Schlumbergera or Decembrist: how to grow a Christmas cactus

Description of cacti of the genus Schlumberger

Epiphytic cacti of this genus are native to South America. The habitat is located in the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. These plants grow on trees or rocks in tropical forests.

Why does this cactus have so many names? Let's figure it out. Folk names for these cacti were given depending on the season of their flowering. In the Northern Hemisphere they are called Schlumbergera, Zygocactus, Christmas cactus, Rozhdestvennik, crab cactus, Decembrist, Varvarin color (or Varvarin braid). In Brazil, this genus is called Flor de Maio (May flower) due to the fact that the flowering period in the Southern Hemisphere falls during the spring season.

Features of cactus taxonomy

The genus Schlumbergera as we know it today contains six to nine species. Charles Lemaire proposed the creation of this genus in 1858 for a plant first described as Epiphyllum russellinum. The genus name is given in honor of the French cactus collector Frederic Schlumberger, who at that time was famous for his collection of cacti. The flower Schlumbergera russelliana has become the type species of the genus. In subsequent years, a number of new species were discovered and described. The problem of merging (“unification”) and division of genera arises constantly, and Schlumberger is an example of this. For many years there has been confusion as to how the various species of many epiphytic cacti should be divided into genera. This problem also affected Schlumbergera. In 1819, Haworth discovered and described another species of cactus - Epiphyllum truncatum. In 1890, Karl Moritz Schumann created a new genus, Zygocactus, and transferred Epiphyllum truncatum to Zygocactus truncatus. Although he later placed it back into Epiphyllum, abandoning Zygocactus. Despite this, the name Zygocactus continues to be widely used in various sources and online stores. In 1953, Reid Moran placed Schlumbergera russelliana and Zygocactus truncatus in the genus Schlumbergera. Other species were added later, including those formerly classified as Epiphyllanthus, thereby forming the genus Schlumberger of six species and a number of hybrids.

Biological description of the Decembrist

In their natural habitat, Schlumbergers grow on the branches of other plants (epiphytes) and in shady areas of cliffs and rock crevices. Cacti do not have true leaves, although their round and flat stems are often considered leaves. Young plants are erect, but as they mature the stems begin to bend and become drooping.

For the most part, Zygocactus or Christmas tree is a small bush growing up to 30 cm in height and 60 cm in diameter. The hanging branches of Schlumbergera are mostly flat and green in color and can reach a length of up to 1 meter. Decembrist stems do not have needles. Branch segments of various species have more or less distinct serrations along the edges. Flowers bloom at the tips of the branches.

Photo of Decembrist or Schluberger fruits

The flowers are two-tiered, tubular up to 8 cm long, visually look like a flower within a flower. Depending on the variety, they can be peach, red, pink, purple, orange or white. This variety of colors has been achieved thanks to the development of many cultivars and hybrid varieties of Zygocactus.

These flowering cacti can live 20 to 30 years if cared for properly.

A few words about the flowering season of Schluberger or Decembrist

Different species of Zygocactus have different flowering periods: from the end of November to the end of winter, the widespread hybrid species Schlumbergera Buckley blooms, and the truncated Schlumbergera (S. truncatus) blooms from the end of December to February.

Many people do not know, but because of this difference in flowering time, these varieties are called differently: the first species is called Decembrist and the other, better known as Zygocactus truncated, is commonly called the Christmas cactus or Varvarin flower (it begins to bloom in December, closer to Varvarin day).

What is the difference between Schlumbergera and Ripsalidopsis?

Often inexperienced flower growers classify the so-called “Easter cactus” or Ripsalidopsis among the Decembrists, since they are very similar in appearance. But there are still differences between them. We described in detail the distinctive features of the Christmas cactus and the Easter cactus in our article.

There are more than 200 artificially bred varieties of Schlumbergera, which in turn once again emphasizes the great popularity of this cactus among gardeners.

What you need to know about caring for Schlumberger cactus at home

To begin with, we want to make one remark - do not treat the Decembrist as an ordinary cactus. They do not tolerate the same climate conditions as other succulent crops and often do not bloom. We will try to provide detailed information and describe all the intricacies of growing homemade Zygocactus.

The soil

The choice of soil mixture composition is not a significant factor for Schlumbergera. The cactus can adapt to most types of houseplant soil and can thrive in loam, sand, perlite, succulent mix, and even regular potting soil. But to achieve optimal conditions for development, Decembrist needs soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.2. You can prepare the soil for Zygocactus yourself by mixing one part sand and two parts regular fertile soil. To increase acidity, it is advisable to add a little peat.

Where is the best place to place a pot with Decembrist?

To determine the location of the flower, you need to remember that Schlumbergera grows in tropical climates, but grows away from direct sunlight. Especially during a hot lunch hour, the plant can be seriously damaged by the sun. The cactus needs a well-lit but slightly shaded place.

The flower will tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning or evening. On the other hand, in too dark locations the cactus will etiolate due to lack of light. The consequence will be the rapid growth of Schlumberger and the weakening (yellowing) of its tissues. A window sill on the east or west side will be the optimal place for Zygocactus. Closer to noon, try to keep the flower under diffused lighting.

If you want to take the Decembrist pot outdoors, make sure it is in partial shade.

Temperature and humidity

There are also important factors that will influence the condition of your cactus. Rozhdestvennik is a little picky when it comes to temperature.

During periods of vegetative growth (from April to September) it prefers mild temperatures of 17-26 °C.
When flower buds begin to form, Zygocactus should be provided with a lower temperature range at night (12 to 18 °C).
After the buds open, the temperature should be 21-24 °C during the day and 16-21 °C at night.
At the end of the flowering season, Schlumbergera should rest. During this period, the plant requires less humidity, a cooler environment (10-12 °C) and less light (12-14 hours of darkness).

Keep it away from frequently opened doors and drafts; this plant does not like sudden drafts and will drop its buds.

Decembrist prefers medium humidity levels. So, if you are keeping the plant in a dry place, you can place a container filled with water near the pot to increase the humidity level. But in winter, the air in the room should be quite dry. Keep tropical cactus away from heat sources (radiators and fireplaces).

Cactus care information

What soil is needed to grow cacti?

How to water cacti correctly to avoid mistakes in care

How to properly use fertilizer for cacti at home

Watering

Schlumbergera craves more moisture than other cacti because they are endemic to tropical and subtropical forests. Water thoroughly, then empty the drainage tray. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out before watering again. When watering Decembrist, consider the time of year and the environment. If you keep the plant outdoors in the summer in a hot, dry climate, water it every two to three days and place it in a shaded area.

In a cool, humid environment, especially if it is indoors, Schlumberger should be provided with a once-a-week watering schedule. To encourage flowering, reduce watering in the fall and early winter.

This cactus will also not tolerate constantly soggy soil, which can lead to root rot and stem rot. Stems that are too soft or yellowed are the first symptoms of overwatering. Also, do not allow the soil mixture to dry out completely - the stems will begin to wrinkle and wither, and the flowers will begin to fall off prematurely. After the flowering season has ended, water less frequently until the new growing season begins in the spring.

How to apply fertilizers correctly

Feed Zygocactus every 2 weeks from spring to autumn with a water-soluble cactus fertilizer containing beneficial microelements. Regular feeding will give your plant more energy to form flowers. In the fall, fertilize the cactus once a month until the buds begin to form. As soon as you notice the formation of flower buds, stop feeding. After the Decembrist has faded, you can resume monthly feeding.

Schlumberger Trimming

There are several types of Decembrist pruning seasons.

Plants can be pruned in late spring to encourage branching and more future flowers. Simply cut off a few segments of each stem and the Zygocactus will begin to branch from where you cut it.
Decembrist is also pruned immediately after it blooms. This will also cause the plant to branch.
Sanitary pruning can be carried out throughout the season, removing dead or damaged shoots.

To prune Schlumbergera, simply twist the stem between one of the segments. You can also use a sharp knife or scissors to remove excess segments. The best option would be to remove up to one third of the plant per year. Drastic pruning is also possible, shortening the shoot to one or two segments. If you wish, plant the cut segments in a container with slightly moist, fertile soil - they will take root easily in a few weeks. We will talk about this below.

You can learn more about pruning Zygocactus from this video.

Decembrist transplant

This flower loves to be in a pot, try not to disturb it - no more than once every three to four years. Frequent replanting can harm the health of the plant and cause it to stop blooming for a while. If you notice a lot of roots growing out of the drainage holes, it's time to find a new container.

Unlike other indoor flowers, which are best replanted in the spring, to replant Zygocactus you need to wait until the flowers finish blooming and wilt in late winter or early spring. Never repot a plant while it is actively blooming.

The best pots for Schlumberger are terracotta or clay. These materials are porous and drain water well from the roots of the flower, which may suffer from overwatering. The pot should have enough drainage holes. For transplantation, choose a container two to three centimeters larger in diameter than the current one. A larger pot may hold too much moisture or encourage the spread of insects and plant diseases.

Rules of care

All types and varieties of Decembrist require almost the same care. The only difference is enhanced support for the plant during flowering . During this period, artificially created varieties are most vulnerable, and therefore require special attention and care.

Yellow Decembrist, which has released buds, needs systematic watering: the plant spends a lot of energy on the formation of flowers, and then on maintaining the inflorescences in normal condition.

Watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries: as soon as the earthen “crust” has dried, it is necessary to water immediately. Otherwise, the yellow Schlumbergera may simply drop all its buds. It is better to avoid irrigating the plant with a spray bottle , but to maintain the necessary air humidity, you can place a cup of water next to the container.

You should also support the bright flower with additional nutrition. During flowering, zygocactus should be fed with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, but nitrogen-containing fertilizers should not be used, as they stimulate the development of green mass and have a negative effect on the flowers.

How to Make Your Schlumbergera Cactus Bloom

Flowering of Christmas cacti and their hybrid varieties is triggered by cooler temperatures and longer autumn nights. The two main types of Zygocactus tend to bloom around the Christmas period. But often cacti lovers may encounter such a problem when Schlumbergera does not bloom. Let's figure out what the problem is and how to fix it.

Lighting. If your cactus isn't blooming, it's likely getting too much light or being in a room that's too warm. In order for this tropical plant to please you with its spectacular flowers, you need to provide it with certain conditions that must be strictly adhered to. To cause Decembrist to bloom, in the other half of autumn it is necessary to reduce the period of illumination of the cactus to 8 - 10 hours for at least six weeks. Night mode should last at least 14 hours. If the room where the flower pot is located constantly has artificial lighting turned on during the dark period of the day, it is worth covering the cactus or moving it to a place exposed to the natural light cycle.
Temperature conditions. Flower buds form best when the plant is exposed to temperatures between 10 and 15°C during the day. To start the budding process, provide the Decembrist with a room with a night temperature of about 7 °C for one week.
Correct hydration regime. To encourage flowering, reduce watering in the fall and early winter. If the plant is dried out too much, it may drop its flowers.

When the flowers open, the frequency of moistening should be increased slightly and the plant should be moved to a more illuminated window. Make sure the room where the Zygocactus will be located is warm enough, otherwise the cold may cause the buds to drop.

In this video you can learn about caring for Zygocactus at home.

Transfer

It is necessary to replant a young bush of yellow Decembrist annually in the spring, as the shoots grow. An adult plant needs to be replanted once every 2-3 years.

To plant a forest cactus, it is necessary to prepare the soil with the addition of sand, which will prevent stagnation of moisture in the soil. For these purposes, you can buy it in a specialized store, choosing a substrate for cacti. And if necessary, you can cook it yourself at home.

The soil for transplanting yellow Decembrist should consist of the following components:

2 parts of turf land;
1 part sand;
1 part deciduous soil;
1 part perlite;
1 part peat.

A new pot for the plant should be selected 2-3 cm wider than the previous one. Place drainage 1.5-2 cm thick on the bottom of it. It is recommended to carry out replanting using the transshipment method, without removing the soil from the roots, but only filling the resulting voids with a new substrate.

How to propagate the Decembrist cactus

Schlumberger is propagated by two methods - cuttings and seeds. The best time to propagate Zygocactus is one to two months after the end of flowering. You should not propagate it in autumn and winter, when it sets buds and actively blooms. The easiest way to propagate Christmas trees is from stem cuttings.

Cuttings

First of all, prepare the container and fill it with substrate for cacti, universal soil mixture for flowering crops or sand-peat soil.
Using a sterile knife or scissors, cut off a section of the stems with three to five segments on each.
Place the cuttings in a cool, dry place for a couple of days until the cutting area is dry.
Then lightly press the cuttings about 3 cm deep into the slightly moistened soil. Water the soil well. To create a moist environment and encourage rooting, cover the container with a clear plastic bag.
Water the soil regularly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It takes two to three weeks for roots to form. Remove the film when the cuttings take root.

If desired, you can root the stems in water before planting them in soil. Place the cut end into 3-5 cm of filtered water and place the jar in a window with indirect light.

After a few weeks, the cuttings should produce roots at least 4 cm long and then they are transplanted into a pot.

How to grow Schlumberger from seeds

You can collect cactus seeds from the fruits of the plant. Wait until they turn pink. Fruit formation usually occurs in the fall.

Remove the dark brown seeds and wash off the pulp.

Plant the seeds in moist soil with perlite or cactus soil mixture. Press the seed lightly into the soil without covering it, or sprinkle a thin layer of sand on top.
Cover the pot with clear film or glass to increase the humidity in the container.
Place the container on a lighted windowsill, but out of direct sunlight.
Regularly spray the soil surface with water every day.
In two to three weeks, shoots should appear. Remove the film or glass as soon as you notice the seedlings growing.
Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough.

Pruning and propagation

To form a lush bush, it is necessary to shorten the main shoots by 2-3 segments every spring. This will allow the plant to form lateral shoots, which will significantly increase the decorative effect and the number of buds during the flowering period. In addition, all broken and deformed branches should be removed, leaving strong and promising ones.

Cut off segments during anti-aging pruning can be used for propagation. To do this, they need to be planted 2-3 pieces in 1 pot, watered with Kornevin solution and placed in a warm place (+22-25 °C).

After 3-4 weeks, the segments will develop roots. One-year-old plants should be replanted in separate containers in the spring.

What problems may arise in caring for Schlumberger's?

Zygocactus is a heat-loving plant, quite sensitive to temperature and humidity. Often a neglected flower may lose its luxurious appearance and not bloom. What reasons could lead to the deplorable state of the Decembrist?

Stunted growth. If your cactus becomes stunted or twisted, carefully inspect it for mealybug infestation. These pests look like tiny white cottony specks. They move slowly and often appear first on the lower surface of a segment or in darker, moist areas near the base of the stem. Beetles feed on plant sap and leave behind sticky honeydew, which causes mold to form on the plant.
Yellowing, spotted or wilting leaves or stems . If you notice yellowing of stem segments, their spotting or wilting, carefully inspect the flower for the presence of thrips. These pests appear as thin black stripes or tiny insects. Damage to stems is not caused by thrips, but by a virus that they usually carry. Treat your plant immediately with insecticidal soap or another product. It may be necessary to transfer the Decembrist to a new sterile pot with fresh soil mixture. Wilting can also be caused by insufficient light, insufficient water, or a pot that is too cramped. Correct these problems and watch closely for improvements in growth.
The stems turn red or pink. When Decembrist receives too much sun or too little water, a change in the color of the branches occurs. In this case, it is worth moving the flower pot to a more shady place with partial lighting. Also try to control the frequency of moisturizing.

But these are not all the problems that Zygocactus may encounter.

Common pests and diseases of the Decembrist

In addition to the parasitic insects described above that affect Christmas trees, you can also find aphids and spider mites on cacti. It is worth remembering that overwatering the plant and damp soil most often leads to the appearance of these pests. Insecticidal preparations are effective in controlling these small pests. They can also be removed by blotting with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

Also, with excessive watering, Schlumberger's fungal diseases often occur. Fusarium and late blight are two common fungi that can cause stem rot. Fusarium stem rot causes the formation of brown spots on the stem near the soil surface. Late blight stem rot causes the shoot to appear too soft and wet at soil level. Late blight is deadly. Your cactus can be saved if the disease is detected early enough. If the potting soil is too wet, allow it to dry out and then apply a fungicide according to package directions. Avoid overwatering.

Aibolit, to the rescue!

It happens that “Varvarina Spit” suddenly gets sick and the reason for this is incorrect care. The main enemies are mealybugs, scale insects and aphids.

Pests need to be dealt with immediately after they are detected. Place the pot in quarantine to avoid infecting other residents of the green garden. Then treat it with a systemic insecticide.

From the available means, try wiping the leaves with soapy water. Bacterial and fungal infections love to profit from green delicacies.

The first settles wet, slippery spots on the lashes. In the second, the root collar of the epiphyte is affected. They are treated with drugs purchased in flower shops.

The success of treating diseases is their timely detection. Regularly inspect the flower and spray it for preventative purposes.

Main types of Schlumberger cactus

Although science knows about six varieties of this succulent plant, only three species have gained popularity among gardeners.

Schlumbergera truncata or Zygocactus truncata (Schlumbergera truncata)

This is a cactus with stems consisting of flat segments with 2-3 teeth of various shapes along the edges. Individual segments are up to 6 cm long and up to 4 cm wide.

Flowers are up to 4 cm long, usually reddish in color. Flowering time is from late November or early December to February.

Schlumbergera russelliana

This view visually resembles the previous one with some differences. The stems of the flower are the same shape, but the segments are slightly smaller, up to 4 cm in length, and the edges do not have such clear teeth but several smooth notches.

The buds are formed in two rows (“flower within a flower”), with the top row being the perianths. It is also worth noting that the flowering season for this species in the Northern Hemisphere is spring (February to April).

Schlumbergera x buckleyi

This cactus is a hybrid of two previous Zygocactus species: Schlumbergera truncata × Schlumbergera russelliana. In the 1840s, William Buckley developed this variety of Schlumberger. It is he who is rightly called the Decembrist or Rozhdestvennik.

This hybrid flower received its appearance and size from its parents. As a result of further hybridization and selection, more than 200 different varieties of this hybrid plant were obtained, differing mainly in flower colors: from pure white to pink, red, orange, yellow and others.

Photos of flowers of hybrid varieties of Zygocactus or Decembrist

As its name already suggests, the flowering season begins in December and lasts until spring.

We hope that in this article we have answered all the important questions regarding the growing and flowering conditions of Schlumberger or Decembrist. If you have any comments or questions, write to us and we will be happy to answer.

The article uses materials from the sites: plantopedia.com, gardenbeast.com, wikipedia.org.

Varieties and hybrids of Christmas tree

Golden Fever

The variety was created thanks to the efforts of botanical scientists. In the natural environment, Decembrists do not have yellow flowers. Golden Fever Christmas tree is known for its large yellow inflorescences with a pale crimson center . Bright green leaf stems create a beautiful backdrop for velvety multi-tiered flowers. A bright, spectacular spot on the windowsill.

Aspen

It is remembered for its amazing flowers, reminiscent of a lush double carnation . The petals of the inflorescences are white or pale pink, and the stamens are yellow. This variety will harmoniously fit into a spacious room and bring a festive mood.

Dark Eva

Snow-white flowers with a rich crimson edging are like tropical birds perched for a moment on green shoots. Flowering is long and abundant.

Beach Dancer

The variety has inflorescences that are rare in shape and color: the petals are round-shaped, peach-colored, with a thin orange border along the edges, and the stamen is white.

Charming and exquisite flowers. Stems are long and drooping. This magnificent plant is a real gift for connoisseurs.

Correct feeding for the Decembrist

Read

Signs associated with the Decembrist

Read

Samba Brasil (Brazilian samba)

It is one of the most famous and unusual varieties. It was created by crossing the bright pink and snow-white Decembrist.

This hybrid, like a samba dancer's outfit, combines dignity and passion.

The petals are wide, have a rounded shape and are painted in three colors: the white center turns into a yellow center of the petal and ends with a crimson border.

Angel Dance

This variety is distinguished by the shining whiteness of its flowers: not only its petals are snow-white, but also its long stamen. The inflorescences are large. Their color does not change when the temperature changes.

This is only a small part of the Decembrist hybrid varieties. All of them are extraordinarily beautiful and unique; few will leave anyone indifferent.