Decembrist

A large number of cacti have grown in nature today, which, at the same time, do not tolerate the sun at all, but they are very fond of moisture. At the same time, these are also such atypical cacti - there are simply no thorns on them. Such cacti have their own name - Schlumberger, and also people call them very simply - the Decembrist flower. This plant is an integral part of the genus of epitaph plantings of South American cacti, which mainly grow on tree branches and in tropical forests, where they feel quite comfortable and light.

The Decembrist begins to bloom when a real tropical summer begins directly in his real homeland, but we have this period either in November or December. Flowering ends around the very last days of January, so that it can really decorate any windowsill, even in such a gray and seemingly bleak time.

The plant was brought to the middle latitudes and, directly, to our country in 1816, and the collector Allan Kenningham brought it, who really wanted to have a large number of unusual and very exotic plants, so he really liked the Decembrist, and this is not at all surprising ...

In this article, we will dwell in more detail on the description of the most basic characteristics of this plant, we will talk about its features. We are also updating how to properly care for a Decembrist at home and, of course, how to protect the planting from pests and diseases that may threaten him. In addition, it will be interesting to know in more detail what types of the Decembrist are, how they differ from each other, and what is their most basic feature.

Home flower Decembrist: plant description

The description of the Decembrist as a culture can be carried out if it is done in accordance with several points - aspects.

— Bloom - in this regard, the Decembrist immediately differs from many other plants, since it blooms mainly in winter, and, to be more precise, in the period from December to January. Of course, this cannot but attract flower growers, since for them such a plant is a real find.

- Illumination - the Decembrist tolerates shading quite calmly, and in general he takes root well in diffused, bright light. Here it all depends only on what conditions the florist himself can organize. For growing a Decembrist, windows that face east are ideally suitable, and window sills with a western orientation are also suitable.

If the pot with the Decembrist (or any other container) will stand in the south, then at lunchtime the flower must be shaded, as direct sunlight will fall on it, and this can lead to burns of the leaf parts.

— Temperature - Zygocactus can grow very well at temperatures from 18 to 40 degrees, such a temperature spread is due to the fact that initially the plant grew in such unstable conditions, so that in general for him, both 18 degrees and 40 will not become some kind of shock, but then the risk of death or disease development is extremely low.

But in the summer, it is best for the flower to be in a room where the temperature does not drop below 18 degrees and does not rise above 22 degrees. In winter, the optimum temperature will be from 14 to 16 degrees.Since the Decembrist mostly grows indoors, it is quite logical that the temperature there is unlikely to be too high, and such limits will be very comfortable for the person himself and, of course, for the plant.

— Watering - Water the plant very sparingly, you should not allow the plant to be in the soil mixture, which will look more like a swamp. It is worth watering the soil after its top layer dries out a little, usually to a depth of about 1 centimeter, no more. If the soil dries out, then the plant's appearance will deteriorate, the leaves will wither, turn yellow and look extremely painful.

— Air humidity Is another factor to pay attention to. Humidity should always be elevated, for this, in the summer, the bush is always abundantly moistened, it is sprayed from a spray bottle about once a week, and sometimes several, it all depends on the conditions.

If we talk about humidity in winter, then the number of spraying is reduced, it becomes optimal once or twice a month, not more often. Of course, such differences in care in winter and summer are always worth paying attention to, since the well-being of the planting, its decorative effect and the quality of its appearance largely depend on this.

- Fertilization - fertilizing is carried out approximately once every two weeks, and mainly these are fertilizing starting in March and ending in September. To do this, ideally, you can use mineral complex fertilizers, which are purchased in specialized stores for gardeners.

These fertilizers are designed for cacti, so you can't confuse them with anything. In addition, it will be possible to consult with more experienced gardeners or sellers, who can also advise on any new fertilizers or fertilizers that appear on the horticultural and floricultural market every year.

Like any plant, the Decembrist also goes into hibernation, during the dormant period, which lasts from October to November. Plants are transplanted regularly, especially if these are young bushes, since they show very rapid growth, the root system is constantly and actively expanding. In addition, young Decembrists simply endure transplants without feeling any strong stress.

Usually transplanted a young Decembrist once a year, but adult plants should be transplanted much less often - once every five years is enough.

To to form a bush, no special skills and abilities are required - it is enough to carefully tear off with your hands those segments of the Decembrist that are no longer needed, the plant is not damaged from this in any way, it calmly reacts to such manipulations.

Multiply Decembrist can be done in two ways - a bush or grafted, or cuttings.

Among the harmful insects, which can harm the Decembrist, such as spider mites and scale insects, as well as mealybugs, are especially distinguished, but if they are found in time, then in general, they can be completely removed once and for all without harm to the plant.

Among the dangerous diseases in particular, it is worth paying attention to phytium and late blight, fusarium. In general, the plant is quite easily affected by fungi and infections, but only if the gardener initially takes care of it incorrectly.

If you follow all the requirements of agricultural technology, then the plant will have high immunity, it will be very stress-resistant, and it will be possible not to worry about it precisely in the sense that it suddenly picks up some kind of sore.

What features does a Decembrist flower have?

Of course, the Decembrist flower has its own characteristics and characteristics, due to which it differs from many other cultures that live like indoor plants.

The Decembrist blooms when the time for rest and sleep comes for other domesticated crops.The plant also has other features that every florist should know about, especially those who would really like to try to grow a Decembrist on their own windowsill.

How the plant will grow depends largely on such knowledge and on the involvement in subtleties. Will it develop actively enough, and what will happen to it in the future.

So, let's identify such features as:

• it is best not to put this plant on windowsills with a south or west orientation, since there the Decembrist flower will receive excess bright sunlight. And the end fragments of the stems can begin to die off at the bush. In addition, the plant will receive burns, will begin to fade and turn yellow. It will show with all its appearance that it does not like the given location, and that it needs to be put away as soon as possible. Otherwise, many other processes will become simply irreversible, and soon the Decembrist will die.
• in the summer, the Decembrist flower needs a sufficient amount of fresh air. Therefore, experienced florists recommend setting aside the Decembrist on the loggias or balconies. You can also put the plant on a fenced terrace. In this case, it will be better if the plant is located in shade, since cool fresh air will still affect it best.
• also in summer the Decembrist flower responds well if you water it from a warm shower. If the grower does not have enough time for such procedures, then it can sometimes be moistened using a spray bottle. This will create normal moisture for the plant. This means that it will not lose its decorative features and characteristics. Which, of course, will have a great effect on its external characteristics.
• if you take care of the plant in accordance with the requirements, and also if you create all the most suitable conditions for its growth, then both development and flowering will be regular. At the same time, the Decembrist will bloom for fifteen, and sometimes twenty years. Again, all this is only in the hands of the gardener himself. So it is worth thinking very carefully and assessing your own strengths just before planting a plant. After all, if initially the gardener understands that he will not be able to care for a room planting, then it is best not to try your luck. Without care, any crops die out very quickly and eventually die.
• The Decembrist flower belongs to the category of plants that, during the period of bud formation, it is best not to touch at all and not try to disturb. The container in which the plant is located should not be moved or turned over somewhere. Since if you do this, then the plant instantly gives a reaction. It simply drops all the buds. This suggests that this season of flowering can no longer be expected.
• if suddenly the grower has such a desire, then he can grow this plant not only as an indoor decorative flower, but also use it in ampel plantings. The result will be quite unusual and very attractive. But even here you should immediately think about what kind of care the plant will need in the future. Since ampel plantings have their own specific features, features of the care process, agricultural technology.

Decembrist flower - plant care at home

Of course, then you should talk about how to organize the care of the plant at home. Let's start with watering and air humidityas they are some of the most significant aspects.

In general, growing a Decembrist at home involves some special processes and actions, and they are very different from those that are usually prescribed in order to care and grow other cacti. But still, the overwhelming number of rules are those rules that coincide with the rules for the cultivation of the most common deciduous house plants, and this is the ease of some procedures.

Therefore, a Decembrist can grow even with a florist, who initially did not have so much experience in this matter. For example, if suddenly a florist forgets that the substrate in the pot should always be slightly damp, then in general this will not affect the plant in any way, but only at first.

But still, the Decembrist needs moisture to be regularly introduced into it, and for this it is best to use rain or melt water, settled or filtered water, which should be at room temperature.

Also, the plant can react very badly to dry air, it can suffer too much because of it. In this regard, it is recommended to systematically moisten the shrub from a spray bottle, and the water is also used here, settled and warm.

In order to increase the humidity of the air, the container with the plant can be placed in a tray, where moistened pebbles will be poured. Moisture will also come from it, which will have an excellent effect on the general condition of the plant. These simple tricks can also make the gardener's job easier.

Common varieties and types of cacti perfectly tolerate direct sunlight, but the Decembrists can suffer very much from this. Therefore, the landing is definitely worth it. shadeso that she feels comfortable and develops normally. But in the temperature regime, the plant is completely unpretentious, but still during the growing season, leave the Decembrist in a cool room, where the temperature will vary from 18 to 22 degrees.

By maintaining the temperature regime, the plant, in principle, will feel much better, it will give more decorative flowering, and its external characteristics will be beyond praise.

Fertilizer - this is another point that we must definitely pay attention to. It is worth starting to feed the Decembrist around March, the frequency is once a month, but here you should focus on the state of the plant, since sometimes it does not need fertilizers at all, and sometimes its general condition is very poor, which means it is better to apply additional feeding, so that the plant feels a little more comfortable and lively.

Mineral complex fertilizers and additives are introduced, which are intended for cacti, while it is worth taking not the entire dose, but only half of that indicated in the instructions for using the fertilizer. In the summer, just after the shoots give very abundant and active growth and development, top dressing should be done more often - it will do twice a month.

When it comes very much, the fertilizer is completely stopped to be applied to the soil, but more experienced growers recommend the following: systematically treat the bush with fungicides, because this will help strengthen the Decembrist's immunity and prevent him from picking up any fungal diseases.

Pruning the plant needs formative - it is usually held in June. To do this, very difficult manipulations should be carried out: the excess parts are not cut off, but carefully unscrewed directly by hand. In general, it is only worth cutting off strongly regrown and very long shoots, and those shoots that grow completely wrong are also cut off.

In addition to the fact that the bush after such pruning looks even more spectacular and fresher, it will also bloom even more abundantly and more magnificently, and this will all have a great effect on its decorative properties and features. So pruning is not only necessary, but also necessary.

How to transplant a Decembrist flower

If the florist has decided to transplant the Decembrist, then it is best to do this at the very end of February, after the plant has completed its flowering. Young bushes are best replanted annually, as their root system grows abundantly and actively develops. And therefore it is worth constantly changing the containers and updating the substrate.

But if we are talking about transplanting an already more mature plant, then it will be enough to transplant once every 4-5 years, not more often.

Since the root system of the Decembrist is located on the surface itself, it is best to take a wide, but very low pot for transplanting it. A drainage layer is installed at the bottom, its thickness can be about a third of the total height of the pot. Drainage is essential. Indeed, thanks to him, all moisture will leave the root system, and the risk that the roots will begin to rot will decrease.

For transplanting, you can use soil mixture that was purchased from a specialty gardening store. The soil mixture is just intended for cacti. But you can also prepare the substrate with your own hands. For this, leaf and turf soils, as well as sand, are thoroughly mixed in equal proportions. Next, a small amount of expanded clay (brick chips, pebbles, coarse sand) and a little coal powder are kneaded into the mixture, since it has disinfecting properties.

The substrate should give a mild acidic reaction. And after that, you can safely place a plant in it, which will be very comfortable in such created conditions. Of course, all the subtleties should be taken into account so that the substrate turns out to be of the correct consistency, friability. And its acidity was within normal limits.

Decembrist flower: reproduction

As for the reproduction of the Decembrist, then most often this process is carried out using cuttings... To begin with, two to three extreme links should be unscrewed from the main stem, after which they are thoroughly ventilated in the fresh air for several days. During this time, they will dry out a little, but complete drying should not be allowed.

In order for the cuttings to take root, they should be planted in a moist and loose substrate, and covered with a plastic bottle or something transparent on top to allow diffused light to penetrate. The cuttings can then be taken to more shaded areas or rooms, and it is also important to periodically ventilate and keep them cool.

The air temperature in the room where the cuttings are located should be between 15 and 20 degrees, no more and no less. Most often, propagation by cuttings is carried out after the Decembrist has been slightly cut off.

After this procedure, a very large number of ready-made cuttings remain, someone gets rid of them and throws them away, but for someone this material becomes the most suitable for further plant propagation.

Diseases and pests

In general, zygocactus (Decembrist) can suffer from some fungal diseases. Among them, phytium, fusarium or late blight are most often found.

Pathogens can be literally at hand - just in the substrate in which the Decembrist was planted. From there, pathogens penetrate the flower itself, and the root collar is initially damaged. The bush becomes very faded and inconspicuous. A pale grayish tint appears on the leaf blades. And also segments begin to die off in abundance, which also suggests that something is wrong with the plant, and this is something - a fungal disease.

As a result, the Decembrist flower quickly fades, even if you systematically water it and look after it.

In order to quickly and effectively cure the plant from fusarium, it is recommended to treat the Decembrist with fungicidal agents, following the instructions for use.

If the bush was hit late blight or phytium, then in this case it is better to spray the bush with such preparations as Topaz or Maxim, and Vitaros is also suitable. Since all these drugs are just intended to rid the plant of such negative manifestations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Of course, it is worth taking care of the safety of the Decembrist from the moment of landing. The soil should be disinfected with a manganese solution, because it perfectly disinfects the substrate. This means that the risk that the Decembrist will be infected with any diseases or fungi is significantly reduced.

If on the very surface of the bush the gardener noticed the appearance of rust, then this indicates that the plant was affected spiderweb tick... This insect is very small, it is impossible to see it with the naked eye. But the consequences of its life and reproduction are perfectly visible on the plant.

The mite appears mainly where the air humidity has been at a low level for a long time. In order to get rid of the spider mite and reduce the risk of its reappearance, it is necessary to spray the bush with preparations called Fitoverm, Actellik or Neoron.

The main thing is to carefully study the instructions for using this drug in order to do the processing correctly. Since working with the ground part of the plant, you should always be very careful. There is a great risk of causing burns and other injuries to the upper part, and then the plant will forever lose its decorative features and characteristics.

If between the stems of the Decembrist the florist saw whitish lumps, which in their external characteristics more resemble cotton wool, then this suggests that they reproduce on the flower mealy scale insectsand the problem should never be ignored.

In order to get rid of the worms, first wipe the plant with soapy water. When the bush is dry, it is sprayed with a concentrated solution of Aktara. In principle, it is a universal drug against many bacteria and microorganisms, as well as against similar pests.

Problems that can arise with improper care

Of course, if the florist does not properly care for the Decembrist, then very soon quite serious problems may arise. Among them, we highlight the following difficulties:

Gradual or abrupt wilting of the Decembrist bush

Withering is usually due to the fact that the plant has been infected with fungal spores, has become infected with diseases such as phytium and late blight. Shoots can also become very soft and lethargic, and this is provoked by lesions of the Decembrist root system.

If suddenly the trunk, which is usually very strong, began to sway and ceased to be sufficiently stable, then this is also due to the fact that the root system was affected and died, and this was provoked by a too sharp temperature drop or overcooling of the culture. It may be too cold in the room, or the bush was not watered as expected - with warm, settled water, but with cold running water that was just drawn.

Also, the roots may die due to the fact that the container has been in the heat or in the sun for too long and overheated. Also, the root system may die due to the fact that the plant was watered with a fertilizing solution, and the solution was too strong, and this is really incredibly dangerous for the culture.

If suddenly the gardener saw signs of wilting, then it is necessary to immediately transplant the shrub into a new, fresh soil mixture. Otherwise, the plant, which still had chances of salvation, will simply die and no one will bring it back to life.

Lack of flowering

This is another issue that should be taken seriously. The Decembrist flower will not bloom exactly until it feels itself that it is the ideal time for it to bloom. In order for this to happen as soon as possible, the florist must provide the Decembrist with full-fledged peace, so that the culture has time to gain enough strength.

To do this, from about the last September days until the end of November, the container with the Decembrist is transferred to a cold room. At this time, he should not be disturbed in any way - even with top dressing, and watering can be carried out, but extremely rarely. This is done in order to avoid the drying out of the earthen coma in the container, using a very small amount of moisture.

When the last November days come, the container with the Decembrist is rearranged back to a warm place where enough light will get in.Further, systematic watering is carried out, the amount of moisture should be increased from time to time.

After the very first ovaries and buds appear on the plant, you should not allow the clod of earth in the container to dry out too much. And also, the bush should not be turned around its axis, transferred from the windowsill to the windowsill, since there is a great risk that the plant will simply refuse to bloom normally.

If you do all of the above correctly, then flowering will not take long. It will be incredibly lush, decorative and attractive, and in general it will please the grower with its external characteristics.

Dying off of segments or their abundant flying

Sometimes this happens even with perfectly healthy shrubs, which are absolutely not sick and do not get sick. Dying off may be due to the fact that pests settle on the bush - for example, spider mites.

But if the grower did not find this pest on his plant, then the dying off and flying around may be associated with some other factors.

For example, the soil may lack nutrients, causing the plant to become largely weakened and feel much worse. In this case, the bush should be fed with special fertilizers, which are just intended for epitaph cacti. Then fertilizer is also added to the substrate, so that it quickly reaches the root system, since it is probably also weakened and needs support.

If, after feeding, the plant segments continue to fall off, then, in principle, it should be transplanted into a completely new soil mixture. If the end segments fly around abundantly, then the cause of this process may be excessively low air humidity, or during this period the plant is stressed for one reason or another, and therefore it reacts to it in a similar way.

Stress can be caused by a change in the environment, a sharp fluctuation in daily temperature, or an untimely plant transplant. Even the most ordinary draft can cause the plant to start shedding its segments very abundantly, so you should pay special attention to such subtleties, because only this can save the plant - timely feeding and care.

After the flowering of the culture is over, it is worth rearranging the container with the plant in a cool place, and watering is reduced, but again, gradually. The growing season begins in the very last days of March, and at this time it is recommended to rearrange the plant in a more familiar place for it, that is, in a warm and lighted place, on an east-facing windowsill.

Gradually, watering increases, and the volume of dressings that are applied to the plant and directly to the substrate also increases. Of course, all this should be observed and regulated in accordance with how the plant feels, how comfortable it is, how, in principle, the Decembrist feels in this room, in the container in which it is currently growing.

Varieties of Decembrist flowers and their characteristics

Decembrist Buckley flower: Photo of the variety

Of course, within the framework of the article, where we talk about an ornamental flowering plant, we simply cannot help but consider the most common types of Decembrist.

Let's start with a description of the species called Buckley - this variety is considered the most persistent among all other varieties and types of the Decembrist. It perfectly tolerates sudden changes in temperatures and their changes, a change in environment, and also the fact that sometimes there may be minor flaws in caring for a plant.

Buckley is a Decembrist, reaching almost half a meter in height. The bush turns out to be very large and very lush, this is its great advantage. The buds also turn out to be very large, sometimes they reach eight centimeters in length, but some eyewitnesses and experienced flower growers say that this is far from the limit.

The Decembrist flower of this variety is distinguished by the fact that it can bloom with flowers of various shades, but the leaf plate is always painted in a dark, deep green shade. Flowering begins in November and lasts approximately until the last days of March. Such a long period of bud formation is only an advantage, and it cannot but please flower growers, which is why the variety is so popular.

White Decembrist - he looks incredibly romantic and very gentle. However, he is also very smart. It is considered one of the most decorative varieties of the Decembrists of all that are presented today in the line of this plant. If the plant feels comfortable enough, then it will bloom for a long time and very abundantly.

Sometimes the buds stick around the plant so tightly that it is impossible to see either the stems or the leaves under them. Flowers are also very large in size - this is also a huge advantage of this Decembrist variety over all others.

Flower Decembrist White: Photo of the variety

Truncated Decembrist - this species is characterized by the fact that its leaves are slightly pointed, can be painted in a light green tint. Flowers of various colors, they look very modern and elegant. The stems of the plant can reach about six centimeters in length, small denticles form along the edges.

The flowers of the truncated Decembrists are two-tiered - the petals are sometimes bent back, and you can see the elegant middle. The colors of the Decembrist also differ in variety - they can be lilac or white, pink or orange, and sometimes two-tone, the colors themselves are combined with each other, which also looks very exotic.

Decembrist Truncated flower: Photo of the variety

It is because of this variety that the variety is incredibly popular and in demand, and even those growers who, in principle, have no experience in caring for this plant, can cope with its departure.

Russeliana - the height of this Decembrist is no more than thirty centimeters, the leaves are flat, have a glossy shine. It is also worth noting that, unlike other Decembrist varieties, this one does not form needles at all, and therefore this variety looks very sophisticated and cute.

The flower stalk is green, and the buds themselves can be colored red or pink, as well as purple shades. The variety is undersized, and for this reason the bushes are very attractive and interesting. In fact, this Decembrist variety can decorate absolutely any room, as it looks cute, and at the same time, due to its bright colors, it will not get lost among other decorative indoor plantings.

Flower Decembrist Russeliana: Photo of the variety

It is also worth emphasizing that Russeliana is a variety that is very resistant to any negative factors and manifestations, and that is why it is very popular even among those who have absolutely no experience in growing such crops.

Golden cream - this sort of Decembrist is very interesting, and now we will explain why. The thing is that its inflorescences are painted in a very bright yellow color. Moreover, the shade turns out to be very warm, yellow, pleasant, so the flowers resemble a small sun.

Flower Decembrist Golden cream: Photo of the variety

But in nature, this variety does not bloom yellow, but at the same time, the color is just that - the merit of the breeders and their long searches. They had to work long enough precisely to achieve their goal, and as a result, they managed to create such a warm and very sunny Decembrist that can become an adornment of any window sill. In addition, this Decembrist flower perfectly coexists with other indoor plantings, which is also its advantage.

Aspen - this is a terry cactus variety, its flowering is carried out either with snow-white or pale pink, very delicate and decorative flowers. The stamens are colored bright yellow. The Decembrist flower, which belongs to the Aspen variety, most resembles a carnation when flowering occurs. It looks very solemn and elegant, as if it will attract the glances of any guest. It is excellent to place the plant in a room where there is enough space, because it is necessary for the flower to demonstrate all its decorative features and traits.

Flower Decembrist Aspen: Photo of the variety

Gertner - the Decembrist flower of this variety turns out to be very bright and incredibly attractive during flowering. Flowers resemble bells in shape, petals are slightly pointed. The buds are colored orange with a reddish glow. The leaves are dark green in color, very juicy and attractive, especially in such a contrast to the color of the flowers. Due to this, Gertner becomes very noticeable and expressive, it is simply impossible not to notice her among other indoor landings.

Flower Decembrist Gertner: Photo of the variety