Gerbera is an ornamental plant from the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It was named in honor of the German naturalist Traugott Gerber. Gerbera is the fifth most important cut flower in the world.
The Gerbera flower suggests enduring purity in both The Mystical “Language of Flowers” From the Elizabethan era (Victorian era) & The First widely accepted book of flowers Meanings Le Langage Des Fleurs which was published in 1819 by Charlotte De Latour
Gerbera Flower Handling
Planting:
Propagation may be achieved through seeds, basal cutting or through dividing. Basal shoots or cutting from the parent plant should be taken in summer (March – April).
Seeds are sown or cutting can be inserted in sandy soil until the saplings become an inch tall or the cuttings form roots. Plants grown from seeds can be differ from the parent plant and seeds which do not germinate within about twenty days are likely not to germinate at all.
Replanting is done in April. The saplings (germinated seeds) and the cutting can be replanted in pots filled with a mixture of sand, dried organic mix, loam. When repotting ensure the crown of the plant is above the level of the soil. Until the plants settle, they should be kept in shades and sprinkle with water. After that no shading is necessary. The settled plants lasts for 3 to 4 days. After that flowers will lessen and the growth of the plant will get stunted.
For best results the plants need a liberal amount of sun and water.
Half day of direct sun and half day of partial shade and remaining slightly moist at all times is ideal. High source of light can give an abundance of flowers. Healthy Gerberas are rarely bothered by pests.
Fungus and stem rot is a common problem with over watered plants.
Remove old leaves regularly to prevent fungus infections.
Planting:
Propagation may be achieved through seeds, basal cutting or through dividing. Basal shoots or cutting from the parent plant should be taken in summer (March – April).
Seeds are sown or cutting can be inserted in sandy soil until the saplings become an inch tall or the cuttings form roots. Plants grown from seeds can be differ from the parent plant and seeds which do not germinate within about twenty days are likely not to germinate at all.
Replanting is done in April. The saplings (germinated seeds) and the cutting can be replanted in pots filled with a mixture of sand, dried organic mix, loam. When repotting ensure the crown of the plant is above the level of the soil. Until the plants settle, they should be kept in shades and sprinkle with water. After that no shading is necessary. The settled plants lasts for 3 to 4 days. After that flowers will lessen and the growth of the plant will get stunted.
For best results the plants need a liberal amount of sun and water.
Half day of direct sun and half day of partial shade and remaining slightly moist at all times is ideal. High source of light can give an abundance of flowers. Healthy Gerberas are rarely bothered by pests.
Fungus and stem rot is a common problem with over watered plants.
Remove old leaves regularly to prevent fungus infections.
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