Schlumbergera (zigokaktus, Christmas tree) is a genus of epiphytic cacti, a branchy shrub with zygomorphic white, pink or purple flowers that grows in the tropical forests of Brazil. The national name of the plant - Decembrist, due to the flowering period - in the middle of winter.
Fight against pest enemies of the Decembrist flower
Proper care of the Decembrist will help prevent or overcome pests.
Spider mite
The pest belongs to the class of arachnids, its small rounded body is covered with rare bristles and has a red or yellow color. 
It settles on the underside of the leaves of plants, bright spots on the surface of the leaf indicate its appearance.
Mealybug
Sucking insect with oval pink body, covered with white patina, with transverse stripes on the back.
Mealybug length from 3 to 7 mm. The pest produces white sticky mucus and as if the Decembrist sprinkles flour. The Decembrist's buds suffer greatly from the mealybug, they wither and fall.
For prevention from the worm, the plant should be watered regularly and remove dried leaves. If the infection has already occurred, the insecticides "Aktara", "Konfidor", or folk remedies will help: horsetail tincture, Pancake weekly spraying agent.
Did you know? Feng Shui says that the Decembrist transforms the energy in the house, kills the desire to quarrel and hurt another person.
Shchitovka
Although the dimensions of the shitovki do not exceed 5 mm, it can suck out all the juices from the Decembrist. In the Decembrist, the leaves turn yellow and dry, the plant may even die.
You can get rid of the insect with the help of mechanical cleaning: to treat with cotton swabs dipped in a solution of "Karbofos" or "Tanrek." Also, increased air humidity can cause the scythe to multiply, while bright sunlight slows their development.
Possible problems with growing zygocactus
Gardeners can face many problems when growing plants, because zigocactus precipitates pests and diseases. It should be remembered how to deal with them.
Why the Decembrist does not bloom
Inadequate lighting and poor soil often cause the zigokaktus not to bloom. No need to keep the plant on the north window, if necessary pritenyat from direct sunlight. You need to know how to care for the Decembrist to bloom. When the buds appear, the plant cannot be moved, as the Christmas tree can discard them.
Why does the Decembrist fade
Rozhdestvennik bad reacts to the flow of dry hot air from the heating batteries: sluggish, shriveled Decembrist leaves will report this problem. Insufficient or excessive watering adversely affect the plant, it begins to fade. To avoid this, you should regularly spray the Christmas tree and periodically change the soil in the pot.
Important! Experts advise before the kidney cell is fastened, to leave it in a dark place for at least 14 hours. Otherwise, the risk of segment wilting increases.
Why do the Decembrist fall segments and buds
Excessive moisture may cause the buds and leaves to fall off. Even if it seems to you that the Decembrist is drying, it is important not to overdo the watering. Decembrist easier to withstand ground dryness than excess liquid. If zigokaktus leave for some time without watering, and then remove it from the pot along with the earthy clod, you can find that the plant rotted roots. In this case, it will be necessary to plant the Christmas tree cuttings or change the soil and not water it for about a week.
Why shoots Decembrist blush
It happens that the Decembrist has red leaves, which indicates the growth of new cactus segments, excessive watering or improper feeding.
In addition, it is possible to get a burn with an abundance of sunlight.
Important! Do not allow temperature drops for a plant. Keep the Christmas car in a cool room, away from drafts at temperatures up to 20 degrees.
Why the Decembrist is not growing
Schlyumberger can not grow due to several factors: insufficient feeding with mineral complexes or drying of the substrate. During the growth period - from the end of March to August - it should be fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorus, provide access to fresh air, sheltered from direct sunlight and do not forget about constant watering, spraying and washing with soft, warm water. If the Decembrist dries out, the first thing to do is to cheek and root again.
Did you know? The life expectancy of a zygocactus with proper care is very high - from 20 to 30 years.
Treatment of fungal diseases Christmas tree
The plant can get fusarium caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium, 
that penetrate the plant through the soil and wounds, causing rotting of the roots and root collar. It can be cured with the Mycol and Baylet fungicides. Phithium affects the root neck, but can be treated with drugs "Maxim" and "Vitaroz".
Phytophlorosis disease occurs due to infection by a group of Erwinia bacteria, manifested in the fact that a dark spot appears at the base of the stem, which further spreads over the entire stem, sometimes accompanied by discoloration of the stem. Often treatment with drugs is ineffective, the best way to protect the Christmas tree is to remove the affected part of the stem.
