Szlumbergera, Christmas cactus, clematis, zygocactus - so many names were invented for this interesting cactus with lovely cream, pink or red flowers, which are a winter decoration of many apartments. We explain where so many names for this plant come from, what is unique about it and what are the rules of growing and caring for a pellet plant at home.
Zygokaktus, Grunik
The plant was named after Frederik Schlumberger, a cactus collector who lived in the 19th century. winter.
The homeland of the zygocactus is tropical Brazilian forests, where it can be found on trees - in the hollows between the branches, from where its shoots can hang several dozen centimeters long. This cactus came to Polish thatched roofs over a century ago and could have been our great-grandmothers' favorite plant. Currently, this plant is returning to favor.
Zygokaktusfeels best in cool apartments, in such conditions it is best to growgrowing lumpin summer may be normal room temperature, but in winter when it blooms, it should be kept at 10-14 ° C. Requires a light or semi-shade site with diffused light. It can be, for example, a northern window sill. Remember that it is sensitive to changes in place and reacts then by shedding flower buds. Therefore, the plant should not be moved, especially when the flowering period is approaching.
Taking care of the zygocactusrequires that the substrate in the pot with the plant be slightly moist at all times.During the growth period, the plant is supplied with fertilizer for cacti once a month and from time to time we sprinkle its shoots with soft water (the plant, which grows in nature in the jungle, likes moist air). From August until the appearance of flower buds, we limit watering and do not fertilize. During this period, the plant goes into a dormant period - without it, it will not bloom. We water it minimally so that the soil in the pot does not dry out completely and the shoots do not start to wrinkle. When the plant blooms, we can water it more abundantly.
The next rest should be provided after flowering, usually from February to March.Zygokaktusdoes not require frequent replanting - it is enough to transfer it to fresh, permeable soil for cacti every 3 or 4 years. To do this, cut off a fragment consisting of two flattened stems. Dry such a seedling and put it in a sandy, slightly moist substrate. Rooting takes 3 to 6 weeks.
