Decembrist - can you keep this flower at home?

Flowers

Magic and mysticism have long been part of modern life. Some believe in horoscopes, others in superstitions. It remains a generally accepted fact that there are forces beyond the power of science to explain or analyze, yet they harmoniously blend into everyone's lives. There are plants surrounded by mystical rumors, considered talismans, amulets, or, conversely, unwelcome guests in the home and flowerbed.

One such flower is the Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera cactus. This flower is popularly associated with various omens and superstitions that help recognize the atmosphere in a home, friendly people, and even the approach of death. Whether or not one believes in such omens is a personal matter, but no one will dispute that the Christmas cactus is a very beautiful plant.

Characteristics of the Decembrist variety and history of cultivation

Decembrist is the common name for this plant; other names include Christmas cactus and zygocactus. The flower owes its common name to its ability to bloom on Christmas Eve. It belongs to the Cactaceae family, genus Schlumbergaceae, and has several varieties:

Truncated Schlumbergera;
Gertner;
Buckley.

This plant is native to the forests of South America, where it twines around the trunks of large trees and blooms profusely in summer. The indoor Christmas cactus was bred by plant breeders and has earned a place on windowsills in our country thanks to its distinctive, flattened leaves and unusual flowers.

Zygocactus comes in a variety of shades: white, pink, lilac, purple, and peach, and its flowers resemble bells with brightly curled edges. The stem tissues become woody in mature Decembrist cacti, and it is characterized by the constant emergence of new leaves.

The flower is easily propagated by cuttings and, with proper care, blooms several times a year, although new hybrid varieties have been developed that have a much longer flowering period and are not dependent on the time of year.

The Christmas cactus doesn't require any special care, but it prefers a shady location, moderate watering with warm water, adequate drainage, and requires fertilizing during the active growth period. It can be repotted at any time except during flowering. By following basic growing guidelines, you can grow a wonderful perennial plant that will brighten your room with its exotic appearance.

Signs and superstitions about the Decembrist flower

There are several long-standing superstitions about the Christmas cactus that have persisted for a long time, and people still believe in them. For example, unmarried girls are strictly advised not to grow this flower, lest they become spinsters.

About flowering time

It has long been believed that the blooming period of the Christmas cactus can reveal a lot about the family that grows it. For example, a timely bloom in December promises a good year for everyone living under the roof of the house. It's no big deal if the zygocactus blooms on New Year's Eve or early in the year; all will be well and no troubles are expected.

If the plant begins producing flowers in the fall or spring, one should prepare for problems that will haunt the entire year; these could include financial difficulties or illnesses in the family. At the same time, there is a sign that the blooming of the Decembrist in the fall promises an addition to the family soon.

A separate sign is the absence of flowers on the plant throughout the year. Thus, the plant signals tension and misunderstandings between husband and wife, which must be resolved and reconciled, then the Christmas cactus will certainly delight with abundant flowering.

By the state of the flower

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

a lush and actively growing Decembrist shows an atmosphere of love and care in the family;
a large number of young leaves indicates a disease of one of the family members;
A flower that grows well for a long time promises peace and quiet in the home.

Interesting!

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

How to recognize guests' intentions

The Christmas cactus will also help you discern the true intentions of those visiting your home, whether they be relatives or acquaintances. If one of your guests harbors ill will or envies your family, the plant will inevitably droop and may even begin to shed its leaves.

Having noticed such changes in the Decembrist's condition, one should remember who was a guest in the house during the period when the plant experienced such metamorphoses and limit future contact with people possessing such negative energy.

About death

Perhaps the most frightening and unpleasant omen associated with this beautiful cactus is its role as a harbinger of death. Folk wisdom holds that a Christmas cactus that wilts for no apparent reason is a symbol of the imminent death of one of the inhabitants of the house where the cactus grows.

This omen allowed people to prepare for a future tragedy, but at the same time it is alarming and frightening, and many avoid growing zygocactus at home.

Is it possible to keep a Decembrist flower at home?

Most houseplants can be both beneficial and harmful when kept in our homes. According to superstitions, this flower can bring undeniable benefits to the home where it grows:

will help create a positive atmosphere;
will drive away bad thoughts and desires;
will reveal secret enemies;
will help improve relationships and everyday life of young couples;
will fill even egoists with kindness;
activates creativity;
will help in spiritual development;
will cure joint diseases.

On the other hand, some superstitions say that keeping such a cactus in the home is not advisable due to its strong energy, which can drive away a husband or father, and negatively impact any male member of the family. Some also believe that when the flower wilts, it can invite death and lead to family losses.

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

The Decembrist's influence on fate

The people and objects around us can positively or negatively influence our mood, state of mind, and, consequently, our entire life and destiny. And a zygocactus plant grown on a windowsill can bring about some changes in life's circumstances.

According to Feng Shui

For those who practice feng shui, owning a Christmas cactus is also beneficial, as it can improve the atmosphere in the home and improve relationships. The plant doesn't require any special location; any suitable location for its care is acceptable, as the zygocactus can only generate its energy and influence people consistently when it's healthy and growing.

Purchasing the plant and using the energy of the Decembrist will be effective:

For shy people, the flower will help them to relax and improve their social skills;
for psychologists, it will give the opportunity to encourage clients to talk;
for managers – will create a friendly and trusting atmosphere in the office;
For emotional and unrestrained men – it will give peace and harmony.

Note!

Thanks to the Christmas cactus's ability to transform negativity into positivity, it would be a good idea to have such a flower for those in professions who constantly work with conflict-prone clients.

The meaning of a flower in astrology

In astrology, the Christmas cactus receives considerable attention; it is believed to be patronized by planets that bestow their energy upon the plant, namely:

Saturn promotes establishing a 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 resolves conflicts, develops communication skills and social adaptation.

Astrologers also claim that the flower is a powerful talisman and is essential in homes with small children, as it helps develop their creativity and create a festive and cheerful atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions about growing

For those who prefer practical advice on caring for Schlumbergera, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the real reason for the untimely flowering of the Decembrist?

Firstly, the flowering period depends on the variety: Rhipsadolis always blooms in April, while Schlumbergera blooms in December. Furthermore, the onset of flowering depends on the amount of fertilizer applied, proper watering, and the plant's temperature regime.

Which window is best to keep the flower on?

Christmas cactus grows best on west- and north-facing windowsills, as it dislikes direct sunlight. If the windowsill is south-facing, be sure to shade the plant during the summer to prevent leaf burn.

Is it true that the Decembrist has a bad influence on men?

One superstition holds that the flower's energy is bad for men and can "drive" a man out of the house, but there is no scientific evidence to support its negative impact on men's health or psyche.

Regardless of our beliefs, there are inexplicable things that were observed by our ancestors and recorded in omens that have survived to this day. The Christmas cactus flower possesses strange magical properties that can influence the life of the person who grows it. The Christmas cactus has only positive effects and should not be feared. Whether or not to believe in it is up to each person to decide.