We associate the cactus with a leafless, spiny desert plant. There are also completely different looking exceptions.The best example is the Szlumbergera, colloquially known as the Christmas cactus or the Lumpy Cactus.Its shoots consist of flat, spiny-free limbs growing successively.
The basic parts of the shoot vary in size and shape, and the edges are slightly notched or serrated. When two or three appear next to each other on the last segment, the shoot begins to grow fan-shaped. Szlumbergera comes from tropical regions of South America.In his homeland, he is an epiphyte living in trees in rainforests.
Bright apartments with a temperature of around 22 ° C provide clumps with good living conditions, similar to those prevailing in the natural environment.In the hottest periods of summer, cacti often suffer from high temperatures and too dry air.Regular sprinkling and a shaded position will help them. It is also a good idea to place pots with plants in the open air in partial shade under the trees, for which they can repay you with lush flowering.
Szlumbergera has become a popular and well-liked indoor plant primarily because it blooms around Christmas, and for a very long time, even over 8 weeks.Flower buds are set up individually or in several on the edge of the youngest, last segments.The color palette of flowers of many varieties has been very rich for a long time.
In addition to the classic shades of red, we can choose from charming pastel salmon, light pink, yellow and creamy white tones. There are also varieties with flowers in strong dark pink and lilac shades. The two-color forms are extremely attractive: 'Samba Brasil' with flower petals with a white center and dark pink or orange-red edges.
For the flowers to have a color characteristic of the variety, the plant with buds cannot stand in a place with a temperature lower than 18 ° C.White and yellow forms are especially sensitive to cold. After cooling, their flowers do not take on the typical colors, but turn pale pink.
Beautifully colored cacti decorate winter arrangements. Do not be afraid to switch the lush flower bed to the coffee table. Improper and unsystematic watering and low temperature can cause the shedding of still undeveloped buds.However, a he althy and strong, carefully cared for plant should not be harmful by itself.
Important care rules
Grudnik should stay in an environment with a temperature of 20-25 ° C all year round. The exception is the dormancy period, as described below.Cacti like bright locations, but cannot tolerate intense sunlight.The soil in the pot should be kept moderately moist.
The substrate should not be allowed to dry out or watered too much for many weeks.Excess moisture, mainly in combination with cold soil, most often causes root rot.A special soil for epiphytes is suitable for the substrate. This mixture is characterized by high water permeability.
Plants should be fertilized only in the summer every 14 days with a special fertilizer for epiphytes or half the dose for indoor plants . The dormant period is important for the flowering of papules. Between September and October, keep them at a temperature of 15-18 ° C and water them minimally.
