In winter, geraniums are not the only decoration for a window sill. One of the plants popular with gardeners is the Decembrist, which blooms for the New Year celebrations.
There are even signs and superstitions associated with the plant. But the main thing is to know how to take care of it, and then no signs are scary.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told what is the most important thing in caring for Decembrist.
Proper care is a set of measures. It is difficult to say what is most important, but rather it is possible to name the moments that are definitely indispensable.
First tip: drainage
Without good drainage, it is unlikely that anything will work. It is also important to use high-quality soil, and the pot itself should provide free space for the roots.
The soil should be light (a mixture for cacti will do). You can mix sand, humus and peat.
Second tip: temperature
In spring and summer, a comfortable air temperature for the plant is considered to be 20-24 degrees Celsius. The Decembrist spends autumn and winter in conditions not lower than +15 degrees.
Third tip: lighting
The light should be bright and diffused, otherwise burns cannot be avoided.
Tip 4: Watering
It should be regular, moderate, uniform. The easiest way is to focus on the drying top layer of soil. The plant is watered more intensively in spring and summer.
Tip 5: Air humidity
You will have to spray the plant with water or place an open container of water next to it.
Tip 6: Feeding
Ready-made fertilizers for cacti or plants that like acidic soils are suitable, but supplements are added in spring and summer.
Seventh tip: transplant
It is carried out approximately once every 2-3 years. During the flowering period, the procedure can damage the buds.
And lastly: pruning
Allows you to form a beautiful crown, and also stimulates flower growth. It is carried out only after flowering or in spring.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
