Since Gerberas are originally from the tropics, they need a little extra TLC to really thrive in our neck of the woods. To keep these beauties happy, you’ll need to stay on top of watering and feeding, while also keeping a sharp eye out for any pesky garden visitors.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Good Gerbera care starts the moment you put them in the ground. If you’re planning to plant them outdoors in a flower bed, location is everything. You want a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and good air circulation, but try to avoid places with harsh, direct midday sun—it can be a bit much for them. Also, make sure the soil at your chosen location is nice and rich in nutrients.
Feeding Your Flowers
You can give your soil a boost by loosening it up and mixing in some compost. Even with great soil, Gerberas are hungry plants! For the best blooms, you’ll want to fertilize them about once a month. You can simply mix a liquid fertilizer into your watering can, or if you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, fertilizer spikes work great too.
Watering the Right Way
Watering is probably the most important part of your Gerbera routine. When you water, always aim for the base of the plant rather than splashing the leaves. If you have hard tap water in your area, your Gerberas might not be thrilled with it. In that case, using collected rainwater is a much better bet for keeping them healthy.
Watch Out for Soggy Feet
While Gerberas love soil that stays consistently moist, they hate sitting in a puddle. “Wet feet” or standing water can quickly lead to root rot, which is bad news. On the flip side, if the soil gets too dry, the plant will start dropping its petals. During the peak of summer, you might need to water a couple of times a day, and a quick misting with a spray bottle can help them beat the heat.
Keeping Pests at Bay
If you’re growing Gerberas as houseplants, misting is also a great way to combat dry indoor air. This simple trick helps prevent spider mites from moving in. If you happen to spot aphids, try giving the plant a thorough rinse first. If they’re being stubborn, mix one tablespoon of liquid castile soap into a quart of water and give the plant a good spray.
To sum it all up, here are the golden rules for Gerbera care:
- Pick a bright spot, but avoid scorching midday sun.
- Fertilize regularly to keep them fed.
- Keep the soil consistently moist (but never soggy!).
- Check often for any signs of pests.
