After a good pruning, your Gerbera daisies usually bounce back pretty quickly with fresh blooms. However, it can be super frustrating when those new buds wither before they even open, or worse, don’t show up at all. If your plant is acting up, it’s usually a sign that something in its care routine is just a little bit off.
A Sensitive Soul
There are a handful of reasons why those buds might be drying up. Gerberas are a bit like the “Goldilocks” of the garden—they’re sensitive about getting just the right amount of nutrients and the perfect level of soil moisture. But more than anything, it usually comes down to finding the right spot for your pot.
Plenty of Sun, Plenty of Air
Since they’re originally tropical plants, Gerberas crave as much light as they can get throughout the day. The catch? They aren’t huge fans of that intense, scorching midday sun. Your best bet is to place them somewhere they’ll get plenty of bright light but stay in the shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. They also love fresh air, so make sure they have some breathing room, just as long as they aren’t sitting directly in a drafty hallway or wind tunnel.
Summering Outdoors
Since Gerberas aren’t fans of the cold, they definitely need to stay indoors during the winter. But once summer hits, they usually thrive much better outside on a patio or balcony. Just find a bright, sheltered spot where they won’t get tossed around by the wind, and they’ll be happy campers. From there, it’s all about the maintenance.
Keep the Food and Water Coming
To keep those flowers pumping out all season, Gerberas need a lot of fuel. Start with high-quality potting soil, and make sure to give them a boost with liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Watering is the other big secret: Gerberas love consistently moist soil, but they hate “wet feet.” If the soil stays soggy, you’re looking at root rot, so aim for that sweet spot of damp but not drenched.
If your potted Gerbera has stopped blooming, keep these three things in mind:
- Find a sunny, sheltered spot (out of the midday heat).
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Don’t forget to fertilize regularly!
