violet, peach, and its flowers resemble bells with brightly wrapped edges. Stem tissues lumber in adult Decembrists, and it is also characterized by the constant appearance of new leaves.

The flower is easily propagated by cuttings and, with proper care, blooms several times a year, although today new hybrid varieties have been bred, the flowering period of which is much longer and does not depend on the season.

Propagation by cuttings

The Christmas tree does not require special care rules, but prefers shady places for growth, moderate watering with warm water, the presence of drainage and needs feeding during the period of active growth. It can be transplanted at any time, except for the flowering period. If you follow the basic rules for growing a cactus, you can get an excellent perennial plant that decorates the room with its exotic look.

Actions after flowering

When the flowering period comes to an end, then, like all other plants, the inflorescences begin to dry and fall off - this is a natural process. The frequency of watering during the flowering period of the Decembrist should be reduced.

Once flowering is complete, the Schlumberger should have access to fresh and cool air. There comes a period when the botanist needs to remove the upper segment of the stem and apply food for the flower. Removing the top of the stem helps to create the splendor of the plant.

After flowering, the Decembrist is watered and sprayed from a spray bottle only with warm boiled water.

Optimum temperature

In tropical forests, where this variety of cactus grows, the temperature is constant, and therefore its sharp change can adversely affect the condition of the flower. Ideally, the temperature should correspond to the stage of the growing season in which the Decembrist is.:

• During the period of active growth, the optimum temperature is from 18 to 25⁰С.
• During flowering, it should not fall below 18⁰C and rise above 20⁰C.
• After flowering is over, the forest cactus must be kept at rest at a temperature of 12 to 16 ° C. This will allow the plant to successfully recuperate after active bud formation.

Often, the reason for the fall of the buds is the warm air rising from the hot batteries during the heating season, especially if there are severe frosts in winter. At this time, it is important to make sure that the Decembrist's shoots do not fall into the air currents coming from the heating radiators.

Why do buds fall?

The reasons why the Decembrist's buds fall:

1. Improper plant care is the main cause of bud fall. From the moment the Christmas tree was moved from the street to the room, it is not recommended to change its location, or rotate it, since it is already in the process of bud formation.
2. The reason for dropping the buds can be improper watering and finding the plant in a draft in preparation for flowering.

Why does the Decembrist drop buds during flowering?

The Decembrist appeared in my apartment 15 years ago. I saw how it blooms at school, I asked the employee of the institution for a scion. The librarian broke off three branches and said that the flower is completely unpretentious in growing. When I got home, I dipped the cuttings into the water. After the plant took root, she transplanted it into a specially purchased beautiful ceramic pot.

At first, the plant stood out with juicy leaves, and on the insulated loggia it even had its own place on the wall. In the fall, I transferred the plant to the room on a decorative stand. Then I ran into various problems. And I could not understand:

• Why, with careful care, did the plant stubbornly refuse to bloom?
• When and why does the Decembrist shed its buds in winter?

I never saw the librarian again, and in my environment no one grew a cactus. I had to look for the answer to the question myself in books and on the Internet. The problem is widespread, thanks to the advice of other flower growers, I understood why the Decembrist buds fall, and learned the peculiarities of caring for an indoor flower. I'll tell you about everything in detail in this article.

Reasons why you may not bloom

A common problem with home botanists who grow Schlumberger is improper plant care. Zygocactus will not bloom if:

• not provide him with decent natural light;
• unsuitable growing area (the pot should be medium in size to prevent excessive development of the root system);
• the soil is not characteristic of this type of plant;
• there is no additional feeding of the flower.

Read more about why zygocactus does not bloom at home and how to fix it here, and from this article you will learn about how seasonality affects the plant, as well as how to make the flower grow and give abundant buds.

Common growing questions

For those who are closer to practical advice on caring for Schlumberg, there are answers to some popular questions:

What is the real reason for the untimely flowering of the Decembrist? Firstly, the flowering period depends on the variety, as Ripsadolis always blooms in April, while Schlumberger - in December. In addition, the onset of flowering depends on the amount of fertilizer applied, the correct watering and compliance with the temperature regime for the plant. On which window is it better to keep the flower? Best of all, the Christmas tree will grow on the western and northern windows, as it does not like direct sunlight. If the window sill is located in the south, then in the summer it is necessary to shade the flower, otherwise it will get burned leaves. Is it true that the Decembrist has a bad effect on men? One of the superstitions says that the energy of a flower is bad for the stronger sex and that a man can "survive" from home, but there are no scientific facts proving a bad effect on the health or psyche of men.

Regardless of what we believe in, there are inexplicable things that were noticed by our ancestors and recorded in the signs that have come down to our days. The Decembrist flower has strange magical properties that can influence the life of the person who grows it. The Christmas tree has only a good effect and one should not be afraid of him, but believe it or not, everyone decides.

Care features

For the Decembrist to bloom, it is necessary:

1. On autumn days, let the plant "rest", do not move it from place to place without urgent need, do not touch it with wet sponges or rags, spray it with warm water.
2. Provide the flower with the proper air temperature up to 16C warm, otherwise, at a higher temperature, it will continue to strengthen its stem, and not prepare for the release of buds.

Schlumberger is a very harmonious and unpretentious plant. By purchasing a Decembrist in your home, you will not feel the difficulties in growing it.... Observing several basic rules, he will delight with his beautiful inflorescences all winter and, thereby, create coziness. That will bring a lot of positive emotions and a sense of aesthetic satisfaction to those living in the house.

Is it possible to keep a Decembrist flower at home?

Most indoor plants can be beneficial and harmful in our homes. According to the signs, the flower in question can bring undeniable benefits to the house where it grows:

• will help create a positive atmosphere;
• drive away bad thoughts and desires;
• will reveal secret enemies;
• will contribute to the establishment of relationships and the life of young couples;
• fill even selfish people with kindness;
• activates creativity;
• will help in spiritual development;
• heal joint diseases.

Christmas

On the other hand, some superstitions say that keeping such a cactus at home is not worth it because of its strong energy, which can drive the husband, father out of the family, and negatively affect any man in the family. Some also believe that when the flower withers, it can call for death and lead to losses in the family.

Depending on what a person believes in, he should decide whether he wants to have such a plant in the house. But when buying it, you should remember that the key to beautiful foliage and unusual flowering is proper care.

Useful video

We suggest watching a video on how to achieve the Decembrist bloom at home:

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.

December is a month of searching for gifts for the New Year, summing up the results of the year, etc. flowering Decembrist. Schlumberger's zygocactus - a flower popularly known as the Decembrist, usually blooms before the New Year holidays, but with proper care it can bloom several times a year.

Decembrist (lat. Schlumbergera) is popular due to its unpretentiousness and decorativeness - the plant looks beautiful even in the period between flowering. Caring for a Decembrist is simple, but it has features, the knowledge of which allows you to enjoy the flowering of the plant several times throughout the year.

Popular names of plants of the Schlumberger genus are inspired by the timing of flowering (zygocactus blooms in November, December, January) - "Rozhdestvennik", "Decembrist", "Dekabrina", "Christmas cactus".

Folk omens

Signs and popular superstitions about the Decembrist flower are more benevolent than the reviews of modern magicians.

When asked whether it is possible to keep the Decembrist at home, they answer only positively. Decembrist is a flower, which signs and superstitions do not interfere with being a universal favorite. During its flowering, a holiday is felt in the house, because in the snowy period we are not pleased with the colors of the surrounding nature.

At home, zygocactus, during the flowering period, brings us joy, in the midst of the winter cold, on a short sunny day. Let it bloom and, according to popular beliefs, teach us to find a common language with strangers, easily find compromises and ways out of difficult situations. He takes care of the health of his owners, of the mood that reigns in their common home.

Popular rumor says, not at all what the magicians warn us about. So, not timely flowering predicts not the collapse of illusions, but a series of happy surprises. They can be related to family finances, in the form of bonuses or salary increases. In personal life, they give a reason to change something for the better, to build ideal relationships in a family with their soul mate and children.

Keeping a flowering plant at home, can it really change the course of life? Of course not. But they can bring a good mood, create coziness and warmth, our green friends. They completely depend on us, on our mood and desire to take care of them. What energy you have, good or bad, you can endow the plants with this, and they will react to this with their state.

If you do not water a green friend like the Decembrist, he can shed leaves and buds, and no longer bloom. And there is no need to look for bad omens in this and be afraid of predictions. Give your favorites what they ask for. And then the gratitude of home beauties will be that you will receive a gorgeous live fountain of magnificent exotic flowers for the Holy Feast of Christmas. Therefore, let the Decembrist live in the house, and the signs associated with him remain outside your doorstep, without interfering with living and enjoying new, wonderful events.

Magic and mysticism have long become elements of the life of a modern person, someone believes in horoscopes, and someone in omens. It is a generally accepted fact that there are forces that science is not able to explain and analyze, but they harmoniously flow into the life of everyone. There are plants around which mystical rumors circulate and they are classified as talismans, amulets, or, conversely, unwanted guests at home and in the flower bed.

One of these is the Decembrist, or Schlumberger's cactus; the people associate this flower with various signs and superstitions that help to recognize the atmosphere in the house, benevolent people and even the approach of death. Believe it or not in such signs is an individual matter for everyone, but no one will argue that the Decembrist is a very beautiful plant.

Botanical description

The Decembrist cactus is special - a forest cactus that does not have thorns, growing on the trunks and aerial roots of trees in the tropics. In fact, this is a woody cactus that does not need soil in its natural, natural environment, therefore the Decembrist has a weak, poorly developed root system and a well-developed network of aerial roots. Aerial roots trap moisture from the surrounding air and saturate the plant when soil moisture is insufficient.

Decembrist bushes grow up to 40 cm in height. The stems of Schlumberger's zygocactus are branched, drooping, resembling green leaves connected by a chain. Thanks to drooping stems, the Decembrist looks good in hanging pots, if grown as an ampelous plant.

Decembrist flowers are formed on the top shoots of the stems. The flowers are multi-tiered, resembling tubes with stamens. In nature, the flowers of the Decembrist are white or red, but thanks to the efforts of breeders, purple, pink, and yellow Decembrists have been bred.

Plant location

In nature, the Decembrist grows on the branches of trees, which allows him to receive sufficient lighting, but at the same time, foliage obscures him from the direct rays of the sun. When growing a zygocactus, it is necessary to create conditions as close as possible to natural ones:

• An oriental window is best suited for placing a flower. It will allow the plant to receive the required amount of ultraviolet radiation in diffused lighting.
• On the south and west windows, the sun's rays will burn the shoots of the plant, and this will inevitably lead to shedding of the buds. To protect the flower, it must be shaded or placed next to the window.
• In summer, the Decembrist can be taken out into the open air, for example, on a balcony. But when placing it, it must be borne in mind that the plant must be sheltered from the wind and sun.

The flower grower needs to remember that during the formation of buds, the zygocactus cannot be rearranged, even if its placement does not meet the requirements. Such an action can lead to the fact that the Decembrist will drop the buds and even flowers. The change of growing location should be postponed until the end of flowering.

Caring for the Decembrist at home

Caring for a Decembrist is simple, just remember about his origin. Imagine a rainforest: humidity, diffused light, no drafts, constant temperature all year round, nutritious soil and warm rains.

Create conditions close to tropical and your Decembrist will delight the eye with flowering not only in winter, but also in summer.Even if there is no need to force the Decembrist to bloom in warm weather, for the sake of the health of the plant, it is still recommended to create a semblance of the tropics at home.

Humidity can be provided with regular watering and spraying with warm, soft, water. There is nothing complicated here: it is necessary to water the Decembrist regularly, preventing the earthen clod in the pot from drying out, but spray daily, especially when the heating is on.

Diffused lighting can be created by placing it on the east or west windowsill, or in the back of the room so that direct sunlight does not fall on the stems of the Decembrist. The scorching sun burns the leaves, and the plant begins to ache, there is no time for flowering. Avoid placing the Decembrist pot on a southern windowsill. Decembrist stems turn yellow from sunburn, and the segments of the stems dry out and fall off.

The influence of the Decembrist on fate

People and objects around us can positively or negatively influence our mood, state and, accordingly, our entire life and destiny. And zygocactus grown on the windowsill of an apartment can bring some changes during life situations.

Feng Shui

For those who are fond of the practice of Feng Shui, it will also be useful to have a Decembrist, because he will help improve the atmosphere in the house and relationships. The plant does not require a special location, any place that is suitable for caring for it is permissible, since the zygocactus will be able to generate its energy and influence people constantly, only being healthy and growing.

Acquiring a plant and using the energy of the Decembrist will be effective:

• shy people, a flower will help to liberate and improve social skills;
• psychologists, he will give the opportunity to get clients to talk;
• managers - will create a friendly and trusting atmosphere in the office;
• emotional and unrestrained men - will give peace and harmony.

Note! Thanks to the Christmas tree's ability to transform negative into positive, it will be good to have such a flower for representatives of professions who constantly work with conflicting clients.

The meaning of a flower in astrology

In astrology, the Christmas tree has received considerable attention; it is believed that he is patronized by the planets that endow the plant with their energy, namely:

• Saturn promotes the establishment of the rhythm of life, planning and high productivity;
• The moon gives its tenderness and softness, thanks to which men lose notes of aggression, and women acquire a special refined charm;
• Mercury settles conflicts, develops communication skills and social adaptation.

People who grow the Decembrist receive the energy of the plant and, accordingly, the patronage of the planets with their influence on human life.

Astrologers also claim that the flower is a strong talisman and is simply necessary in homes with young children, for whom it helps develop a creative nature and create an atmosphere of celebration and good mood.

Transplant and pruning of the Decembrist

From time to time, the Decembrist needs to be cut and transplanted into another pot, so it is worth knowing the features of pruning and transplanting a plant. Usually, the Decembrist is transplanted once into a pot with a larger diameter (2 cm more).

The Decembrist is transplanted immediately after flowering, in February, into a wide low pot, which provides drainage from pebbles or small gravel. Make sure to have holes in the bottom of the pot.

The composition of the soil for the Decembrist is as follows: peat, nutrient soil and sand, in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. In any case, the soil should be loose and nutritious.

Experienced cactus growers add crushed charcoal, vermiculite and coarse river sand to the substrate for the Decembrist to improve the air and moisture permeability of the soil.

The Decembrist is pruned in June to give the plant an attractive appearance. Most often, the usual anti-aging pruning is performed: ugly stems and stems growing crooked are removed.To remove diseased stems, sanitary pruning can be done at any time of the year.

Soil moisture and fertilization

The Schlumberger needs to be watered only after the soil has dried out a little. At the same time, it must not be allowed to completely dry out. During the rest period, watering is reduced to once every two weeks. It must be remembered that the flowering of the Decembrist can be adversely affected by both too dry and excessively moist soil.

Zygocactus prefers high air humidity, since its aerial roots actively absorb atmospheric moisture. In colder months, it is recommended to spray the flower every day. separated water at room temperature. In addition, the plant needs to periodically organize warm showers, except during flowering. Frequent spraying can be replaced by installing a cactus pot in a pan filled with wet expanded clay.

The flower can be fed with various complex fertilizers, taking into account the season and the dosage of the substance. Since each season is associated with a certain period of the plant's vegetative cycle, the following schedule should be adhered to when feeding:

• During the autumn and winter months, the Decembrist consumes his own reserves, and therefore does not need fertilizers.
• In the spring, he needs to replenish the reserves of nutrients. To do this, the flower should be fed monthly with half the dose recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer.
• In the summer, Schlumberger is actively accumulating strength for the future formation of buds, which is why it needs to be fed in full twice a month.

Diseases and pests of the Decembrist

The Decembrist is a perennial plant, therefore, during its life, pests and diseases of a different nature can attack the zygocactus, so the plant must be regularly inspected.

Most often, the Decembrist is damaged by mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects and whitefly. Having found pests, it is worth trying folk remedies: washing with soapy water, washing with vodka, etc., and only then apply chemicals.

Like tomatoes and peppers, zygocactus are susceptible to late blight, fusarium and other fungal diseases. The most common cause of fungal diseases is waterlogging of an earthen coma and poor drainage. Fusarium usually affects the root collar of the Decembrist, the plant withers and becomes faded. Treatment of fungal diseases is carried out with fungicides, without waiting for the death of the plant.

Tropical guest of Soviet windowsills

Schlumberger's zygocactus - the difficult to pronounce official name of the plant could not take root in colloquial speech and was supplanted by the simpler and more poetic "Decembrist" or "Christmas". The houseplant received such a name due to the flowering time atypical for our latitudes - in November, buds are massively formed, and already in December the flower appears in all its glory.

From the point of view of botany, the Christmas tree belongs to the cacti, namely to the epiphytic group. Its homeland is the humid jungle of the South American continent, where hanging stems of these plants can be found on tree trunks.

Contrary to popular belief, epiphytes do not parasitize trees, but use them only as a support. They get nutrients and water directly from the air, using numerous aerial roots.

Winter flowering is explained by the origin of zygocactus, because when it is cold January in the Northern Hemisphere, in the Southern Hemisphere it is the height of tropical summer. The white or red flowers that nature endowed the Decembrist with attract hummingbirds, which are its natural pollinators. Thanks to breeders, today crimson, yellow, purple and many other shades are available to flower growers.

Decembrist does not bloom: reasons

Most often, the Decembrist does not bloom due to improper growing conditions: little moisture, little light, cramped pot, poor soil, etc.

In any case, in order for the Decembrist to bloom, it is necessary to prepare it for flowering, providing peace in the fall, removing it in a cool room for At this time, the Decembrist is not watered or fed.

At the end of November, it is necessary to rearrange the Decembrist in a warm, bright place, start watering and feeding. After rest, the Decembrist quickly wakes up and forms buds.

When the Decembrist has formed the buds and begins to bloom, it is necessary to provide the plant with an additional source of light.

Decembrist home care rules

Compliance with the simplest rules for caring for zygocactus will save your plants from diseases and pests.

• During flowering, provide the zygocactus with good lighting and do not move the pot;
• During the flowering of the Decembrist, do not cut cuttings for propagation;
• Avoid temperature extremes during flowering;
• In a cool room, the Decembrist blooms longer;
• A narrow pot contributes to the abundant flowering of the Decembrist;
• After resting, water and feed gradually to avoid shock;
• Decembrist flowers fall off due to a sharp change in conditions of detention. Do not panic - the Decembrist will get used to the new conditions and bloom again.

Reasons for the falling leaves of the Decembrist

The Decembrist sheds the leaves (stem petioles) when the conditions of detention are close to unbearable. Examine the plant carefully - perhaps the pests drink the cell juice of the zygocactus like fleas. If pests are not observed, then the reason for leaf fall lies in a lack of nutrients in the soil or inappropriate growth factors: temperature, humidity, lighting, etc. transplantation can also cause the petioles to fall off.

If Zygocactus (Decembrist) blooms

There are many signs associated with the opening of Schlumberger's buds. Some are good and some are not. If the Decembrist bloomed, then the signs associated with flowering in the due time, they say that the coming year will be joyful and bring good luck.

When the flowering time is violated, then it threatens with trouble. But it is not for nothing that nature has determined its growing territory for each of its creations. And all a flower needs is to make it feel in your home just like in its native places.

Good omens

Superstitions that connect events in a person's life with the time of flowering of Schlumberger's zygocactus are based on long-term observations of him.

1. If it bloomed in December, it means that prosperity and peace reign in the family.
2. The opening of the buds in the early days of the month means that next year will bring a lot of positive events.
3. When flowers open ahead of time, then this is a sign of an imminent new acquaintance.
4. If a month or more remains before the deadline, but it smells fragrant, then you can soon expect an inheritance, a wedding or an addition to the family.

According to the classification, this plant belongs to zygocactus, but practically has nothing in common with them. Cacti carry sharp energy, and the Decembrist is gentle and affectionate. He subtly feels the mood of the people around him and empathizes with them. You can keep him at home so that there is someone, to tell about your problems, or about the joys in life.

When it is good in the house, the flower transforms positive vibrations and gives them to people in the form of an abundance of buds. You cannot be angry and selfish near this plant. He awakens in people kindness and compassion for fellow people. A person tries to become a purer soul, nobler and more sincere.

A flower has a beneficial effect on a person

For people associated with creativity, blooming on time will mean that they have to make new discoveries, find interesting solutions to creative daring. The plant is very beneficial to children. It helps them, on a subconscious level, to develop spiritually. Cleans the body of a growing child from the influence of the environment, which can be detrimental to tender childhood.

Bad superstitions

If the Decembrist bloomed in April, then signs say that you need to prepare for a difficult year.This could be:

• lack of money;
• problems at work and at home;
• complete collapse of hopes.

The rapid growth of shoots and buds in April may be a signal that the body, of one of the family members, is fighting the disease.

One of the bad superstitions is that this flower is called Muzhegon.

His residence in the house is associated with scandals between spouses and is considered the reason that marriages break up. Girls remain old maidens who do not know male tenderness. This is one of the reasons why it is often grown in offices, schools and other non-residential areas.

A belief in which the death or illness of a flower is associated with the death of a person can be declared very scary. A dying plant, as if dragging along, into oblivion, the living, depriving them of a chance for life. If a superstitious person grows this plant at home and always fears that it may get sick or die, then wouldn't it be better to abandon it altogether.

The plant is very sensitive to the effects of negative energy. If, at the time when the buds are forming, a person carrying evil or hatred appears in your house, then the delicate Schlumberger cactus will shed some of the buds and may begin to wither. He will take on all the negativity directed at you and will start to hurt. But when the ill-wisher disappears, then the flower seems to have a second breath: it will revive, grow new leaves and bloom. And you will know for sure which of the visitors to your home wishes you harm or burns with envy, looks with disdain or tries to disrupt the peaceful course of your life.

How to propagate the Decembrist

The easiest way to reproduce the Decembrist is to reproduce by green cuttings. Cutting zygocactus allows you to get a flowering plant the next year. Zygocactus seeds are propagated only by breeders.

Cuttings are torn from the tops of healthy stems. It is enough to cut off two leaves (green stem segments.

Green cuttings should be dried for two to three days and planted in containers filled with nutritious soil. You can root the Decembrist cuttings in ordinary seedling boxes, under the lid.

Transplant features

An unsuitable pot or an incorrect transplant may well become the reasons that the Decembrist will refuse to bloom. If the plant systematically receives a fresh substrate, then its flowering will be long and abundant.

But, when carrying out a transplant, the following nuances should be taken into account:

• The shape of the container. Since the cactus has shallow roots, a shallow and wide pot is best suited for it.
• At the bottom of the flowerpot, you need to put a layer of drainage, which should rise by a third of the height of the container. This will protect the root system from moisture stagnation and decay.
• The soil should be light and loose. A suitable substrate should include 50% peat, 25% fertile soil and 25% clean sand. If crushed coal is added to this mixture, then the soil will acquire good disinfecting properties.
• The Decembrist should be transplanted after the end of the flowering period, that is, in late February - early March. Young plants need such a procedure every year, while adults should be transplanted every 3-4 years. The new container should always be slightly larger than the previous one.

Cactus in nature

The Decembrist has the scientific name Schlumberger, which was given by botanists in honor of the collector of succulents from France, Frederic Schlumberger. An epiphytic cactus grows in the tropical forests of Brazil, not on the ground, but on trees. The humid air and the constant availability of nutrients made the plant's habitat ideal.

But this did not stop the English botanist, collector Allan Cunningham from going on an experiment - to try to domesticate the Schlumberger. He took a chance and brought the zygocactus to another mainland for breeding.

Since then, the Decembrist has become a green decoration of the interior of estates, houses, apartments. And the Russians call the flower "Decembrina" "Christmas", "Christmas cactus".

Schlumberger

Schlumberger

Schlumberger Buckley (Schlumbergera × buckleyi), flowering plant

Scientific classification

intermediate ranks Domain: Eukaryotes Kingdom: Plants Subkingdom: Green plants The Department: Flowering Class: Dicotyledonous Superorder: Caryophyllanae Takht., 1967 Order: Clove Family: Cactus Subfamily: Cactus Tribe: Ripsalis Genus: Schlumberger

International scientific name

Schlumbergera Lem. (1858)

Typical view

Schlumbergera epiphylloides Lem. (1858), nom. illeg. = Schlumbergera russelliana (Hook.) Britton & Rose (1913)

Views

NCBI 3594 EOL 72014 GRIN g: 16430 IPNI 5529-1

Schlumberger (lat. Schlumbergera) is a genus of epiphytic cacti common in tropical forests in southeastern Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, at an altitude of 900-2800 m. Introduced to Europe by collector Allan Cunningham around 1816.

Representatives of the Schlumberger genus, like many other epiphytic cacti of tropical forests, grow on tree branches, where, despite tropical downpours, the water does not stay and most of the year is dry enough.

Types of zygocactus

Breeders began to breed the plant and develop new varieties. Beautiful flowers come in different shapes and colors, and the leaves themselves differ in shade.

Bookleys

This type of zygocactus can be found most often among indoor plant lovers. Sprawling dark green leaves are arranged in 3-4 tiers. In the cold season, buds appear at the tips, which after a while become bright crimson, white or purple tubular flowers.

It is a pity that Schlumberger gives such a gift to his owners once a year from November to March. My epiphytic cactus begins to bloom late. He can perform his swan song in February or March. Despite the delay, I am still very happy to see the blooming miracle when the February blizzards rage outside the window.

Gertner

The Decembrist variety is distinguished by its compact size due to its foliage. The leaves of the Gertner are not as long as those of the bouclea - only 7-8 cm. The flowers are elongated with hanging stamens and various colors.

Truncated zygocactus

An interesting form of this plant species. Short leaves of light green color, 5-6 cm long, emerge from the base. The varietal variety is represented by inflorescences of various colors.

Russeliana

The succulent is distinguished by branches 70-75 cm, darker leaves in comparison with their relatives and large flowers with pointed edges. Russeliana blooms in late spring and pleases with flowering for several months.

Diseases

Epiphytic cacti, including Schlumberger, Ripsalidopsis, are susceptible to the influence of a number of pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria that cause serious diseases. The most common:

Fungal

Schlumberger, fusarium. Exc. Fusarium oxysporum.

Fusarium cladophyll rot, is a type of fusarium. The causative agent is Fusarium oxysporum.

Symptoms: Infection appears at the edges of the cladodia. Lesions are usually orange, light and dry, while sunken. Orange spores of the pathogen are visible in the lesions, they easily spread through water or air, since they are lightweight. Dying off of roots and cladodes is noted during prolonged illness. Schlumberger and Ripsalidopsis are susceptible to Fusarium oxysporum.

Schlumberger, cladodes rot. The causative agent is Drechslera cactivora.

Drechslera cladophyll rot, or Helminthosporium cladophyll rot, - rot of cladody. Exc. - Drechslera cactivora.

Symptoms: black-dark, in-depth lesions from 1 mm to 1 cm wide on cladodia (leaves) of an epiphtic cactus. The lesions are round in shape and can be located both above and below ground level. Black spores of the fungus are visible in the lesions, giving them an indistinct appearance. Rhipsalidopsis are very susceptible to Drechslera cladophyll rot. Schlumberger people are moderately susceptible.

One of the easiest ways to distinguish between Fusarium cladophyll rot and Drechslera cladophyll rot is by observing the color of the spores, as in Fusarium they are orange, while in Drechslera they are black.

Schlumberger, late blight. Exc. Phytophthora sp.

Pythium and Phytophthora root and stem rot, is a type of late blight. The causative agent is Pythium and Phytophthora spp.

Symptoms: Foliage of plants infected with Pythium or Phytophthora spp.has a dull gray-green hue and may wither. The stems rot on the soil line, the tops of the plants decay. The roots are dark, soft and few in number.

Bacterial

Soft rot. The causative agent is the bacterium Erwinia spp.

Symptoms: A blackened, moist, slimy lesion usually begins in the soil line at the base of the plant and progresses to the top of the cladodia and other plant segments. Plants wilt, decay and often die.

Treatment

For the treatment of fungal diseases, systemic and contact fungicides are used. As a rule, systemic ones (penetrating into plant tissues through the root system) are most effective, for example Fundazol. From contact fungicides, Fitosporin, a ready-made Bordeaux mixture, can be used. During treatment, the diseased plant is kept away from healthy plants, in a dry place, sunlight can also have a beneficial effect. The prognosis is not always favorable, in case of irreversible damage, plants and soil should be destroyed in order to prevent the spread of fungal spores, vegetation vessels (plant pots) should be disinfected or destroyed. It is permissible to graft a healthy part of the plant by pretreating it with a fungicide.

Reasons for dropping buds

The moment of bud formation on the Decembrist is the most exciting. The flower is about to sing its swan song. How to care for him during this crucial period of cultivation?

Pot immobility

The florist needs to follow the main rule: the pot should be in the same place. Therefore, the container must not be rotated, for example, so that the buds and blossoming flowers can be seen. It is forbidden to move the cactus to another place.

At work, I also have a Decembrist growing up. There it is more inclined to bloom than a house flower. Only one day there was a nuisance - a bud fell. At first I thought about my colleagues, and then I remembered how I wiped the dust and turned the pot so that the plant looked better on the windowsill.

Watering

It so happened that I forgot to water. Because of this, the plant depleted its reserve of strength. Despite the fact that this succulent is resistant to moisture loss in the soil, the test turned out to be overwhelming. Therefore, the flowers fell off.

Lack of diseases and pests

Zygocactus, like any other plant, can get sick. With frequent watering, the presence of dampness can intensify the growth of harmful microorganisms. Hence fusarium, late blight, phytium.

Spider mite and mealybug attacks are a common problem faced by Schlumberger owners. I am also familiar with this misfortune. Gray spots appeared on the leaves, which were removed with a finger or washed off.

Shower and soapy water treatment did not give any result. Only insecticides helped in pest control.

Note! Spraying is good in the country, as there are pets in the apartment. At the slightest hit on the paws and then into the body, the animal can be poisoned.

Natural conditions helped to cure the Decembrist.

Warmth and no drafts

If you open the window in winter and leave the plant for a long time, you will not be able to temper the Decembrist, he will drop the inflorescences. The flower will not continue the genus in extreme conditions.

How to make a plant bloom

Besides dropping buds, a common problem is not blooming. In order for the plant to release buds, you need to create certain conditions and take care of the scheme.

1. At the end of September, I put the pot in a cool place and reduce watering.
2. In a month, I provide the zygocactus with warmth and abundant watering.
3. I apply a complex mineral fertilizer.

Important! Do not overfeed the plant. With an excess amount of nitrogen in the soil, a lush growth of the Decembrist foliage will occur, but not the formation of buds.

Reasons for the absence of buds

The lack of a flowering period in the Decembrist clearly speaks of improper care for the plant or its disease.

Lack of lighting

The Decembrist loves diffused lighting and should be in a bright place, where direct sunlight, of which he is afraid, does not penetrate.

The lack of intense light during the day in September-October negatively affects the flowering of Schlumberger, preventing the plant from setting flower buds.

Wherein zygocactus does not need a long day of light, it only needs 2 to 4 hours of intense sunlight, best during sunset or sunrise, which eliminates the need for additional lighting during the cold season.

In the autumn-winter period, the Decembrist needs 12 hours of complete darkness, this gives the plant the opportunity to rest.

Important! There is no need to place a flowerpot with a Schlumberger in a room where artificial light enters at night.

Unsuitable temperature conditions

One of the common mistakes made by florists, leading to the lack of flowering in the Decembrist, is overheating. - growing a flower when the air temperature is too high, which inhibits its flowering.

Under natural conditions, Schlumberger grows among the branches of trees, where it is quite cool and the temperature during the day is within +21 degrees, which is optimal for the growth and development of the Decembrist. At night, the air temperature should be lower - approximately + 15-18 degrees.

In addition, to lay the buds, the Decembrist needs a period of rest, which will not come if the temperature is too high, which means that the Decembrist will not rest and, as a result, will not bloom.

For Schlumberger bloom, the following temperature conditions must be maintained:

• during the growing process - + 18-20 degrees;
• when laying buds - + 12-14 degrees;
• during the flowering period - + 15-18 degrees.

Lack of a dormant period

Schlumberger is a plant that blooms in winter, so the time from mid-October to the end of November is especially important for him - this is the time of the Decembrist's rest period.

At this time, the zygocactus should be placed in a dark, cool place, the flower should not be disturbed, even watering must be minimized - water no more than 1 time in 2-3 weeks with a small amount of water. Such a rest is necessary for the Decembrist about 50 days before the expected flowering process.

Pot too big

The opinion that any plant will be comfortable in a large pot is wrong. Not all flowers have a well-developed root system.

A large amount of soil in a flowerpot requires a lot of moisture, which a plant with a not too developed root system does not use. Waterlogged soil leads to the fall of the buds that have appeared and the development of diseaseseg root rot.

Schlumberger's root system is poorly branched, so small containers are more suitable for the flower. In addition, planting a Decembrist in a large flowerpot will lead to the fact that he will spend all his energy on the growth and development of the root system until he has mastered all the soil and flowering will not come.

Reference! The best option for a zygocactus is a low, wide flowerpot.

Moving from place to place

Zygocactus reacts painfully to all movements, change of location and even rotation of the flowerpot. As soon as the Schlumberger began to form flower buds, you should not touch the flowerpot with the plant - this can provoke stress in the Decembrist and he will begin to shed the buds.

Dry air

Humidity plays a key role in the life of exotic plants. Being in a room with a low level of air humidity, Schlumberger is not able to engage in the laying of flower buds. Dry indoor air leads to the fact that the Decembrist, ready to enter the flowering period, begins to shed its buds. In such a situation, the next flowering will not come earlier than in a year.

Diseases and pests

Decembrist is not protected from attacks of harmful insects that feed on plant sap.Because of this, the flower loses its vitality, cannot resist infectious diseases, and loses its ability to bloom.

Most often at home Schlumberger suffers from mealybug, scale insect and spider mite attacks.

Due to the defeat of the spider mite, the zygocactus sheds a significant part of the segments and buds.

Also, the plant is susceptible to the development of fungal diseases such as late blight, fusarium, pytium. Most often, they develop in a weakened flower and further aggravate its condition. If you do not notice the symptoms in time or ignore them and do not take measures to treat zygocactus, it may die.

Attention! Insect pests enter the home through soil that has not been disinfected.

Lack of fertilizers

With time the soil in which the zygocactus grows is depleted, and the flower does not receive the required amount of nutrients, in order to fully grow and develop. Therefore, it is necessary throughout the year, with the exception of the dormant period, to apply mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus to the ground.

It is necessary to feed the Schlumberger with liquid fertilizers, pouring them into the pot after dilution in accordance with the instructions.

Insufficient watering in summer

In the summer, the Decembrist needs a lot of water... At this time, it is actively growing, and moisture is required for the appearance of new leaves. Also, rare watering leads to deformation of the existing foliage and long-term restoration of the flower after such a drought.

In addition, the abundant summer watering is perceived by the Schlumberger as the rainy season in the tropical forests native to the flower, during which it stores moisture, after which it prepares for flowering. Therefore, it is important to frequently and abundantly water and spray the zygocactus, and it is necessary to reduce watering in the fall, during the dormant period.

Rare transplant

Long-term lack of replanting leads to severe soil depletion, which is unable to fix even top dressing, and its compaction. Because of this, the soil poorly passes the air necessary for the roots. In addition, the likelihood of pests in old soil will increase.

Also, over time, the Schlumberger root system grows and begins to need a larger flowerpot, otherwise the Decembrist withers and stops blooming.

Pests and diseases

If no drastic measures help, and the plant still stands without bright buds, it is necessary to inspect it for the appearance of pests or diseases. They are not always visible to the naked eye, so it is worth taking a closer look. Most often, the Decembrist is amazed:

• spider mite - small, dot-sized insects of whitish, yellow, red or brown color, covering the lower surface of the leaf plates;
• late blight, fusarium - fungal lesions that completely destroy the plant, weaken the root system and appear in the form of slippery, sticky spots on the flower;
• mealybug - it can be seen on the joint parts of the leaves in the form of white lumps or clots;
• scabbard - plaque on the plates in the form of brown or rusty streaks and spots visible to the human eye (adhering to the cuttings of adult parasitic insects);
• a red tick - it looks like a rusty or brown blotch on the plant, completely destroys the flower, the leaves gradually fall off.

Pest control is carried out using insecticides. In flower shops, most often they offer "Actellik" or "Fitoverm" - the most reliable means to destroy unwanted parasites in 1-2 treatments. As antifungal compounds, flower growers recommend washing with a solution of laundry soap or antiseptics.

It is better to remove the damaged parts of the Decembrist by carefully cutting with sharp scissors. First, it can prevent further active spread of pests.Secondly, this way you can protect the indoor flowers adjacent to the plant from the same infection.

Beginner's instructions for pruning gooseberries in the fall

Why do the Decembrist flower buds fall off during flowering without blooming

The Decembrist drops the buds. Most often, the Decembrist falls off segments and buds due to the defeat of a spider mite. Therefore, if the segments fall profusely, they must be carefully examined. If the base is yellowish, with small rusty specks, then the tick has hurt. If neither a tick nor traces of its activity are found, check how firmly the plant holds in the ground. Swinging means that something is wrong with the roots. There may be a dying off of the roots. The best solution is to have an emergency transplant. The fibrous root system of Schlumberger, like most other epiphytic cacti, is weak, easily rots or dies off in case of any violations: hypothermia or overheating, drying out, waterlogging, souring of the substrate, burns with a concentrated fertilizer solution, pest damage. If during transplanting it is clear that the roots are unhealthy, the root system must be cleaned of soil and dead roots. Rinse with hot water (40 - 55 degrees Celsius), dry and plant the bush again in new soil and in a new or disinfected old flowerpot. The first time after this, the plant is watered carefully, often sprayed and kept in a humid atmosphere (in a greenhouse or under a plastic cap). If the roots are healthy, then a regular transplant will also be beneficial. It is often incorrectly believed that the segments and buds of the Decembrist crumble from a lack of moisture, and they begin to water such a plant abundantly. It is unacceptable! Even with a frequent lack of watering, the plant will rather wither than start dropping segments. The fall of the segments and buds of the Decembrist can be explained by stress caused by a sharp change in the conditions of detention. For example, if a plant that has stood in the shade for a long time is immediately exposed to the open sun. Violations associated with a lack of any nutrients in the soil can also lead to the dropping of segments and buds. Finally, the Decembrists rarely, but there are diseases caused by microorganisms. They appear in various spots or drying out of young shoots, the affected segments also fall off. It should be borne in mind that a small number of segments also fall off in healthy, normally developing plants - as a result of the natural formation of the crown. Falling of some of the buds can also be normal in the case when there are too many buds and the plant simply cannot cope and give the opportunity to feed so many flowers. When the temperature is too low during the flowering period, insufficient watering, or the plant is rearranged, this can also lead to the loss of some of the buds, including large and fully colored ones. The buds on the Decembrist (more often on hybrids with the Schlumberger Trunkata) can reappear in the spring. The fall of such untimely buds is normal.

> Wondering why the Decembrist drops the buds? We find out the cause and fix it!

Influence of the seasons

In order for the plant to bud on time, it is important to provide it with proper care throughout the year, and not just during the flowering period. In this case, the culture will be able to accumulate strength during rest and give beautiful buds for Christmas.

The activity of the plant and its flowering always occurs at the end of autumn and winter. At this time, the plant needs regular spraying - it needs high humidity and warmth. The ground should always be wet or dry. At the same time, the pot is never moved at this time, no top dressing is applied.

Watering should be carried out on time, as soon as the earth begins to dry out.

Around February, the zygocactus drops its last flowers and stops producing buds. If dry inflorescences do not fall off by themselves, they must be removed by yourself.From this time until April, it is worth moving the flower to a cooler place so that it regains its strength. Watering is carried out no more than once a week!

The first feeding of the flower falls in April. It is brought in once, at about the beginning of the month. It is best to take minerals, such as Agricola Aqua. 2.5 ml of fertilizer is taken per liter of water and used for irrigation. The Decembrist is placed in partial shade and continues to be sprayed from time to time with settled water at room temperature. Around May, a transplant is done and re-feeding (if the new soil is not fertilized).

In June, the Decembrist moves to where there is a lot of fresh air. You can simply often ventilate the room where it is located or take it to the balcony or street. At the same time, the culture should not stand in the sun; it must be protected from rain, drafts and direct sunlight. Watering is carried out only when necessary, when the earth dries up. Top dressing is done 2 times a month with the same fertilizer, but only the rate is doubled (5 ml / 1 l of water). Such conditions of care must be observed until September.

At the beginning of autumn, the Decembrist is transferred back to the room, to the former place where he bloomed. Until November, the temperature is maintained within +14 degrees, feeding is stopped, watering is reduced - once every 2 weeks.

In November, flowering begins again, and the temperature rises to + 18 ... + 25 degrees

In November, flowering begins again, and the temperature rises to + 18 ... + 25 degrees. Watering is resumed, spraying is carried out.

Organize your holiday season

What to do to make the Decembrist bloom? Be sure to create such conditions for the plant to rest in the fall. Without this, no buds will most likely appear on the Decembrist. How to do it?

With the onset of the first autumn coolness, reduce the watering of the Decembrist. During the rest period, he consumes a minimum of water. If you do not stop watering it often, its roots can rot. The plant will die from this.

The air temperature during this period should reach 15 degrees Celsius. At lower rates, root rot may occur. They will no longer be able to transport moisture and nutrients to the stems and twigs. If the air temperature in the room reaches more than 15 degrees, then the Decembrist will not go into the resting stage. He will continue to build up the green mass of the leaves, but he may not get to the buds.

In the fall season, it is important that the daylight hours do not exceed eight hours. It is his contraction that is one of the natural signals for the Decembrist that it is time to lay the buds.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - do not forget about the ambient temperature

The laying of flower buds in the Decembrist occurs when the overall temperature in the room decreases. It is not necessary to artificially reduce it, because in the fall, with a decrease in daylight hours, it is already quite low on the western window. The optimum temperature for laying buds and the subsequent flowering of the Decembrist is 10-15 degrees. If you have a battery that is too hot under the window, then it is better to keep the flower on a shelf or bedside table, which are located at some distance from the east window.

Recommendations for abundant flowering

In order to make the Decembrist bloom, every winter you need to adhere to some tips.

• Refusal to move. The Christmas man really does not like to change his location often. Each time you transfer it to a new place, you need to remember that this is a lot of stress for a flower. He spends a lot of energy adapting to new conditions, so he often refuses to bloom.
• Rejuvenation. If the Decembrist does not bloom for several years, then the reason for this is old age. Therefore, you need to pick one or more branches and plant them in the ground. They take root very quickly and after 2 years they will delight the owner with their flowers.
• Fresh air. If in the warm season there is an opportunity to take out the pot with the Decembrist to fresh air, then you should not refuse it. The flower can be in the yard all summer long, for this it must be hidden from direct sunlight.

In apartment conditions, it is very difficult to withstand the temperature regime during the rest period of the Decembrist. To provide him with a comfortable stay, there are several secrets:

• Often set aside the plant under an open window.
• Find the coolest corner on the windowsill and enclose it with transparent glass or foil.
• Cover the heating radiators under the window on which Schlumberger is standing with a thick blanket.
• Arrange containers with ice around the flower pot and change the ice as it melts.

Of particular importance for the flowering of the Decembrist is the regular application of fertilizers. It must be fed during the entire period of active growth and completely stopped during rest. For him, as for any flower, the attention of the owner is very important, for which he will repay with annual and lush flowering.

Why does the Decembrist not bloom and how to make him release buds?

Schlumberger (Decembrist, Christmas) is a popular houseplant that pleases with its flowering in the cold winter season. It got its second name precisely because of its peculiarity to dissolve the buds in winter. But sometimes the long-awaited flowers never appear. To eliminate this phenomenon, it is necessary to understand its causes. Only a competent solution to problems can return the former greatness to this plant.

A healthy Decembrist dropped the buds: why?

It happens that an absolutely healthy flower, with proper care, still upsets with crumbling buds. If you are sure that he is not sick, and is in favorable conditions, this may be entirely normal, which occurs in the following cases:

• Too many buds have set, and the capacity of the zygocactus is not sufficient to supply them all. The plant simply cannot provide enough water and nutrition, and therefore sheds some of the buds. In this case, do not worry - those that remain will be enough for a luxurious appearance.

• Re-emergence of buds in spring. Late bud appearance is common in some Christmas varieties, and shedding will be normal in this situation.

• Change of location. A flower that has just been brought into the room is likely to shed all the flowers that have set. Florists call this a stressful reaction, and nothing can be helped here. But in general, the plant is not threatened, and further it will develop normally.

After reading the information provided, you probably understand why the Decembrist's buds fall off, what to do if this happened and how to prevent such a nuisance. And remember that houseplants are sometimes a hassle, but the joy they bring to your home is definitely worth it.

Reasons for the "refusal" of the Decembrist

The Decembrist fell in love with many flower growers for his unpretentiousness, but even he, with improper care, is capable of "whims". Most often this is expressed in the refusal of the plant to bloom.

The reasons why the Decembrist does not bloom at home may be:

• improper watering;
• insufficient or too bright lighting;
• non-compliance with the temperature regime;
• lack of a rest period;
• irregular transplants;
• lack of nutrients.

If all of the above factors are taken into account, the Decembrist will definitely release buds and bloom. But failure to comply with at least one point can lead to a "strike".

Rest period organization: cheat sheet table

In order for the Christmas tree to please with lush flowering, in winter he needs to organize a holiday season. Otherwise, there can be no question of any budding. It is important to start preparing the plant for winter flowering from August.

The main requirements for the organization of the rest period are presented in the table:

Criterion	Requirements
Temperature	The temperature in the room where the plant is located should be within + 15–16 ° С. An increase in temperature above + 16 ° C will provoke foliage growth and prevent the plant from going into a dormant stage. A decrease in temperature below + 15 ° C will lead to decay of the root system and death of the flower
Watering	If during the period of active growth of the Schlumberger it needs abundant watering, then with the onset of autumn it must be minimized. To do this, it is enough to water the plant once every 2 weeks. Watering can be resumed only after the first buds appear, as this indicates the awakening of the plant
Lighting	A decrease in the length of daylight hours is a signal for the laying of buds, so it should not exceed 8 hours a day. If the flower is on the windowsill, do not transfer it to the room and place it under artificial lighting.
Location	During the dormant period, the plant should not be moved to another place, as this disrupts the budding process. To ensure uniform formation of ovaries, it is allowed to slightly rotate the flower pot around its axis

During the rest period, the Decembrist does not need additional nutrition, therefore, with the onset of August, it is worth completely stopping fertilization.

Transfer

The Decembrist does not bloom even in the absence of a transplant for a long time. It has a beneficial effect on the overall development of the plant. This is especially necessary for young flowers, as they grow quickly and constantly need nutrients. A young plant needs to be replanted once a year, and a mature one every 4 years.

Influence of transplantation on flowering

During transplantation, you need to completely renew the soil, as it becomes less nutritious, and its structure becomes compacted. Such soil does not only pass water poorly, but also the air necessary for ventilation of the root system. The result is stagnant moisture, root decay and the appearance of diseases. In this state, the Decembrist is unlikely to bloom.

Together with the soil, it is necessary to change the flowerpot and choose its size correctly. It should be 2-3 cm larger than the previous one. The pot should be shallow and wide, since the roots of the plant are located in the upper soil layer. If the container is too large and deep, the flower will spend all its energy on growing roots and filling the pot with them. As a result, there will not be enough strength for flowering.

Pest and disease control

If the plant is sick or infected with pests, then it will spend all its energy on fighting them. The infection affects leaves, stems and already set buds, which may simply fall off before they have time to bloom.

To exclude infection, you should carefully examine the flower. Disease can be indicated by lethargic, thin, dry, or yellow leaves, or even dropping. Pests such as spider mites, scale insects or mealybugs can be found on the leaves of the plant. In this case, special drugs are used that have a detrimental effect on the source of the disease.

Decembrist in need of treatment.

To exclude the defeat of the Decembrist by various diseases, it is necessary to create unfavorable conditions for them. To do this, it is enough to provide good ventilation of the roots and minimize the intake of moisture.

For the plant to feel normal, it is necessary:

• systematically ventilate the room in which it is located;
• avoid over-watering;
• regularly loosen the soil in the flowerpot.

For what reason does he throw off unopened buds?

• The fall of the still unopened buds can cause the death of the roots during hypothermia or drying out, acidification of the substrate. It is also quite possible that the soil lacks nutrients.
• A lot of buds have set, and the plant cannot provide all of them with water. Therefore, the Decembrist drops some buds, even if they have not yet blossomed.
• Abundant hydration of the flower.
  Important! Do not flood the flower too much, the earth should dry out, otherwise the roots will be moistened.
• Temperature change. Schlumberger is a very whimsical plant, and the temperature is below 16 degrees, or constant drafts can contribute to the fall of unblown buds.

Pests on the way to bloom

Sometimes the Decembrist does not bloom, since all his strength is spent on fighting pests and infections. Carefully examine the leaves of the plant, perhaps they are affected by a spider mite or late blight. Both infections negatively affect both stems and buds. Ultimately, the Decembrist may either not bloom at all, or all of its buds will simply disappear without opening. In this case, the plant should be sprayed with medications that will kill the infection. In especially advanced cases, a plant transplant may be necessary.

So that pests do not start in a flowerpot with a Decembrist, try to create conditions unsuitable for them. Ventilate the area where the flower is often. Water and loosen the soil in the pot in moderation. An abundance of air and a minimum of moisture are conditions in which pests do not start.

Why the Decembrist drops flowers: mistakes of leaving

The main reason why the buds of a Decembrist flower fall off is improper care, since it is quite sensitive to deviations in this matter. Consequently, the creation of favorable conditions will serve as a reliable prevention of any problems with plant growth. Of course, you are unlikely to be able to create tropical forest conditions in an apartment, and this is not necessary. The rules for leaving are completely simple and will not cause practical difficulties, which means that the problem of why the Decembrist's flowers fall will not be relevant.

Pot location

photo from the site

Under natural conditions, zygocactus does not lack lighting, but at the same time, the crown of the tree on which it grows covers it from direct sunlight. Let's see how to use the cardinal orientation of windows to grow it:

• The east window is ideal, which provides enough ultraviolet light, but diffused light still takes up the bulk of the day. Having allocated a place on the eastern windowsill, you can be calm about your green pet.

• A south or west window is not suitable for growing as aggressive sunlight damages the stems, causing them to turn yellow. This arrangement may well be the reason why the Decembrist's buds or stem segments are crumbling. If there is no other option, you will have to shade with curtains or other plants. An alternative could be staging not on a windowsill, but, for example, on a nightstand in the southern room.

• A balcony, loggia or open air is an ideal place for a Christmas holiday in the summer. But, again, direct rays should not fall on its leaves. Find a corner where the wind and sun can't reach.

photo from the site

Even if after reading the information it turns out that your flower is not standing correctly, do not rush to move it. During bud formation or flowering, such actions can seriously harm. During this period, even turning the flowerpot with a high probability will pose a problem "why the Decembrist's buds fall off", so you shouldn't move or turn it towards the light.

Temperature conditions

Evolutionarily, the plant exists in climatic conditions where there are no temperature changes, therefore, sharp fluctuations can negatively affect the state of the zygocactus. The optimum temperature depends on the stage of the vegetative cycle in which the plant is at the moment.

photo from olkpeace.org

• During the growth period, it is better to maintain the temperature in the range from 18 to 25 ° C, at which biological processes are most active.

• During intensive flowering, the temperature range is 18-20⁰С.If you manage to maintain these values, flowering will last a long time and will be abundant enough.

• After the end of the flowering period, the plant needs rest to restore nutrient reserves, so keeping it at a temperature of 12-16 ° C will have a beneficial effect on the state of the Christmas tree.

Most often, the reason that the Decembrist's buds fall off is the heat emanating from hot heating radiators, since severe frosts often fall in December-January. Make sure that the stems of the plant do not fall into the streams of heated air rising from the battery, and, of course, do not come into contact with heating devices.

Soil moisture and top dressing

The exacting frequency of watering does not differ from deciduous indoor plants. Watering the flower should be done when the soil begins to dry out, preventing complete drying out. During rest, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1 time in 2-3 weeks. Finding out the reason why the Decembrist is crumbling, it is necessary to exclude both excessive and insufficient watering.

Since in tropical climates there is always high humidity, zygocactus willingly consumes moisture from the atmosphere with its aerial roots. Central heating systems noticeably dry out the air, so it is advisable to sprinkle the leaves daily with water at room temperature, and periodically arrange a warm shower outside of flowering. If frequent spraying is not possible, an alternative may be to place the flowerpot in a pan with wet drainage. For watering and spraying, only water at room temperature that has been settled for 5-7 days is used.

Any complex fertilizers are suitable for feeding, but it is worth dwelling on the frequency and dosage in more detail. Top dressing for the Decembrist should be applied in three stages, taking into account the activity of the vegetative cycle:

• In autumn and winter, there is no need for additional nutrients, the plant consumes previously formed reserves.

• In the spring, there is a need to replenish these stocks, and fertilizers should be applied once a month, in an amount that is half the amount recommended by the manufacturer.

• In summer, zygocactus begins to intensively accumulate strength, preparing for the formation of flowers, and at this time it needs feeding twice a month in full dosage.

Pruning the Decembrist

Pruning is a mandatory component of care, during which a neat appearance of the flower is formed, unattractive or crooked stems are removed. The optimal time for this procedure is June, and it should be done manually, unscrewing the excess part. After that, the Christmas tree will bloom much more active and longer.

Do not rush to throw away the broken off parts of the shoot - they can be used for flower propagation. To do this, dry a 2-3-link shoot for a couple of days and plant it in moist soil. For quick establishment, you can create a greenhouse effect by covering the shoot with a glass jar and airing it regularly.

Christmas tree transplant

One of the factors that may pose the question of why the Decembrist flower sheds buds is an incorrectly selected flowerpot or an untimely transplant. Do not be lazy to systematically transplant a green pet, he will thank you for your efforts with luxurious and long flowering. It is worth paying attention to the following points:

• Pot shape. The superficial root system is designed in such a way as to fix the zygocactus on dense foundations - tree trunks or rock crevices. Therefore, he feels best in shallow, wide flowerpots.

• Drainage must be arranged at 1/3 of the height of the pot so that the roots do not rot from excess moisture.

• The substrate for planting should be light, loose and you can prepare it yourself using the following proportions: 50% peat, 25% fertile soil, 25% sand. The addition of crushed charcoal will serve as a good disinfectant measure.

• The ideal time for transplanting is after the end of flowering, which usually corresponds to the last days of February. Young Christmas people require an annual procedure, and adults, if necessary, every 3-4 years. Each time, take the pot a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - read the tips

These tips will definitely help you in caring for the Decembrist:

• If you have the opportunity to take a flower outdoors in the summer, then be sure to do it. Move it to your dacha and place the pot under a shady bush.
• In the fall, you can place the Decembrist on a glassed-in balcony or loggia. A drop in temperature even to 3-5 degrees, which may be in November, will not harm the flower in any way. Put the flower in a permanent place in the room in mid-November and at the same time feed the first time with fertilizer for indoor flowers.
• If the Decembrist's leaves become red, then this indicates its too much cooling. Bring the flower from the balcony into the room and after a few days the flower will turn green.
• The sluggish leaves of the Schlumberger indicate that you either forget to water the flower and it is too dry, or, conversely, you flooded it too much. In any case, start observing the watering regime.

And one more piece of advice. After the Decembrist has bloomed, manually unscrew the top green leaf segments from which the flowers grew. Such rejuvenation will contribute to the fact that in the spring at the site of removal several new leaf segments will grow, each of which will have many buds in the fall. Do not discard the twisted segments, but plant them in wet sand. Until spring, they will take root and you can plant them in normal soil. By the way, a very beautiful and unusually blooming Decembrist will be overcame if it is planted in one pot with different colors.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - choose the watering mode

From the beginning of spring until the end of summer, water the flower when the top layer of the earth becomes dry. Experience shows that one or two watering a week is enough for a Decembrist.

At the very end of summer, reduce watering to once every 7-10 days. Artificial drying promotes the formation of flower buds. When the Decembrist blooms in winter, then also water it once in the same seven or ten days.

Improper watering

The reasons for poor flowering are often rooted in a banal lack of moisture.

This tropical exotic loves high humidity.

At the same time, he needs not so much soil moistening as spraying and maintaining a certain level of moisture in the surrounding air.

A sprayer shower will help a wilted heal, but don't expect instant results. Prolonged drying out requires a rather long recovery.

Necessary feeding

In April, the plant needs fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium. With a lack of them, flowers fall off. Use nitrogen fertilizers to improve growth. Do not apply before flowering - the buds may not set when the stems grow violently.

In summer months, feed with fertilizer for cacti and flowering plants or diluted mullein.

Several recipes used by flower growers:

• Water the flowers with sweetened water (1 tablespoon of sugar per 0.5 l of water).
• Prepare infusions from citrus peels. For this, the crusts are poured with boiling water (1: 3), insisted for a day. The infusion is filtered, diluted in half with water and the flowers are watered.
• They are fed with yeast infusions. Prepare a solution: dissolve 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of yeast in 1 liter of warm water. Leave for two hours, dilute with water 1: 5.

No feeding is needed in the fall.

Errors when growing a Decembrist

Subject to the rules of caring for the plant, there are no problems with growing and the Decembrist will bloom in time.

• Watering is carried out on time, as soon as the earth begins to dry out. Water abundantly, but so that a puddle does not form in the pot.The Decembrist, although it belongs to the cactus, does not tolerate drought. It can survive with a lack of water, only it does not bloom for a whole year. So you need to take this into account! At the same time, due to abundant watering, it will simply begin to lose foliage.
• Many growers believe that the Decembrist grows best in a large, deep pot, but this is not the case. It has a small surface type root system. A deep pot can only do much harm. For this, plants choose a low capacity, but wide.

Decembrist needs intense light no more than 4 hours a day - better at sunrise or sunset

• If during flowering the plant gives too many flowers (more than 4 pieces on one branch), all the extra ones must be removed, otherwise the Decembrist will not have enough strength to bloom, and he will shed the petals.
• A certain temperature is set depending on the season. The normal temperature for flowering is +25 degrees maximum, but if it rises or falls below +15 degrees, the plant will not bloom normally.
• The Decembrist does not need abundant lighting. He needs intense light no more than 4 hours a day - preferably at sunrise or sunset. But then a minimum of light should fall on the leaves.
• Sharp changes in temperature, humidity, the appearance of drafts provoke the discharge of buds.

After abundant flowering, the plant needs restoration, a long period of dormancy. From February to September, he is provided with thorough care. In this case, next year you can count on the re-flowering of the Decembrist.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - check the soil

If you bought a green bush already in a pot and it did not bloom in winter, then first of all check the ground. The Decembrist will feel good and plant flower buds only in a very loose substrate. Transplant the flower into a new pot and make the following soil: peat, sand and loose earth from under the trees. Take all the components equally. For looseness, also add pieces of forest moss. Be sure to lay a decent layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot - it should be at least 1/3 of the total volume in the pot. Such powerful drainage is needed for enhanced drainage of excess water - Schlumberger roots can rot with strong moisture.

Transplant in the spring and take the pot only 1-2 cm higher and wider than the old one.

Decembrist: what is it

This plant name is not official, used in the literature. Various specialized publications refer to the Schlumberg flower, zygocactus, epiphyllum or Christmas cactus. Among flower growers, it was the name Decembrist that was fixed, less often - Christmas. The reason for this is the abundant flowering of the plant, which usually begins in December, before Catholic Christmas.

The birthplace of the flower is South America.

Decembrist is a subspecies of cactus, including three varieties of forest cactus:

• Truncated Schlumberger;
• Schlumberger Gertner;
• Schlumberger Boucley.

The stems of the plant are branched, flattened, have an outer division into segments of different lengths. Flowers appear at the ends of the stems. The trunk of the plant is flexible; over time, it becomes woody.

In nature, and now on window sills, there are plants with crimson flowers. This type of Decembrist is the most common. Less commonly, you can see a plant with white, orange-red, cream, dark red, purple or lavender-colored flowers. There are specimens with a single inflorescence, as well as with multi-colored flowers.

Flowering features

Experienced flowers bloom not only in December; there are plants that bloom again in spring. The bookmarking and formation of Decembrist buds begins in mid-autumn. Therefore, with the onset of October, the plant should be kept in a cool place. Watering should be moderate.

It is worth considering that young shoots of the plant bloom better. Therefore, at the beginning of autumn, it makes sense to slightly shorten the shoots, pinching off 1-2 pieces from the ends.

With proper care and flowering, the first buds will appear on the stems in early November, and by the end of the month the flower should literally be strewn with them.

The term for the opening of the bud from the moment of appearance is up to 3 months. However, not all buds that appear bloom, sometimes the plant sheds some of them. Dried buds must be promptly removed from the plant.

The reasons for the "frozen" in the flowering of the Decembrist

1. Prolonged non-transplanting of the plant. In the absence of a transplant for more than five years, the soil in the pot is completely depleted and does not give the roots the opportunity to strengthen. The plant does not receive enough nutrients and the first sign of vitamin deficiency is the lack of flowers. Therefore, a timely change of soil and pot increases the chances of abundant flowering.
2. The flip side of the transplant is choosing too large a pots. Rozhdestvennik is the owner of a not too voluminous root system. If the pot is wide, then the flower will direct all its forces to cover the lump of soil, rooting. During such a period, he will not have the strength to bloom.
3. Incorrectly organized lighting. The Decembrist can be called capricious from the point of view of the necessary light. On the one hand, he does not like exposure to direct sunlight, and on the other, excessive shading can preserve the flowering process. Therefore, the florist's task is to find a middle ground, to create an optimum illumination.
4. Lack of nutrients. In nature, the state of the Decembrist directly depends on the change in weather conditions, the surrounding climate, the composition of the soil. A flower grown on a windowsill cannot receive sufficient nutrition from the environment, therefore it needs regular fertilization. In this case, top dressing should be selected taking into account the season.
5. Watering errors. Decembrist is a moisture-loving plant. The flower is usually watered daily, the risk of baying is unlikely. However, in any case, providing a large amount of moisture, acidification of the soil should not be allowed.
6. Excessive movement of the plant. Decembrist is a conservative flower. Moving from one place to another, or even simply rotating the pot, can stop bud formation and further flowering.

Even when these rules are followed, the Decembrist does not always bloom. The reason is incorrect flower care in principle.

What to do for the Decembrist to bloom

If flowering is delayed or the plant stubbornly does not want to give buds, you can use tricky tricks to provoke the appearance of flowers. If everything is done on time, you will not have to wonder why the Decembrist does not bloom.

1. If the flower has not given buds for a long time, it needs to be transplanted (only this should be done not in November, but in May). In the spring-summer period, top dressing is applied (mainly potassium and phosphorus). This will revitalize the plant, give it the strength to bloom. For feeding, you can take both minerals and an ash solution (2 tablespoons / 1 liter of water), a sugar solution (2 tablespoons / 1 liter of water).
2. When it is cool in the room with the flower, the temperature starts to rise gradually to + 16 ... + 25 degrees Celsius.
3. Spraying the Decembrist from diseases, pests often stimulates its growth and the appearance of buds.

If the flower did not bud for a long time, it needs to be transplanted

Too warm

A common reason for the lack of flowering of the Decembrist is growing in too warm rooms. In the natural habitat of the flower, coolness reigns among the branches of the trees, we provide an optimal temperature for development of 21 ° C. At night, the temperature should be lower, in the range of 15-18 ° C. High temperatures inhibit flowering.

How often Schlumberg blooms and conditions

The Decembrist belongs to the genus epift cacti, blooms once a year in winter. The flower throws out the first buds in December (hence the name among the people), and in January it blooms at full strength.

It is very important in this and the previous period to create favorable conditions for the plant, otherwise it will not bloom. How to care for a Decembrist flower:

1. Air temperature.The plant easily tolerates various temperatures ranging from 40 degrees of heat to +2. But the most optimal and favorable one is 18-25 degrees.
2. Humidity. Do not forget to spray the plant, especially during the hot season. Decembrist loves moisture, and dew from a spray bottle on the leaves.
3. Lighting. Direct sunlight can disturb the harmony of growth and damage the leaves. Therefore, it is not recommended to put the Decembrist on open windowsills, terraces. Make a slight blackout with a curtain, diffused light.

Try to put the flower pot on the east side, and closer to other flowers. Thus, create favorable conditions for flowering.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Why do the buds or individual parts of the stems fall off? Main reasons:

• Often the red spider mite becomes the culprit for the dropping of buds. You can see it using a magnifying glass. The appearance of the plant will tell about the presence of a tick - the lower part of the stem turns yellow and becomes covered with orange spots.
• Dying off of roots. A close examination reveals that the Christmas tree is weak in the soil, staggers. The reasons are different: abundant watering or drought, a burn with top dressing, a change in the acidity of the soil, damage by insects, an incorrect temperature regime. What needs to be done is to clear the roots from the soil, cut off the decayed parts, rinse the remaining parts with warm water (40-55 °), dry and plant in new soil.
• Abrupt change in conditions of detention (place from the shade in a sunny place).
• Insufficient feeding.
• Diseases. Fusarium is a fungal disease. Treatment with fungicides Bayleton and Mikol. Late blight is manifested by a brown spot at the beginning of the stem. Gradually, it affects the entire stem. It is necessary to remove the diseased part of the Decembrist. Rotting of the root collar occurs with phytium disease. The funds Vitaros and Maxim will help.
• Content at a low temperature (+ 10 ° and less).
• Rearrangement to another place. You shouldn't even turn the plant pot.

The shedding of buds occurs due to the formation of too many of them, or if they appeared in the spring.

The buds are formed, but the color is not.

This situation develops with a lack of moisture or fertilizer. The solution to the problem is feeding with diluted mullein infusion, spraying from a spray bottle.

How many days does bloom last? The optimal period is within a month, in some cases it is shortened to 15-20 days.

Zygocactus bloomed, but began to fade. Possible Causes: Abundant watering with poor drainage. The result is root decay. Due to damage to the canals, leaves and buds do not receive the necessary nutrition.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - choose top dressing

Almost all home flowers respond gratefully to feeding. The Decembrist is no exception, but the main thing here is not to get too carried away with fertilizers. With the right soil, its humidity, temperature and lighting in the room, the Decembrist will bloom without additional stimulation. But if you want to achieve a very violent flowering, then you can do the following top dressing:

• Spring, summer, early autumn - once a month. Take any complex fertilizer, but with a low nitrogen content.
• November, December, January - once a month. Buy a special fertilizer for flowering houseplants.
• February, March - do not feed the flower at all.

Use all fertilizers strictly following the instructions for their use.

How to make the Decembrist bloom - decide on the lighting

Never place the plant on the south or east window. Bright light and an abundance of warmth will only harm the Decembrist. It will grow and bloom best on a west-facing window. It is allowed to put it on the north side.

When the Schlumberger begins to release the first flower buds, do not move the flower to another window or even unfold the pot. With a sharp change in the orientation of the plant in space, the Decembrist can throw off all the buds.