Grudnik(Schlumbergera x buckleyi), also known as Zygokaktus or Christmas Cactus, is a popular potted plant that blooms around Christmas. Although it is quite easy to grow, it sometimes happens thatclematis does not bloomloses its winter charm. Seewhy the papilla does not bloomand what to do to make it bloom again this winter. Here are the5 most important pellet care mistakesthat make this plant reluctant to bloom.
Why does the papermakers not bloom?
Fig. pixabay.com
1. Grudnik does not bloom because it is watered poorly
The lack of lump flowers , which should appear just before Christmas, is usually the result of frequent mistakes made in caring for this plant.
"First of all, it is worth knowing that the name Christmas Cactus is misleading, because the clod is not a cactus at all. In its natural environment, it grows on the branches of rainforest trees, attached to their bark by roots. So, unlike typical cacti, it does not grow in a hot and dry desert. Hence, the most common mistake in caring for the cloddy plant results, whichmay cause that the pellet does not bloom- too little watering.The soil in the pot should not be allowed to dry out completely. Too long breaks in watering lead to wrinkling of the pellet leaves. In addition, after drying, the plant regains its balance for a long time and does not produce flowers. "
Flowering clod - Christmas cactus
Fig. depositphotos.com
We water the pellet once a week. This is best done in the form of a shower of about 5-10 minutes, which will simulate rainfall. After a shower, let the plant dry and wait until the excess water drains from the substrate.Too much water in the substrate is also not beneficial for the pellet and does not favor its flowering. Therefore, we should not allow water to remain in the stand under the pot.
2. Grudnik does not bloom, because it grows in a pot that is too large
Grudnik has a very poorly developed root system, so it should be grown in small pots. Often, many owners of these plants, taking into account the large size of hanging shoots, plant pellet in large containers. A large amount of soil in a pot absorbs large amounts of water that is not fully used by the plant. Too moist a substrate can lead toshedding of already emerging flower buds by the clod It will be easier to maintain an adequate level of water in the substrate when growing in a flat pot.
3. Grudnik does not bloom because it is too warm
Another very commonmistake with which the poultry plant doesn't bloomis the cultivation of poultry in too warm rooms. There is a pleasant coolness among the branches of the trees, so we should ensure the optimal temperature for the development of the clod, i.e. 21 ° C. In the night hours, the temperature should be lower and range between 15-18 ° C. Higher temperatures,inhibit flowering in pellet plant
4. Grudnik does not bloom because it has bad lighting
Too poor lighting during the day also prevents the clod of flowers from forming. Grudnik requires a clear position, but it does not tolerate too strong sun. Direct exposure to sunlight, especially in the afternoon hours, results in the leaves turning purple. Grudnik needs only 2-4 hours of intense sunlight per day, preferably at sunset or sunrise.
Sincepapilionaceous is a short-day plant , it requires 12 hours of absolute darkness in the fall and winter months (September to December) in order to bloom. It should not be placed in rooms where it would have access to artificial light at night (e.g. a street lamp standing close to the window).
5. Grudnik does not bloom, because we exposed it to a sudden change in conditions
Too abrupt changes in temperature, substrate humidity and lighting intensity, as well as hot and cold air blasts, cause thatclematis drops flowers and budsTherefore, during the flowering period, we should provide this plant with the most calm. At the time of flowering, you absolutely should not overdo the pellet.
What to do to make the papilla bloom?
The appearance of flowers at the poultry plantmust be preceded by restricting its access to light for 12 hours a day. For this purpose, we use the darkening procedure.We start it in October by covering the plant with an opaque bucket or pot for the next 6 weeks. If the pot is placed in a room that is rarely used, it is not necessary to cover the plant. However, it is important to cover the windows tightly so that the plant does not have access to artificial light.
During the darkening of the pellet, we provide it with optimal growth conditions, i.e. a temperature of 21 ° C, good lighting during the day and balanced watering. If we meet these conditionsgrudnik will reward us with lush and beautiful flowers .
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
