Decembrists - flowers of extraordinary beauty from the family Cactus

Rozhdestvennik, Decembrist, Zigokaktus - there are many names for this plant, but it is invariably associated with winter holidays, as it is at this time that the Decembrists delight the flower growers with numerous bright lights. Flowers are usually crimson or coral, but thanks to the efforts of breeders, all new hybrids with salmon, lavender, yellow, purple color appear. Decembrists are plants that are unpretentious in their care, therefore it is a pleasure to grow them independently in their mini-garden on the windowsill.

Decembrists: flowers for the New Year holidays

Decembrists come from Brazil, where they grow in the rainforests as epiphytes, attaching themselves to roots or trunks of trees and getting food through the foliage. Hence, some features of the Christmas content in the home.

Planting and reproduction

Decembrists - flowers, which for a comfortable existence do not need a large deep pot, because their root system is poorly developed and is located in the upper layer of the soil. At the bottom of the tank, drainage must be placed to prevent moisture stagnation and subsequent decay of the roots. Soil for the Decembrists is better to pick up air, loose and nutritious. Christmas needs no frequent transplantation: it is enough once in 3-4 years. This procedure should be carried out better in March-April, when the flowering period will end and the plant will not be so sensitive.

If, during transplantation, it is found that the roots are damaged (rotted or die), all these parts must be removed, the roots washed with warm water, dried and then planted in a fresh ground mixture.

Propagate Decembrists seeds or cuttings. To prepare the cuttings, mature shoots consisting of several segments are separated from the adult plant (but not cut off), dried for a while, and then placed, not buried, on the moistened soil.

Watering

Watering the Christmas tree likes temperate. Decembrists are flowers that, like all epiphytes, love moisture, but do not over-humidify, especially during the cold season and during the rest period. Stagnation of moisture can cause decay and death of the roots and even the death of the plant. Water better with warm water.

Location in the apartment: temperature and humidity

Originally from the tropics, the Christmas tree equally well tolerates both bright illumination and penumbra, however, like other epiphytic cacti, it is afraid of direct sunlight. During active growth and flowering, it is better to transfer the plant to a warm place, and during a rest period - to a cool place. Lowering the temperature in the room, you can also "postpone" the beginning of flowering. So the ideal solution for the Decembrist is scattered lighting, moderate humidity and air temperature.

Features of care during flowering

Well, finally decided to flower the flower Decembrist. How to care for him at this time? It is clear that during this period the Christmas tree is especially vulnerable and sensitive, so that any change in the environment, be it a jump in humidity, temperature, change in illumination or the angle of incidence of sunlight, may cause the buds to fall. Therefore, try not to injure the flower by rearrangement to a new place, protect from scorching sun rays.

As you can see, having provided uncomplicated conditions and paying a little attention, you will be able to achieve that the Decembrists will delight your unusually bright and abundant inflorescences with your favorite flowers. The photos presented on this page are excellent proof of this!