Zygocactus, or Schlumberger, refers to epiphytic cacti. Comes from the rainforests of Central and South America. Popularly, this cactus has many names: Decembrist, forest cactus, Christmas tree.
According to modern taxonomy, zygocactus is called a hybrid Schlumberger Buckley. Zygocactus has a branched stem, consisting of flat segments up to 2.5 cm wide and 5 cm long. The edges of the leaves are serrated. At the ends of the segments, numerous flowers of medium size develop. The flowering of the zygocactus is quite long. Usually the flowers of the plant are pink or red, but there are varieties with white, pink and purple flowers.
Zygocactus care
Since the zygocactus comes from tropical rainforests, the care features are different from the care of ordinary cacti. The plant prefers humid air, a constant moderate temperature and bright diffused light. Zygocactus does not like rare watering and low air temperatures.
During the growing season, it must be regularly watered and shaded from direct sunlight. Root and foliar dressing is done with a weak solution of fertilizers.
Zygocactus is transplanted after flowering. This is usually the end of February. Since the root system of the zygocactus grows in breadth, the pot should be chosen spacious, but shallow. Drainage at the bottom of the pot is required. The earthen mixture for the zygocactus needs nutritious and permeable. The substrate can be made independently from equal parts of humus, peat, sand and sod land, or you can use purchased soil for succulent plants. Young plants need to be replanted every year, adult specimens - every 3 years.
Zygocactus is easily propagated by cuttings. 2-3 extreme segments are separated from the shoot and dried for several days. After drying, the cuttings are rooted in slightly damp soil.
Flowering zygocactus
In order for the zygocactus to please with flowering, you need to create certain conditions for the plant. A dormant period is required for the formation of buds. In order for the zygocactus to fall into dormancy, from about mid-August, you need to stop feeding and make minimal watering. It is advisable to lower the ambient temperature slightly. In such conditions, the zygocactus is kept for a month. Gradually, watering increases and top dressing is resumed.
Diseases of zygocactus
With improper watering and hypothermia, the root system of the zygocactus can rot. In this case, an urgent transplant into fresh soil is required. Watering the plant after transplanting must be done very carefully.
If the soil lacks any elements, then the zygocactus can shed buds and segments. Regular root and foliar feeding is required. Zygocactus may not bloom at all if it lacks light and nutrients.