Gerbera Daisies:  Striking and Cheery Houseplants

Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) also known as African daisies are a member of the sunflower family. The large, bright upright flowers four (4) to five (5) inches across radiating from a bronze-yellow center disk on succulent stems are very beautiful.

These cheerful flowers grow 12 to 18 inches tall and come in a wide variety of colors such as red, pink, white, or violet.

They are hardy plants
that can be grown successfully in pots and are a very nice addition to terrace container garden.


Air-Cleaning Houseplants

These long-lasting specimens make excellent houseplants for growing indoors. Properly cared for they can live two (2) to three (3) years and bloom for up to six (6) months.

They are very beneficial because they not only add to the charm and decor of our interior, but they rid the air of harmful pollutants. Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene off-gas toxins from furniture, rugs, plastic and paints which can impact out health.

These products can then trigger headaches, fatigue, wheezing, and allergic reactions. These air-cleaning houseplants are most effective in absorbing these toxins so that we breathe fresh and cleaner air. When toxins are removed, our life-sustaining levels increase.

You can get this plant and experience all the benefits of clean air, cheerfulness, and beauty in your home. Discover care tips to provide the right amount of care and create the optimal growing conditions to grow them indoors.

Gerbera Daisy Care Tips

Light: Place in a well-lit location with partial sunlight. Plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight to grow abundant flowers. Having elongated, pale green leaves are a sign plants need more light.  If light is inadequate supplement with grow lights.

Water: Thoroughly water while avoiding wetting the crown of the plant. This is necessary to prevent disease. Brown spots on the flower petals can be a sign of botrytis blight caused by a fungus. Drain and pour off excess water. Allow potting mix to slightly dry between watering.  Plants require less water in the winter.

Humidity:  Average room humidity. Place pots on a pebble tray if the relative humidity level needs to be raised.

Temperature:  temperature of 60-75 degrees along with good air circulation.

Soil: Use a soilless potting mixture because they tend to drain quicker.
 
Fertilizer:  Feed every other week during active growth and blooming periods. Use a water-soluble balanced fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's directions. When the plant is out of bloom, apply fertilizer once a month at half strength.

Propagation:  Gerbera daisies can be grown from seed or crown divisions.