Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) Care Indoors and Propagation Guide

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Gerbera Daisy, Barbeton Daisy, Transvaal Daisy, Gerbera jamesonii

Botanical name: Gerbera jamesonii
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: Gerbera Daisy, Barbeton Daisy, Transvaal Daisy

Description

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) also called Barbeton Daisy or Transvaal Daisy is an ideal flowering plant for the well-lit spot. The striking flowers are a pleasant sight to behold. There are many colorful Gerbera Daisy plants available.

The flower colors range from soft pink, white, pale yellow, pink, orange, red and purple. The hybrids are more compact and produce up to six blooms at a time.

To get more blooms, once a flower fades, cut off the flower stalk at the base to encourage more blooming.

Size

Transvaal Daisy has been grown as a flowering pot plant for a long time and it grows to a height of 2 ft. The leaves are about 6 in. long, deeply veined and soft and hairy on the undersides.

Air Purifying

According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Gerbera jamesonii was found to be a good indoor air cleaner and gets rid of common VOCs specifically formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.

Origin

Gerbera Daisy is native to South Eastern Africa. It was first described by Robert Jameson in 1889 while exploring the Barberton area of South Africa.

Toxicity

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) plants are non-toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. They are safe to grow indoors.

Gerbera jamesonii Care Indoors

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.

Gerbera jamesonii does not require too frequent repotting as it blooms best when pot-bound, repot only when extremely pot-bound.

Transvaal Daisy requires regular pruning to keep it neat and to encourage flowering. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Light Requirements

Gerbera Daisy grows best in bright light with some morning or late afternoon sunlight. Keep it away from hot direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure the Barbeton Daisy gets adequate light on all sides to prevent lopsided growth.

Transvaal Daisy can also grow under a grow light if the natural light is not sufficient.

Watering

Water Gerbera Daisy liberally during the growing season only when the top 2-3 in. of soil dry out and keep the soil moderately moist through out.

Cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to maintain the soil slightly moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.

Avoid wetting the crown as it can lead to crown and stem rot disease.

Temperature

Transvaal Daisy prefers average warmth between 15-25⁰C. Keep it away from cold and hot draughts to prevent sudden changes in temperature.

Humidity

Gerbera Daisy has no need for high humidity. However, where the air is too dry due to high temperature, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer (Feeding)

Feed Gerbera Daisy every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer that contains micro-nutrients like Iron, Zinc and Magnesium which are needed for the healthy growth of the plant.

Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding the plant at this time can result in fertilizer burn and death of the plant.

Soil

The best soil for Gerbera Daisy should be rich in organic matter to provide the required nutrients and at a PH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the PH is too low the leaves develop black spots and patches. Where the PH is too high the leaves develop yellow stripes.

Very well-drained soil for Transvaal Daisy is important to prevent it from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. Three parts of multipurpose potting mix amended with 1 part of sand is perfect for this plant.

Repotting

Repot Barbeton Daisy only when the plant is extremely pot-bound as it blooms more when slightly pot-bound. Do not repot a plant that is in flower as it can shorten the flowering period.

Repot Gerbera Daisy into a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Gerbera Daisy is easy. Cut off the flower stem at the base once flowering is over to encourage more blooms. Get rid of dead leaves to keep the plant neat and discourage pests and diseases.

Propagation

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season by plant division.

How to propagate Gerbera Daisy by plant division

Carefully divide a large Gerbera Daisy plant into sections while ensuring each section has some roots.

Pot these sections into individual pots in moist free-draining soil.

Ensure the crown of leaves is above the soil surface to prevent rotting.

Place the set up in a warm brightly-lit place and maintain the soil moist until the new Barbeton Daisy is well established after which you can begin routine.

How to Grow Gerbera Daisy from seeds

Spread Gerbera Daisy seeds evenly on moist free-draining soil and cover lightly withsome soil.

Cover the set up with a plastic sheet to create a greenhouse effect and place the set up in a warm brightly-lit place.

Maintain the soil moist through out by gently misting the soil surface.

Transplant the Barbeton Daisy when the seedlings are well established after which routine care can begin.

Gerbera jamesonii Common Problems

Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) common growing problems include yellow leaves, wilting and dying, leaf spots, mold, rotting, pests and diseases among others. Learn more on Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) Common Problems and their Solutions.