Decembrist - the flower of winter

Decembrist - a flower that belongs to the family of epiphytic cacti, the genus of the locberberger. The plant, like other epiphytic species, develops through photosynthesis, but with insufficient nutrition it begins to extract useful substances not only with the help of the root system, but also from the air, using for this air additional roots.

In botany, the Decembrist-flower has become famous as a zigokaktus, and its popular name is due to the formation in the first month of winter of colorful buds, which can delight the eye with their delicious flowers almost until February. At home, plants in South America at this time comes summer.

Flower care Decembrist

The plant has been known in Europe for a long time and along with other indoor flowers is very popular. The wide distribution of the Decembrist is due to its unpretentiousness. Zygocactus, like other epiphytic plants, can go without water for a long time. But in this case, it will cease to bloom, as nutrient moisture retains for life, and the formation of buds of strength is not enough.

If you set a goal, you can get a long bloom from the Decembrist, up to four times in winter with small intervals. For this, the plant will need a lot of light, sufficient watering and a favorable temperature regime.

Decembrist-flower is very fond of sunlight. The plant refers to cacti, which in natural conditions choose places higher, where there is a lot of sunlight. In winter, on short light days, it is necessary to put a pot on the windowsill near the largest and brightest window. Although the flower perfectly feels and in shaded places. During flowering, it can be placed higher and further away, for example, to decorate an outdoor oasis. In connection with the fact that the Decembrist is an epiphytic flower, it can be planted in one pot to higher brethren.

In conditions of dry air in central heating, it is necessary to carefully observe the watering regime of the plant. You can not allow the earth to dry out, otherwise the flowers may wilt, and the new young buds will not be able to blossom. During flowering, the plant should not be sprayed, because buds and flowers do not like this procedure. It is best to wipe the house plants Decembrist with a damp cloth. Until the cactus dissolves, it must be sprayed.

For growth, a Decembrist needs a few spoons of soil, which is due to its epiphyticity. The root system is poorly developed, and food is produced mainly by air roots. Such requirements are minimal, but it is not worthwhile to plant a Decembrist in a spacious vase. In the presence of a large amount of free space, the plant between watering can not absorb all the moisture that has entered, and this can lead to decay of the roots and the root parts of the stem.
In general, when watering the Decembrist you should observe moderation and regime. It should be borne in mind that the plant can obtain additional moisture by air roots, which are also a flower health detector. If the roots look dry or wilted, then the Decembrist lacks moisture. Then it is necessary to increase the humidity in the room with a humidifier and sprinkle the space near the blossoming flower, avoiding water entering the flower buds.
Although the Decembrist-flower is not too sensitive to the thermometer readings, but temperature conditions below 12 or above 26 degrees can lead to a failure of flowering. The plant is loyal to airing, it can withstand the impact of a draft. But all the same it is not necessary to take a great interest in this procedure, especially in the winter. Otherwise the cactus will overcool and will not be able to please you in the cold season with beautiful flowers.