The cactus known as the rozhdestvennik, or the Decembrist, carries the name of shlyumberger. To grow up this cactus and to please it so that he felt well and blossomed not easy.
Instruction
1. Though this cactus belongs to epiphytes and in the nature lives in hollows of big trees or on their fallen trunks, on windowsill it does not need soil more feeder, than to other cacti. From excessively nutritious soil they will disproportionately increase in sizes and can burst and then and die. This cactus is replaced more often than others as its roots quickly expand and occupy all space, and it too in comparison with other cacti grows pretty fast. If year after year the shlyumberger does not increase in sizes, it means that conditions do not suit it. Therefore both its rapid growth, and lack of growth can be reason for change of Christmas cactus.
2. As well as any other plant, at shlyumberger has different periods of life, some time is ideal for change, and in some other months it is better not to touch this plant absolutely. In October-November at rozhdestvennik dormant period, and in the same time he is preparing for forming of buds. It is undesirable to touch cactus at this time, the reason for change can be only emergency - detection of the wrecker or falling and the broken pot. From November to December of shlyumberger forms buds and begins to blossom. If to replace it during this period, blossoming, most likely, will not take place, but it is sometimes more important to save plant. From December to February of shlyumberger blossoms, and change is also not recommended. And from March to August growth period begins, and it best of all is suitable for change of place of residence.
3. Young cacti are replaced every year in the middle of March. At plants is more senior 2-3 years take break between changes. Pots for rozhdestvennik need to be chosen as wide, but superficial as root system at him extensive and surface. On third the pot is filled with drainage as the shlyumberger does not need dry wintering as other cacti, and abundant watering loves, but at the same time stagnation of water is harmful to its gentle roots. Change - suitable time to cherenkovat rozhdestvennik, having taken extreme segments from its branches. It together with change helps plant to develop further and to begin to branch. Shanks from maternal plant do not cut off and do not tear off, and accurately turn off. Otherwise the plant remains on shanks or on the main bush can begin to decay, having ruined all escape.
4. Having prepared pot for change, rozhdestvennik take from old pot, having turned that on one side and knocking on walls to separate from them earth lump with roots. In the same time the shlyumberger should take for the trunk basis as it is possible closer to root, and, trying not to rumple, extend together with earth lump from old capacity. Accurately place in new on layer of drainage and new soil, fill space between lump of the earth and walls with the soil. In case the cactus changes from big pot in smaller, around its roots it is required to clean the earth, and then to place it in the pot suitable by the size. The first two weeks after change rozhdestvennik do not water but only spray. Having made sure that the plant adapted and has gone to growth, begin watering.