What does a domestic gerbera look like and the specifics of growing it at home?

Gerbera is a perennial flower. This plant is easy to care for and tolerates drafts. Therefore, it continues to grow on balconies, loggias, or even flower beds. Today, decorative varieties are more commonly found on windowsills, which are the result of crossing two varieties—green-leaved and Jamesonian. These varieties are known as indoor gerberas. Their flowers come in single, double, and semi-double varieties and come in a variety of colors.

General description

The plant grows from 25 to 35 cm tall. It reaches its maximum height when it begins to bloom, with the flower stalk forming from the rosette of leaves. The petals are colored pink, white, burgundy, and other shades.

The leaves are arranged in tiers on the petioles. Their central portion is elongated, resembling a feather with serrated ends. They are a rich green color.

External characteristics depend on varietal affiliationThe main ones are listed in the table:

The most common varietal forms are listed. Deviations from the established standards are permitted. Everything depends on a number of factors.

General growing conditions

Read alsoWhat does fuchsia look like and how to grow it at home? Fuchsia is a popular houseplant, but its varieties are often considered fussy. People simply don't know the flower's care requirements and don't follow the recommended lighting regimen, and…

The plant is native to South Africa. Therefore, gerberas are grown indoors in conditions as close to their natural habitat as possible. Adherence to all requirements and rules positively affects the duration of flowering and growth.

Lighting

Gerberas are easy to care for. They require bright, but not direct, sunlight. This requirement is especially strict in the summer to avoid sunburn. Failure to do so at any time of year will cause the plant to stop growing and blooming.

It's recommended to place the pots on a west- or southeast-facing windowsill. Placing them near a south-facing window is also acceptable. In winter, provide additional lighting to encourage re-flowering.

Read alsoHow to grow a Cambria orchid at home: features The Cambria orchid is a synthetically bred plant variety that cannot be found in the wild, as it was created exclusively for indoor propagation. Phalaenopsis is characterized by…

Temperature conditions

During the active growth period, indoor gerberas require temperatures ranging from 19 to 21°C. During the dormant period, which lasts from December to March, the optimal temperature is 14–16°C. Under these conditions, the plant will thrive and develop.

In summer, it's recommended to move the pots outdoors. However, make sure to protect them from precipitation and drafts first.

Suitable container and soil

To ensure full development, gerberas should be planted in a pot that is only 3 cm wider than the root system, with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 liters. Only under these conditions will the plant bloom profusely.

Unglazed ceramic is the best choice for pots. However, this material cools quickly, which can lead to chilling of the plant's roots. This will result in the death of the plant.

Potted gerberas require soil with a slightly acidic pH. This can be purchased at a flower shop. Alternatively, you can make your own by mixing two parts leaf mold and one part each of peat moss and sand. All ingredients must be disinfected.

Recommended fertilizers

Proper lighting is not enough for proper growth and development. Fertilizing is crucial. The type of fertilizer depends on the plant's developmental stage. A liquid solution rich in potassium is suitable for the flowering phase. Nitrogen is applied from early February until mid-spring, when the gerbera begins to develop foliage.

In spring and summer, allow 14–20 days between each fertilizing application. The dormant period should last at least a month.

How to water

The plant reacts sharply to lack of moisture, causing wilting. Water it as soon as the top 2 cm of soil dries out. Remove any excess moisture that collects in the tray. This will help prevent disease development. When watering, ensure that water does not fall on the central part of the leaf rosette or the flowers themselves.

At home, caring for gerberas involves creating and maintaining a certain humidity level. A humidifier is a convenient solution for this task. This rule is especially important during the warmer months.

Starting around mid-autumn, reduce the frequency of watering. By winter, it's reduced to a minimum, as is air humidification. This helps prevent the development of fungus and rot.

How to care for during dormancy

When growing gerberas, it's important to remember that the plant goes through several phases of development. The dormant phase lasts from late autumn to March. During this time, the pot is moved indoors to a room where the temperature is maintained at a constant 13–14°C. Water the plant occasionally, but not excessively, only to maintain soil moisture.

As the ambient temperature rises, prepare the plant for awakening. To do this, mist the plant in a circular pattern, gradually increasing the amount of water with each watering. Fertilizing the plant is also recommended.

Actions after purchase

Unlike most houseplants, gerberas shouldn't be repotted immediately. They should be left for three weeks. This time is enough for the flower to acclimate to the new conditions.

After this time, remove the bush from its transport container. Carefully remove most of the store-bought potting soil. Be careful not to damage the root system. Add a 2-3 cm layer of expanded clay to the bottom of the disinfected pot. Then add fresh potting soil. Place the plant exactly in the center and cover with soil, ensuring the root collar is not damaged.

How to propagate

Houseplant owners often propagate their plants themselves. This helps preserve all the varietal characteristics. Gerbera propagation at home is accomplished using the following methods:

1. By dividing the bush. This allows you to preserve all the characteristics of the parent plant's cultivar type. The plant is used for 3 or 4 years. Time: spring. Leave two growing points so the bush will flower within a year.
2. By seeds. This is also done in the spring. You'll need a mixture of three types of soil—leaf, sod, and humus—in a 1:2:1 ratio. When the seedlings have 2 to 3 leaf blades, they're pricked out. Repeat the procedure after the fifth leaf appears, and they're immediately planted in small pots. Fertilize after a month.
3. Cuttings. This method is ineffective due to the high risk of rot. Therefore, it is rarely used.

The indoor gerbera is a beautiful plant native to Africa. It's easy to grow and propagate indoors. The effort will be rewarded with vibrant blooms.