Gerbera is not only very popular as a cut flower or in the garden. It is also very valued as a houseplant. However, care is not that easy. A bit of sensitivity is required if you want the gerbera to reveal its full blooms.
How to properly care for a gerbera houseplant?
To successfully care for a gerbera as a houseplant, it needs a bright location without direct midday sun, regular watering from below, without waterlogging, and the immediate removal of faded flowers and pest-infested leaves.
The right location for the potted plant
The Gerbera is a small mimosa. It will not thrive in an unfavorable location. Although she wants to be very bright, she doesn't like direct midday sun either.
Do not place the houseplant too close behind the glass of the flower window. This will prevent the glass from acting like a magnifying glass on the flowers and leaves when exposed to sunlight.
The gerbera likes moist soil, but needs enough space so that air can circulate between the leaves.
Cut out flowers immediately
To stimulate the formation of new flowers, you must always cut off spent inflorescences immediately. Shorten the stems approximately three centimeters above the soil surface.
You should also cut leaves that are wilting, discolored or have spots on them.
Watch out for pests such as lice (€17.00 on Amazon), spider mites and flea beetles and get rid of them as quickly as possible.
Water gerbera properly
- Earth moist but not wet
- Only water the gerbera from below
- Pour off excess water
- Spray more frequently in summer
Watering is the biggest care problem for gerberas. It tolerates neither too much nor too little moisture. Under no circumstances should it dry out completely.
You should never water the plant from above, but only from below. Add water to the saucer or occasionally dip the potted plant in a bucket of water.
Take it outdoors in summer
If you want to do something good for your gerbera, put the potted plant on the terrace or balcony in summer.
Outside it gets enough light and air and thanks you with lots of colorful flowers.
But make sure that the plant does not get direct midday sun.
Tips & Tricks
Grey mold can be fatal to gerberas as potted plants. It occurs when the plants are too close together and kept too moist. Make sure there is enough distance from walls and other plants.
