The succulent perennial Schlumbergera, which is better known to gardeners as the "Decembrist," reaches its highest degree of decorativeness during the Christmas holidays, when the tips of the leaves are crowned with bright flowers of red or pink color. However, without proper care and compliance conditions of detention It is impossible to force an exotic plant to bloom profusely and for a long time.
Top 7 tips for lush blooms
The Schlumbergera cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family. Its appearance, however, is distinct from other "prickly" plants. It can't be classified as a herbaceous plant, though. Like other cacti, the Schlumbergera is undemanding. However, to encourage it to bloom, you must strictly adhere to proper cultivation practices: establish a watering schedule, organize a fertilizing system, and remember to repot it.
Selecting containers
The lack of flowering may be due to an improperly selected pot. Since the plant has a shallow root system, it should be wide but not too tall. The initial container size depends on the development of the underground part. The plant will bloom only when its roots have completely entwined the soil. Therefore, when repotting a Christmas cactus from a shipping container or an old pot, increase the diameter of the new one by only 1 cm.
Substrate preparation
Water should not stagnate in the roots, as this can lead to rot. To ensure drainage, expanded clay serves as a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot. The next layer is charcoal, which acts as an antiseptic. The substrate can be purchased at the store (selected for cacti) or prepared at home: mix one part turf, sand, humus, and two parts deciduous soil.
Transfer
If the plant was purchased in bloom, it can be repotted only after it has finished blooming. Subsequent repotting is done at the end of February. Young plants are moved to a new container with fresh soil annually, while mature plants are moved every 3-4 years. To maintain the soil's nutritional value, the top layer is removed and replaced with fresh soil mixture. Repot the plant according to the following scheme:
- Drainage will be provided in the new container.
- The plant is placed into it using the transshipment method, so as not to disturb the roots as much as possible.
- The voids are filled with prepared substrate.
- Do not water for the next three days.
Watering mode
During the active growth period, water the succulent regularly, not allowing the soil to dry out deeper than 3 cm. Watering is stopped in September. Don't worry if the shoots droop slightly. Succulents store moisture in their leaves and use it during dry periods. Watering is gradually resumed from mid-October, allowing the plant to prepare for the budding phase. Use settled, room-temperature water.
Regularity of feeding
For lush flowering, the plant requires macro- and microelements, which it can obtain from nutrient complexes. These are applied twice a month in the spring. In the first half of summer, the frequency is reduced to once every 30 days. With the arrival of autumn, fertilizing is stopped. Fertilizers for succulents or flowering plants are suitable for the Decembrist cactus. The dosage is half the amount indicated on the package.
Flower placement
During the summer heat, the plant is moved outdoors to a terrace or balcony. It can remain outdoors until the temperature drops to 10°C. Throughout this period, the succulent is protected from direct sunlight and misted twice daily, keeping the leaves clean and the air humid. Indoors, the pot is placed on an east-facing windowsill. If all the windows face south, the plant should be shaded during midday hours.
There are over 1,500 known species of indoor violets (Saintpaulias). It's unlikely anyone will remain indifferent to these miniature flowers in a variety of shades and shapes. Proper care and attention can help ensure abundant violet blooms.
Crown formation
Decembrist cacti are pruned in June. No special tools are used for this procedure. Rather than cutting off excess shoots, they are twisted off by hand, giving the plant a beautiful shape and shortening any branches that grow incorrectly, toward the crown. Plants shaped this way have an attractive appearance and bloom more profusely. To maintain symmetry, the bush is regularly rotated clockwise.
If you follow all these tips, the Decembrist is sure to delight the gardener with beautiful blooms for the New Year's celebrations. And in a pot with themed images, the flower will easily become a decorative addition to your holiday table setting.