To grow a Schlumbergera flower, you need to know exactly what this exotic plant needs. On the one hand, it is unpretentious, despite its tropical origin. On the other hand, it is necessary to create favorable conditions so that the plant will please you with its flowering every year.
Recommendations for growing Schlumbergera:
ensure sufficiently high air humidity (by spraying);
protect from direct sunlight, otherwise, the shoots will turn red;
do not use additional lighting since the plant prefers short daylight hours;
avoid over-watering and over-drying of the soil substrate;
take it out onto the terrace in summer, place it in partial shade;
protect the plant from drafts.
Let's talk in more detail about some of the features of growing Schlumbergera.
Lighting
Cacti like direct sunlight. The schlumbergera needs diffused light, but there should be no lack of lighting. A room with windows facing north is a good place to place the flower pot. The humidity of the kitchen and bathroom will also please it.
Watering
The frequency of watering depends on the stage of flower development. For watering, use settled water at room temperature. From October to January, when the period of budding and subsequent flowering begins, the plant needs abundant watering, but do not allow liquid to stagnate in the tray.
Humidity
The Schlumbergera likes high humidity. To promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering, spray the plant regularly or use a humidifier.
Temperature
The flower does not like temperature changes, and it also does not like excessive heat and cold. The optimal temperature range is +15…+25°C (59…77°F) degrees with air humidity of 75%. During budding, it is useful to harden the plant on the balcony at a temperature of about +15°C (59°F) degrees.
Fertilization
It is impossible to imagine caring for and growing Decembrist at home without regular fertilizing. A complex fertilizer for cacti is suitable for this purpose. Fertilizing is carried out according to the following scheme:
From February to March, when the flower is resting, it is enough to only slightly moisten the soil. To prevent the soil substrate from drying out, the tray is lined with expanded clay and moss. Fertilizing is not carried out during this period..
From April until the end of summer, the Christmas cactus enters a period of active vegetation. At this time, regular moderate watering is required. You can add ammonia to the water at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 liter (0.3 gl) of water. Fertilizer is applied once every 2 weeks. The main component is the NPK complex. The dosage of the preparation intended for fertilizing indoor flowers is divided in half.
In September, the plant is preparing to bloom, which means it is time to limit watering. Remember to moisten the moss in the tray to maintain optimal humidity. As soon as the buds appear, intensive watering and fertilization begin.
Transplant
Although the plant grows slowly, growing schlumbergera does not exclude replanting the plant. If you buy a plant in a pot and the roots are sticking out of the drainage hole, replanting should be done immediately. If the roots are not visible, it can be postponed until the flower is 5 years old.
It is best to do this at the end of the flowering period. The plant's roots are superficial and poorly developed, so a wide, shallow pot will do. In a too spacious container, the roots will actively grow to the detriment of flowering.
Repotting an adult plant begins with filling the pot with drainage by ⅓. The remaining ⅔ is occupied by compacted soil. The flower is moved from the old pot to the new one after thoroughly cleaning the roots from the old soil mixture. After this, all that remains is to carefully sprinkle the roots with soil and water lightly. As the substrate settles, you can add a little new.
Trimming
Young plants do not require pinching (pruning). You can only remove faded buds. After flowering, the crown of adult bushes is formed. Knives are not used for this, but simply with your hands, carefully remove faded, limp shoots and wilted buds.
Reproduction
Most often, propagation is carried out by cuttings and, in rare cases, by grafting onto succulents. In any of the scenarios, shoots without diseases and damage are selected for the purpose.
