Gerbera (White) - Plant

Planting and care

Planting transplants from a garden store or nursery is the best way to plant gerbera daisy, as the plants are undependable and difficult to propagate from seed. Gerbera daisies thrive in well-drained soil improved by the addition of 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure.

While the plants tolerate full sunlight, they perform at their best when exposed to morning sunlight and afternoon shade. When planting gerberas, ensure the crown of the plant - the point where the main stem joins the roots - is planted about 1 inch above the surface of the soil. This step is critical as gerberas tend to suffocate if the crown is buried.

Caring for Gerbera

• Make sure your red gerbera daisies are watered properly.
• Leave time for the soil to dry before you water them again, keep the soil moist, not too wet.
• Also, remove any dead head immediately after you notice it, as new blooms should be encouraged.
• Place your gerberas in a sunny windowsill where they can get approximately six hours of sunlight per day.
• Find a semi-shaded area outside if you are growing them outdoors -- a shaded patio or veranda is ideal.
• Expose your gerberas to average local temperatures.
• Avoid temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, if possible, since heat may cause your gerberas to stop blooming.
• If you can t provide your gerberas with a shaded outdoor area, move them indoors during the hottest hours of the day.
• Water your gerbera plants in the morning.
• Avoid wetting the flowers -- moisten the soil that the pants grow in.
• Allow the soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid over watering your gerberas as this may trigger poor flower growth and root or crown rot.
• Fertilize your gerberas every other week during the spring and summer flowering period.
• Use a water-soluble fertilizer that s rich in potassium and phosphorous.
• Mist the leaves of your gerbera plants with water at least once a week to increase the humidity and prevent red spider mites.
• Remove old, discoloured leaves and faded flowers and stems to maintain your gerbera plants, prevent fungus infections and to encourage new growth.

Typical uses of Gerbera

Special features:

Ornamental use: The plant is used for ornamental purpose

References

• http://homeguides.sfgate.com/care-gerberas-20461.html
• http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/gerbera-daisy-care.html
• http://www.ask.com/explore/how-grow-gerbera-flowers