Gerbera is a species of a perennial herbaceous plant in the aster family. Gerbera comes from the tropics of Asia and South Africa. Thanks to breeders, many varieties of hybrid gerberas were obtained from the original two varieties.
Currently, gerberas can be bought in any flower shops, and in various ways, for example, you can buy cut gerberas for a bouquet or flowers in pots. The price of this beautiful flower will depend on the variety. The most expensive ones are new and rare varieties, as well as flowers with different shades of petals.
You can easily and simply grow at home such a plant as indoor gerbera, caring for it does not present any difficulties.
The following types of gerberas are grown indoors: these are Jameson's gerberas with a compact shape. Among these varieties are popular "Gerbera Hummingbird", "Gerbera Happipot", "Gerbera Parade". Peduncles of these species can grow up to 30 centimeters in height. Also very popular varieties: Jupiter, bright yellow, Algol, dark cherry, Vega, orange-yellow, Aldebaran, intense pink, Mars - soft red, “Viola” - pink.
A plant that will delight the eye with flowering on your windowsill from May to September is an indoor gerbera.
Care and some cultivation secrets.
Temperature.
This is a thermophilic culture. In summer, the temperature should be 22-25 degrees, nightly drop to 17-20 degrees. In winter, temperatures from 14 to 16 are acceptable. It is advisable to provide air ventilation.
Lighting.
This is perhaps the only moment when a room gerbera shows its "character", caring for it requires compliance with certain lighting conditions. Provide sunlight not only in the morning, in the afternoon, but also in the evening. In winter, flowers will need an additional light source.
Watering.
In summer there should be moderate watering. It is enough to slightly moisten the earth. It is advisable to avoid getting water on the leaves and in the flower outlet. In winter, waterlogging or overdrying of the earth must be avoided. Water the flowers with room temperature water .
Fertilizer.
Caring for a room gerbera also consists of feeding the plant. Gerberas are fed with fertilizers with mineral complexes during flowering. You can buy special products for indoor and ornamental plants. You must make them every two weeks.
Transfer.
Transplanting flowers is best in March or April. Plant the plant in a spacious pot. Do not bury too much into the ground. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH of 5-5.5. Sanitize it before planting a flower. To prevent the occurrence of various diseases during the first watering, add phytosporin to the water. If you purchased an indoor gerbera plant, care for it should begin with watering with funzadol solution, at the rate of 2 grams per 1 liter of water.
Reproduction.
Propagation of the flower occurs by dividing the bush or its seeds. When propagating using seeds, artificial pollination is necessary, since seeds can quickly lose germination. Therefore, it is advisable to sow them immediately after harvest. Seed sprouting occurs within 1 month.
Tips for caring for indoor gerberas.
In intense sunlight, it is necessary to remove the flower pot from the windowsill, or cover it with a light, light cloth, as the flowers may fade and lose brightness. Observe the required level of soil acidity, avoid waterlogging. The earth should be watered evenly. Do not forget to loosen the ground, as the roots of the flower love to breathe. Aphids, ticks and whiteflies can harm flowers. It is necessary to fight them in a timely manner. Care for room gerbera should be done with care and zeal, despite the fact that the requirements for these flowers are quite simple.