Introduction
Gerbera is also known as the African daisy. It is a very commonly used garden plant. Its flowers are very popular just got flowers. There are many varieties of this plant. They come in many colors such as white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. The flowers from a big chunk of the commercial cut flower market. This plant attracts pollinators.
Essentials
Soil
This plant needs a well-draining side mixed with a little compost. Organic matter added to the soil improves growth and also flowering. This plant prefers bright but indirect light. Sand mixed with compost or organic matter is a common potting soil for this plant. During the flowering season, a good fertilizer high in potassium will increase the blooms. This plant is susceptible to root rot and care should be taken to make sure there is little water retention at the roots.
This plant is best grown in pots. The pot can be moved around between light afternoon shade and morning sunlight. Care should be taken to make sure that the pots have draining holes.
Gerberas well inside with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Watering
Gerberas are planted in well-draining soil. Therefore care must be taken to make sure that the soil does not dry out during summer. This plant needs regular watering, around 1 inch per week. Water only after checking for dried-out soil about an inch or two from the surface.
Gerberas kept on patios or indoors might require watering every 2-4 days. A good thumb rule is to check for soil dryness in the planter. Stick your finger up to an inch or two and water only if you notice no water content on your finger.
Flowering
Gerberas are cultivated primarily for cut flowers. The first flowers after the first 15 to 20 weeks. They continue to bloom throughout the summer. Regular fertilization increases the number of blooms. A good potassium fertilizer mixed into the soil is usually enough.
Gerberas usually flowers from late spring to early autumn outside. Good care increases the number of blooms and also the duration of flowering. Good fertilization, pruning of blooms, and regular watering go a long way in increasing the duration of flowering. A good potassium-rich fertilizer that is water-soluble can be applied once every two weeks to increase the number of blooms. A good amount of sunlight is also necessary for the plants to start blooming during the spring and summer seasons. Too much nitrogen in the soil and little sunlight can slow down the flowering process in this plant.
Iron deficiency is a common problem with this plant. Fertilizer can be amended with iron during application to prevent wilting.
Propagation
This plant can be propagated from cuttings. Take us a 6-inch cutting from a healthy plant. Remove flowers, buds, and leaves from the cutting. Dip the carton in rooting hormone. Plant in a pot full of potting mix. Cover the plant with either a plastic bottle cut at the bottom or a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Water the plant using a spray bottle every day to keep the soil moist. This container should receive indirect light and should be kept in a warm place. This plant farms roots in about a fortnight’s time.
This plant can also be grown from seeds. The seeds can be planted in seed trays or small containers in well-draining soil. The seed tray or container can be covered in a plastic bag or bottle as with stem propagation. The seeds will germinate in a warm place in about a week to 2 weeks’ time.
Pests and diseases
Whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites are common pests. Neem oil spray and soapy water spray are commonly used deterrents.
Leaf spot, blight, powdery mildew, stem rots, crown rots, root rots, wilt, wilt virus.
Irritation to pets
Gerberas are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
