Bought in a store outside the flowering phase, the Decembrist is a source of surprise for amateur grower.
How will it bloom?
There are a lot of varieties of this zigokaktus, and all of them delight eye mainly in winterwhen there is so little sun outside the window and no bright colors.
Characteristics and history
Schlumberger People have many names: Decembrist, Christmas tree, Zigokaktus, Barbarin Colour. Often erroneously attributed to him and very similar in appearance ripsalidopsis.
This is a relative of the Decembrist, but only a novice gardener can call them the same.
Schlumbergera has elongated segments with jagged or rounded protrusions at the edges.
Ripsalidopsis does not have festooned and serrated segments.
Decembrist dissolved for christmas, but ripsalidopsis - for easter, hence its popular name - easter flower.
However, both the appearance and the care requirements of these plants are quite spartan. Both require a period of rest, that is, being in a cool place with almost no watering, otherwise you can not wait for flowers.
Earlier in nature, the Decembrists met only with red and white flowers. The remaining varieties Schlumbergera - the result of the work of breeders.
Quite inconspicuous in summer, this zigocactus is transformed in the most amazing way in winter, during the flowering period.
Below are photos of varieties of flowers and types of Decembrist.
Species, hybrid varieties and their photos
Buckley
This kind of Schlumberger, Buckley can grow up to 40-50 cm, it is distinguished by a dark green color of the stems and large, up to 8 cm, pinkish-purple or lilac-pink flowers. Segments are small, with not pronounced marginal protrusions.
Varieties bred on the basis of this species group are distinguished by a variety of color and shape of stem segments.
White
The blooming white Schlumbergera look very elegant and tender. With good care under the flowers almost can not see the stems. In cold winters, this kind of zygocactus is reminiscent of spring, cherry blossoms and pleases the eye of the owner. Some growers compare it with a white swan.
Below in the photo is a flower of zigokaktus species with the name White Decembrist.
Mix
If you plant several varietal Schlumbergers in one flower pot, you get fantastic multi-colored composition - mix.
Care at home for a mix of Schlumbergers is the same as for other types of zygocactus.
Below in the photo mix Schlumberger.
Truncated
Zigokaktus truncated grows to 50 cm, leaflets-segments up to 6 cm long and up to 3.5 cm wide are painted in light green color and end with sharp teeth, and two-tiered flowers with petals bent backwards have a delicate shade from purple and lilac to white-pink.
The most familiar are bright crimson flowers, but shades can vary, there are even plants with a smooth transition from pale orange to pale crimson color.
Schlumbergera truncated after flowering in place of the flower, a fruit appears in the form of a pinkish-red berry.
Russelian
Zigokaktus this variety does not exceed 30 cm, it is characterized by glossiness of stalks and flat segments of leaves without prickles and acute angles.
The flowers have many elongated pointed petals of purple, red or pink color and have a greenish peduncle tube.
Russelian Hybrids and the truncated are gradually becoming more common: due to their increased stability, simplicity and finer elegance, they gradually crowd out Buckley, who has a more traditional look and, perhaps, bored with demanding growers.
Golden Cream
Flowering Golden Cream pleases owners with large flowers from yellow to golden hue. With a snowy monochrome December, it reminds of a warm summer sun.
Interestingly, the breeding of yellow flowers was for flower growers one of the most difficult tasks associated with the hybridization of Schöntomberger: this color was absent in the Decembrist palette.
Aspen
This variety of zigokaktusa has terry petals from white to faint pale pink and a long tube with yellow stamens at the end.
When flowering something resembles a carnation.
Pasadena
Multi-tiered flowers of saturated red-lilac color enliven the view outside the window, add color to the gray dominant of November-December weekdays. The form of flowers and leaves with notches pasadena resembles Bouckley.
Madame Butterfly
An interesting variety of variety has a yellow and white border of stem segments. The flowers are white with a purple-raspberry border that seems to spread to the edges of the petals.
Madonna Danse
The variety stands out among other unusual color of its flowers. The pale shade gradually increases towards the edges of the petals, which gives the plant a gentle and at the same time expressive look.
Madonna Danse - decoration of the zigokaktus lovers collection.
Gertner
Schlumberger Gertner - quite a popular pet among other types of zigokaktus, it is distinguished by bright red-orange flowers, resembling stacked bells, on large shoots.
Conclusion
Schlumberger is quite unpretentious and little susceptible to disease. With simple care, the Decembrist is able to blossom and delight the owners from December to February, and the variety of species and varieties made many growers love this cactus.
