The zygocactus, often known as the zygo, Christmas or crab claw cactus, blooms in the colder months because its flowering is initiated by the longer nights of winter. Although zygos are succulents they’re not desert plants. Instead they grow on trees or rocks as epiphytes or lithophytes and come from the humid and high-rainfall jungles of Brazil.
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The stunning flattened, bell-like flowers grow at the tip of the stem and come in vivid shades of pink, white, red, purple, orange, cerise and yellow.
One of the most important things to know about zygos is that they don’t like wet feet, so just give the plant a good drink then let the top of the soil dry out before you water again.
Named after Frederic Sculumberger, they can be grown as indoor plants in cold areas but need to be covered at night so they get the required darkness to flower. Outdoors, in dappled sunlight, these colourful plants were just made for growing in hanging baskets.
To propagate, break off a leaf segment and leave it until it develops aerial roots. Plant the rooted pieces in a well-draining potting mix. Leave undisturbed in a well-lit, warm spot for a few months. Once established they can be planted out into pots. A free-draining potting mix such as that used for orchids would suit them.
To keep zygos tidy and compact, pinch back after flowering. Apply a fertiliser that is not too high in nitrogen during their growing period.
These lovely plants are sure to brighten up our winter days.
Proper Planting Techniques
At this time of year gardeners are busy planting new shrubs and trees, but incorrect planting practices can lead to the gradual deterioration or even death of plants during their first growing season.
There are several reasons why newly-planted trees or shrubs may fail to thrive or survive. Weak growth, foliage discoloration and early leaf drop are certain signs of poor planting techniques.
It could be the insufficient depth of the planting hole preventing the plant establishing at its original soil level, or the hole may not be wide enough to accommodate the roots when they are spread out.
If the soil is poor dig in some compost then use some to backfill the hole. Air pockets left around the roots due to a lack of firming the plant in and not sifting soil between the roots may be another reason why some plants just don’t do well. Water plants in after planting.
Failure to tease out the roots or roughening up the rootball around the roots may cause compaction and prevent the roots from performing well.
The sides of the planting hole should be scraped with a fork to encourage root spread so the roots don’t circle around the hole like they do in pots and smooth-sided planting holes.
When I plant out slim-line potted plants I tear off the bottom couple of centimetres of the rootball which removes any constricted roots and encourages the roots to spread.
Take a little extra care when planting, or relocating, trees and shrubs and they’ll reward you with their beauty for many years.
DIARY
July 18: The Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to gain expert advice on gardening with native plants. Visit www.apstasnorth.org
July 19: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm.
July 20: The Launceston Orchid Society will meet at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm.