Gerbera, also known as the Gerber daisy, is a genus of about 30 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. The genus was named after German botanist and medical doctor Traugott Gerber (17101743) by Carl Linnaeus in 1737.
Is it easy to grow Gerbera plant? Eventually, with the right care, your Gerbera plant will flower. However, before it can reach this point, it must go through a few stages of growth. The first stage is the vegetative stage, which is when the Gerbera plant is growing leaves. The second stage is the flowering stage, which is when the Gerbera plant produces flowers. The final stage is the fruiting stage, which is when the Gerbera plant produces fruit.
How big can it be? Unless specified as a miniature, most Gerbera varieties will grow to be about 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Some can get as tall as 20 inches (46 cm) though. New hybrid varieties have been bred to be much smaller though, with some only growing to be 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
How fast is the growth? The reason that the Gerbera is so popular is that it is very easy to grow, and can flower all year long with the proper care. They are native to South Africa and come in a wide variety of colors. The Gerbera prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant.
| Plant Form | Herbaceous |
| Family | Asteraceae (Compositeae) |
| Origin | Swaziland, South Africa (Transvaal) |
How long is the lifespan? Although they are not a very long-lived plant, they usually grow 2-3 years, after which the plant is replaced. Gerberas are not very cold hardy, so they are often grown as annuals in cooler climates.
What is the ideal temperature? Unless you live in a tropical region, you should bring your Gerbera indoors during the winter. The ideal temperature range for a Gerbera is 50-69.8 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and 53.6-59 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. If the temperature is too high, the Gerbera will stop flowering.
What about the humidity? Unless you live in a very dry climate, the average room humidity is suitable for your Gerbera plant. You may need to spray the leaves 1-2 times a week in winter, however, if the plant is kept outside.
What amount of light this plant needed? known as the Gerbera Daisy, these plants are native to South America, Africa, and Asia. They are part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. Gerberas can be found in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. The flowers are large and have a diameter of 5-7 cm. Gerberas require bright light to thrive, and a south-facing window is ideal. In very bright sun, the plant should be slightly shaded. If there is not enough light, the plant will need to be re-illuminated.
What is good soil for Gerbera? known that the soil must be breathable, so sand or perlite should be added to the mixture if it is too dense.To make the Gerbera plant soil at home, you should take 1 part of humus, 1 part of coarse sand or perlite, and 2 parts of peat or humus (leaf earth). You can also add sphagnum to the mixture. It is important to use a pot with an opening and drainage for the Gerbera plant.
How much I must water Gerbera? If you want your Gerbera to flower nicely, the soil must be constantly moist during flowering. This means you have to water regularly. But beware of overflow. The best way to water your Gerbera is with lukewarm water. When the plant has faded, between watering the soil should dry a little.
About fertilizer. Because it is a heavy feeder, the Gerbera plant requires fertilizer every 10-15 days during the growing season. A liquid fertilizer is best so that the nutrients can be quickly absorbed through the leaves. The fertilizer should be applied to moist soil so that it does not burn the roots. A well-fertilized Gerbera will have deep green leaves and large, vibrant flowers.
How to reproduce Gerbera? If you want to multiply your Gerbera plant, you can do so by division or by seed. Division by transplantation is the easiest way to go about it. You simply need to dig up the plant and look for young shoots of a lighter color at the base. With a sharp knife, cut the shoot with a small area of roots (about 1.5 cm) attached. Be careful not to cut too much, as this can damage the mother plant. Plant the sprouts in a soil mixture and keep them under the polyethylene until they sprout. You can also use cuttings obtained from non-flowering plants for reproduction. The plants thus obtained usually bloom in the first year. If you want to multiply your Gerberas by seed, you will need to sow the seeds in early spring. However, keep in mind that Gerbera seeds quickly lose their germination, retaining it for only 6 months. To sow the seeds, mix moss and peat and sprinkle the seeds on the surface, lightly pressing them into the mixture (do not cover the seeds with soil). Water the pots from below, placing them in a vessel with water. Next, put the pots in a warm place (on a battery or on a refrigerator) and regularly spray them. The seeds should germinate in about 14 days. When the seedlings appear, they should be illuminated, placing them at a distance of 8-10 cm from the lamp. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they reach a height of 5 cm. The plants will bloom after about 6 months.
Why Gerbera won't bloom? So, the flowering of the Gerbera plant is long-lasting, about 6 weeks. The flower petals are large and bright, and there can be 6 flowers on the plant at the same time. The Gerbera plant blooms in spring or autumn, and some varieties bloom 2 times a year.
How much I must water Gerbera? Because the spring is the best time to replant and transplant most plants, including the Gerbera plant, it is important to know the proper way to go about transferring your plant. The first step is to dig up the plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. Next, you will want to replant the Gerbera in a new location that has well-drained soil and gets plenty of sunlight. Finally, water the plant well and keep it watered regularly until it is established in its new home.
How to care the plant? When the flowers of the Gerbera plant fade, it is time to cut them off. This stimulates the formation of new flowers. In summer, it is good to take the Gerbera plant out on the street.
What is the challenge when caring Gerbera plant? While it is possible to grow at home, it is difficult to maintain due to its need for specific watering and temperature conditions. If the plant is not cared for correctly, it will display brown or black leaves, and may even develop root rot. Gerbera is also susceptible to wilting if not watered properly or if kept in too much warmth. Despite these challenges, Gerbera is a beautiful plant that can brighten up any home.
Are Gerbera poisonous? If you have a pet, you might want to keep it away from your Gerbera plants. All parts of the plant are poisonous to animals if ingested, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. The sap can also irritate your skin, so be careful when handling the plant.
