This unusual zigokaktus came to us from South America and the gardeners came to taste - this handsome bloom falls on a snowy and frosty season for our latitudes. However, not all owners of the Decembrist can admire the pink flowers. Christmas cactus is unpretentious in the care, but still requires some knowledge and skills in its content. Knowing certain secrets and nuances of care, you can return the flowering cactus, which has not pleased you for many years.
The reasons why the Decembrist does not bloom
All stages of the development of the Schlyumberger cactus are divided into the following:
- vegetation (spring-summer);
- I rest period (autumn);
- bloom (November-January);
- II period of rest (after flowering before the growing season).
Important! In order for your pet to please you with flowers, it is very important to ensure that it is properly cared for during the first rest period.
Usually flower growers, which for the first time contain a Schlumberger cactus, make several typical mistakes, because of which the pet refuses to bloom.
Lighting violations
If you believe that the Decembrist needs a lot of light, especially direct sunlight, like other cacti, then make a grave mistake.
The plant can easily get burns if during the period from 11 to 17 o'clock in the afternoon it gets ultraviolet light, especially in summer. But no less adversely affects the state of the cactus and the lack of sunlight. With a lack of sunlight, the plant also suffers.
Nutrient Deficiency
Like most indoor plants, the Decembrist needs additional feeding. There are certain norms for the application of various supplements at different times of the year. 
It is very important that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients. But for their introduction there are certain periods. For example, fertilization in the dormant period completely stops the budding of flower buds.
Did you know? Have you noticed that cacti are the most frequent neighbors of computer monitors on desktops? This tradition comes from the 90s of the last century. It was then that the assertion appeared that cacti reduce the level of harmful radiation. In reality, these prickly plants do not have this effect, because computers do not emit any radioactive rays.
Wrong watering
In nature, the Decembrist exists in such conditions in which he does not receive a large amount of moisture on the roots, so it cannot be poured. If the plant is heavily overwetted, it will begin to shed its leaves and, as a result, it will almost certainly not bloom.
The Cactus family also includes: Mammillaria, Opuntia, Epiphyllum, Rhipsalis, and Hatiora.
Especially badly affected by excessive watering in the fall. Thus, the cactus can not enter the period of rest, and you probably will not see the flowers. But the humidification of the sprayer has a positive effect on the condition of the green tenant.Permutation
This disturbance usually occurs during the period of first rest and flowering. When the cactus begins the process of forming buds or when they have already bloomed, it needs rest in all senses.
We advise you to read about what to do if it does not bloom echmea, calla, petunia, kalanchoe, spathiffylum and aihrizon.
To transfer it to a new place, turn the other side to the light and touch it in every possible way is strictly prohibited, otherwise the plant will get a lot of stress and get rid of all the buds (flowers).
Pruning plants
A common mistake in the care of the Decembrist, which leads to the absence of flowering, is ignoring the pruning of the shoots.
The fact is that the buds are best formed on young shoots. Therefore, every year at the end of winter, the Decembrist needs to update the crown by plucking segments that do not branch.
Unsuitable place to keep
Many novice growers believe that the larger and more spacious the pot they choose for their pet, the better he will feel and grow faster. This belief is fundamentally wrong.
Check out the home care guidelines for Decembrist flower care, as well as the Decembrist disease and pest control methods.
If the pot does not match the size of the root system, the development of the above-ground part inevitably stops, what to speak of flowering. Sometimes growth stops for a few years.
The fact is that the roots first try to fill all the space inside the pot, and only after that the forces of the plant will be directed to the growth and development of the green part. In addition, a large pot significantly increases the chances of stagnant water.
Did you know? Some species of cacti growing in California, can reach 20-25 m in height! These thorny giants are reservoirs for 2 tons of pure fresh water.
The second problem may be the content of the zygocactus near the radiators or in the draft. Remember that a slightly lower temperature is better for this plant than hot air.
Root disruption
The root system can suffer as a result of non-compliance with the temperature regime (strong hypothermia), excessive moistening, violation of the rules of transplanting a green friend, and the use of cold water for irrigation. Obviously, with injuries to the roots, the plant will not have enough strength to form flower buds.
What to do to bloom the Decembrist
To get lush bright pink-red flowers for Christmas, for your pet you need to create all conditions as close as possible to the natural ones. It is necessary to take care of the temperature regime, the frequency of irrigation, the lighting and the application of top dressings. Remember that the most crucial period is 50 days before the expected flowering (September-October).
- Lighting and location. The main thing: to remember that in nature the plant settles in the trees, which means that it is constantly in partial shade. It is unacceptable to put the zygocactus under direct sunlight. The optimal sides of the apartment are the north and west.
If it turns out to place the pot only on the south or east side, be sure to create a light shade using curtains or mosquito nets. In winter, additional lighting is not required, because it is in the conditions of the penumbra that the buds of the flower buds take place. - The soil. Again, it is worth taking into account the natural conditions of growth of this epiphytic cactus - it settles on a tree, which means that the soil should be as loose as possible with very effective drainage. It should be at least 1/3 of the height of the pot. To prepare the soil, it is necessary to mix in equal parts turf soil, peat and sand (can be replaced with vermiculite).
We recommend to read about what types of soil exist, how to independently determine the acidity of the soil, as well as how to deoxidize the soil.
In no case should no water be stagnated in the pot. The soil should be slightly acidic (Ph 5.5-6.5). To maintain optimum moisture, moss particles can be added to the soil mix. - Watering. As you understand, the slightest accumulation of moisture will quickly affect the health and appearance of the plant is not for the better. However, to prevent the drying of the earth and the roots of the plant is also impossible.
You need to water your pet as needed when the upper layers of the earth are dry and will not stick to your fingers. One moisture in 4 days is enough. However, the frequency of irrigation needs to be adjusted depending on the temperature, time of year. Be sure to use only warm, separated water for irrigation (about +25 ° C). - Fertilization. The main snag is that at different stages of development (i.e., at different times of the year) the cactus needs different nutrients. During the growing season (spring-summer) fertilizers should not contain nitrogenous substances. During the rest period (autumn months), as the name implies, no fertilizer is required. Then comes the period of flowering (the end of the autumn-middle of winter), at this time the plant needs such substances: phosphorus, potassium and calcium nitrate. You can use conventional fertilizers for flowering plants. After this comes the next period of rest, which lasts until the growing season.
- Transplant and pot selection. Change the "home" is necessary after the final completion of flowering (February-March). For young individuals, an annual transplant is required; upon reaching 4 years of age, a transplant can be performed 1 time per 4-5 years. It is very important to choose the right pot - the difference with the previous one should be a maximum of 2-3 cm in height and width, no more.
If it turns out to place the pot only on the south or east side, be sure to create a light shade using curtains or mosquito nets. In winter, additional lighting is not required, because it is in the conditions of the penumbra that the buds of the flower buds take place.
You need to water your pet as needed when the upper layers of the earth are dry and will not stick to your fingers. One moisture in 4 days is enough. However, the frequency of irrigation needs to be adjusted depending on the temperature, time of year. Be sure to use only warm, separated water for irrigation (about +25 ° C).Important! Proper care in the first period of rest (September-November) is the key to good flowering of the cactus. At this time, it is necessary to reduce the temperature (you can leave the flower outside until frost), reduce watering and stop feeding. Usually similar "stress" leads to a lush bloom indoor pet.
For the normal formation of flower buds, the plant should be left in a cool room (on the glassed-in balcony or loggia), where the mark on the thermometer is within + 5 ... +15 ° С. Watering occurs once every 1-2 weeks in very small portions, fertilizing is not applied. Additional lighting is not required, ideally, if at night the room will be completely devoid of light.
Knowing the natural needs of your room occupant, it will be quite easy to make a competent care plan. If you follow the simple rules, you can quickly return to life zigokaktus, and he will certainly thank you with bright unusual flowers!
