This houseplant surprisingly resembles Cinderella. More precisely, its fantastic transfiguration, when she goes to the ball to the king. Decembrist summer - flower inconspicuous, his drooping green twigs have decorative appeal and look pale compared to other houseplants.

But as soon as the time comes Christmas and New Year holidays, the plant is covered with loose buds, which, through time, become bright colors with unusual shapes.

When most houseplants are in a phase of sleep and rest, the flowers on the windowsill Decembrist blaze juicy shades of summer. It is for this plant loves the experience of growers and novices tend decembrist flower buy or grow their own, using cuttings.

Once either called Decembrist and its variants: crawfish, Varvarina Spit, Christmas cactus, Zigokaktus Schlumberger. The plant has long been known to flower growers and for this reason it is often ironically referred to as grandmother's flower.

The story of my grandmother's flower

Homeland Zigokaktus find tropical rainforests of South America. Surprising is the fact that even long-cultivated pot plants remember their true homeland and bloom when the summer comes there, despite the fact that the window can be hard frost.

The natural color of flowers Decembrists - white and bright red. Thanks to the work of breeders, every year there are new varieties and hybrids. They surprised even experienced gardeners a variety of shades. Often you can see the bright orange, coral, lilac flowers. Breeding selection is carried out in such a way that with proper care, hybrids can bloom 2-3 times a year.

Zigokaktus are forest cacti, they grow in the light, subdued treetops, the deficit of soil and high humidity. In tropical forests are no sudden changes in temperature, so the plant is also the home of their bad moves. To decembrist feel good at home, it is necessary to create conditions similar to those in which it is grown in the natural environment.

Secrets of care

A natural question arises, when the house appears flower Decembrist: how to care for this potted plant? Experts do not attribute it to whimsical and capricious, but in spite of this will have to comply with certain rules of care.

You must know that this plant is not going to benefit in direct sunlight. So do not put it on the southern or western window sills with an intense light. It will slow down its growth and cause shedding the last segment of the shoots.

Summer decembrist gladly move to fresh air: on the balcony, loggia or in the garden at the cottage. Only when moving plants should pay attention to the lighting and, if necessary, arrange pritenenie.

Dekabrist prefers partial shade and light will feel well near the window for a transparent curtain. But to the temperature conditions it is very tolerant and can grow at temperatures between 2 and 37 ° C, but still the optimum temperature for cultivation - 18-25 ° C.

Watering should be moderate, if the land in the pot does not dry out, there is a danger of rotting the roots. Especially harmful to flower excessive soil moisture at low temperatures. Water for irrigation must necessarily be upheld and it is not necessary to water the plants with cold water even in summer.

In the hot season it will be useful Decembrist spraying. In order to wash the dust from leaf plates, regularly use a warm shower. To do so, close the ground polyethylene, not to get water into the pot and wash the leaves.

The most welcome news for all those who have appeared Zigokaktus home - this is what the plant - survivor. With good care, he can live at home 15 to 20 years, but we must remember that a little bit with age begins to deteriorate its appearance.

Shoots grow coarse over time and no longer an active branch. If they pinch, you can save a thick crown for a long time. Pinching and the formation of the crown, it is desirable to produce spring. Still, you can rejuvenate the plant to keep its appeal.

How to make flower Decembrist?

The biggest disappointment is the deliver houseplant that refuses to bloom. This problem occurs quite often in the absence of knowledge can become irresistible. If decembrist do not miss the annual flowers or winter blooming, it may be a sign that he do not feel the time of flowering.

To fix this, a flower placed in a cool place from late September to late November and arrange a period of rest, while reducing watering. At this point the plant is not fertilized. Then, put a flower in a warm and bright place, abundantly watered, thus helping to wake up.

After a while the buds are formed, and since that time the plant would require attention. Firstly, at this time it is impossible to rearrange or rotate the pot. Decembrists in response to such actions can reset formed buds. Secondly, the land in the pot should not dry up. In addition, the need to maintain high humidity, daily sprinkling plant.

Sometimes flowering bush is one-sided, that is, the buds appear on one side. Not hard to guess that the party was better illuminated. To avoid this, you should turn the plant, but it can be done just before the buds.

Reproduction

Reproduce and rejuvenate Zigokaktus by grafting. To escape from this extreme 2-3 separate segments. It does not use a knife or scissors and holding a branch with one hand and with the other hand gently separate the future stalk. Such a procedure not only worsen the condition of the flower, but also will promote abundant flowering, as flowers appear on young shoots.

Cuttings necessarily dried for 2-3 days, then they are slightly deepened in moist soil and covered with polyethylene or conventional banks. Such a makeshift greenhouse placed in the shade, do not forget it regularly aired. The air temperature must be 15-20 ° C.

Transplant zigokakusov

All tips transplant Decembrist and his immediate family are reduced to two main points. It is important that the soil nutritious, for these purposes ideal peat soils. You can choose to make the soil mix, using peat, sand, leaf soil and small brick chips.

Always in the pot should be laid good drainage, then no problems with stagnant water and rotting roots. It is desirable that the amount of drainage was one-third of the pot.

Because the root system Zigokaktus superficial and rather weak, so better to take pots shallow, but wide. Transplanting is best done in late winter after flowering. Every year, the young plants are transplanted, adult - only 3-4 years.

Problems growing

Sometimes the plant dumps extreme segments of shoots or buds. Most often this occurs because of improper watering regime. The state of the Decembrists so may affect as insufficient hydration, as excessive watering. In addition, the transposition of the flower buds during formation may also have a negative impact on his condition. The defeat of the pest has the same effect.

Sluggish leaves, their pale coloring is most commonly associated with too bright lighting, irregular watering and defeat pests. If present on the leaves brown spots - a sign of the defeat of scale insects. Get rid of it, you can use special funds, which are sold in flower shops.

Fungal and bacterial diseases manifest themselves in the form of spots on the leaves, which will eventually wither and fall off. Address such issues as using specialized products, but keep in mind that if an improvement within a few days quietly, should be separated from healthy shoots of cuttings and root them to try not to lose the plant completely.

To Zigokaktus pleased generous flowering every year, he did not need much. Careful attention and love of plants - is the most important factors of well-being and the Decembrists indoor plants - is no exception.

Contents:

• We plan to garden paths
• Choose a design
• Choosing materials
• Building Technologies

Passion for landscape design today is very popular among gardeners. Increasingly replaced garden beds come flower beds, rock gardens and lawn. In areas arranged ponds and fountains, wells and built decorative pergola. And, of course, among all this man-made splendor laid tracks and footpaths.

Garden paths are needed primarily for ease of movement. But they can also decorate it, make an additional note in the symphony of the aesthetic of the garden. For their construction, you can hire a master, and you can make a track in the garden with his own hands. Tracks can be wood or stone, brick or concrete. Technology laying them are very similar, but with his own lay garden paths are quite capable of almost any site owner. It is only important to plan them correctly, select the appropriate material and get down to business.

We plan to garden paths

To track harmonize with the overall style of the architecture and gardens, they should be properly planned. Both visually and functionally garden divided into several zones. The main task of paths and trails - a way to ease the garden buildings, garden beds and beds. Depending on their purpose the track must have a different width, length and shape.

How to calculate the width of the garden path? The main "highway" leading from the gate to the house and from the house to the other frequented buildings (kitchen, gazebo, toilet, barn, swimming pool). Their width should be between one and a half meters. The tracks, which have to walk less, it can be narrower - half a meter, a meter. And quite narrow (no more than half a meter) - paths between the beds. Calculating the length, you will not have much to philosophize. It will determine the remoteness of the destination (unless you are a supporter of detours). But with the shape of the case is somewhat different.

When arranging the garden, you practice a certain style, and shape of the track in the garden should be solved in the same stylistic design. For example, for a classical English or Japanese garden pertinent straight track. If the style of your garden or landscape can be called a village, then it will look organically winding and winding paths.

But most of the garden paths are laid on the already trodden path. And its geometry is determined by the obstacles encountered (or lack thereof). Therefore, the shape of the track in this case it is better not to change - will still go as accustomed. So your plans in order, and then to be the most difficult choice.

Choose a design

Covering a track defines its structure. Tracks can be monolithic, bulk and cobbled. It all depends on your preference, resources, and physical capabilities.

Monolithic track made of cement, concrete and asphalt. They are durable, robust and reliable. But! If you make a track in the garden yourself, think carefully before choosing this method. It requires a certain knowledge and skill building. Therefore, (so as not to have disastrous results) do not experiment.

A more appropriate way for the independent unit garden "highways" - bulk. Tracks can just fill with sand, wood mulch, gravel, pebbles or gravel. Of course, this method also involves the use of Building Regulations. But it is quite feasible even without the involvement of specialists.

And finally, the most common method today - paving. This is where your fantasies roam there and artistic designs! Paved path and can be natural (or artificial) stone and wood, and paving slabs and bricks. So what in the end choose?

Choosing materials

Natural materials - stone, wood, gravel and sand. Sand - the most accessible material. Tracks are obtained from it nice and neat, but not for long. At least once a year have to update these paths.

Stone is considered to be the best material for garden paths. Dear aristocratic stone - a granite, basalt, marble and porphyry. He laid out the tracks look rich and thoroughly. But it has a significant drawback - the winter become very slippery. Under the paths of this stone must be laid electric heating system. A lower degree of slip (and price) are different stones easier. This sandstone and limestone. Natural stone is sold in the form of limestone and rubble. From other materials it features a wide variety of textures and rich palette of colors. But, unfortunately, because of the high price it is available not for everyone.

More democratic prices on the gravel, gravel and pebbles. For tracks of these materials should be chosen smaller stones, and on the edges to make strengthening. They are (in contrast to the same sand) does not require frequent updates, but not very pleasant for bare feet.

Wood - a material particular, "a lively and warm." It is applied in the form of log Spila, boards, chips and mulch. Sawdust and mulch layers are poured and compacted. SPIL digged in the earth, and the boards are stacked on bars (joists). The main drawback of the tree that it becomes limp moisture. You can buy excellent modern materials in wood - decking and garden parquet. They are more durable, but also more expensive.

Artificial materials - paving slabs, bricks, rubble stone. Paving is very diverse in form and quality. As artificial stone, it is easy to use and, therefore, is very popular in the construction of the tracks. Brick can be called an ideal material. It does not fade, it is durable and frost. Because it is easy to fold geometric patterns.

As you can see different kinds of tracks in the garden determined not only by way of their devices, and materials for the coating. From coverage depends largely on the quality of the garden "highways". On the track also affect the durability and technology.

Building Technologies

Tells in detail about the process of laying tracks in your garden we will not - for this there are tutorials. However, we focus on the common points of any technology.

• Foundation. This is the most important road in the garden building. Under every track needs a drainage layer. Drainage water will not accumulate and thus will prevent the coating from damage.
• Trench. For any need to dig up the garden path trench, which will be laid the foundation. In addition, the trench is required to track treated with herbicides. It will not allow weeds to conduct its active work of destruction and insult your aesthetic taste.
• Curbs. They not only improve the appearance of the track, but also saves it from blur and spread apart.

This is all common technological requirements. But for each track has its own, special technology. And for the quality of construction is necessary to study it. Then you will be able, if not to become a builder, or at least control the process competently.

Decoration

And in conclusion I would like to recall the decorative component of garden paths, walkways. In a fairy-tale trail of your garden flowers will turn any track. Put the fillets along the tracks colorful annuals, hardy variegated hosts or hedge. A garden to become even more beautiful, arrange lighting. To this can be arranged on the edges of paths garden lights on solar batteries. These lights will create a dreamlike effect, making the garden path almost magical path.

Choosing coverage for the track, think about how it can be used for decorative purposes: to lay out in the form of an ornament or mosaic, combined with grass, add rigor and geometry. In any case, decorated walkway in your garden will be not just a pedestrian crossing and a harmonious element of the garden, fabulous trails. Remember which way Ellie went to the Emerald City? On the yellow brick road. But it, too, someone has built ...