Schlumbergera (zigokaktus, Christmas tree) is a genus of epiphytic cacti, a branchy shrub with zygomorphic white, pink or purple flowers that grows in the tropical forests of Brazil. The national name of the plant - Decembrist, due to the flowering period - in the middle of winter.
- Fight against pest enemies of the Decembrist flower
- Spider mite
- Mealybug
- Shchitovka
- Possible problems with growing zygocactus
- Why the Decembrist does not bloom
- Why does the Decembrist fade
- Why do the Decembrist fall segments and buds
- Why shoots Decembrist blush
- Why the Decembrist is not growing
- Treatment of fungal diseases of the Christmas tree
Fight against pest enemies of the Decembrist flower
Proper care of the Decembrist will help prevent or overcome pests.
Spider mite
The pest belongs to the class of arachnids, its small rounded body is covered with rare bristles and has a red or yellow color. 
It settles on the underside of the leaves of plants, bright spots on the surface of the leaf indicate its appearance.
Mealybug
Sucking insect with oval pink body, covered with white patina, with transverse stripes on the back.
Mealybug length from 3 to 7 mm. The pest produces white sticky mucus and as if the Decembrist is sprinkled with flour. The Decembrist's buds suffer greatly from the mealybug, they wither and fall.
For prevention of the worm, the plant should be regularly watered and remove dried leaves. If the infection has already occurred, the insecticides “Aktara”, “Konfidor”, or folk remedies will help: horsetail tincture, Pancake weekly spraying agent.
Shchitovka
Although the dimensions of the shitovki do not exceed 5 mm, it can suck out all the juices from the Decembrist. At the Decembrist the leaves turn yellow and dry, the plant may even die.
You can get rid of the insect with the help of mechanical cleaning: to treat with cotton swabs dipped in a solution of "Karbofos" or "Tanrek."Also, increased air humidity can cause the scythe to multiply, whereas bright sunlight retards their development.
Possible problems with growing zygocactus
Gardeners can face many problems when growing a plant, as zigocactus precipitates pests and diseases. It should be remembered how to deal with them.
Why the Decembrist does not bloom
Inadequate lighting and poor soil often cause the zigokaktus not to bloom. No need to keep the plant on the north window, if necessary pritenyat from direct sunlight. You need to know how to care for the Decembrist to bloom. When the buds appear, the plant cannot be moved, as the Christmas tree can discard them.
Why does the Decembrist fade
Rozhdestvennik bad reacts to the flow of dry hot air from the heating batteries: sluggish, shriveled Decembrist leaves will report this problem. Inadequate or excessive watering adversely affect the plant, it begins to fade. To avoid this, you should regularly spray the Christmas tree and periodically change the soil in the pot.
Why do the Decembrist fall segments and buds
Excessive moisture may cause the buds and leaves to fall off. Even if it seems to you that the Decembrist is drying, it is important not to overdo the watering. Decembrist easier to withstand ground dryness than excess liquid. If the zygocactus is left for a while without watering, and then removed from the pot along with an earthy clod, you may find that the plant has rotted roots. In this case, it will be necessary to plant the Christmas tree cuttings or change the soil and not water it for about a week.
Why shoots Decembrist blush
It happens that the Decembrist has red leaves, which indicates the growth of new cactus segments, excessive watering or improper feeding.
In addition, it is possible to get a burn with an abundance of sunlight.
Why the Decembrist is not growing
Schlyumberger can not grow due to several factors: insufficient feeding with mineral complexes or drying of the substrate. During the growth period - from the end of March to August - it should be fertilized with nitrogen and phosphorus, provide access to fresh air, sheltered from direct sunlight and do not forget about constant watering, spraying and washing with soft warm water. If the Decembrist dries out, the first thing to do is to cheek and root again.
Treatment of fungal diseases of the Christmas tree
The plant can get fusarium caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium, 
which penetrate the plant through the soil and wounds, causing rotting of the roots and root collar. It can be cured with the Mycol and Baylet fungicides. Phithium affects the root neck, but can be treated with drugs "Maxim" and "Vitaroz".
Phytophlorosis disease occurs due to infection by a group of Erwinia bacteria, manifested in the fact that a dark spot appears at the base of the stem, which later spreads all over the stem, sometimes accompanied by discoloration of the stem.Often treatment with drugs is ineffective, the best way to protect the Christmas tree is to remove the affected part of the stem.
