Florist's cineraria
Also known as
Cineraria, Florist's Pericallis, Pericallis, Senetti (trade name), Florist's senecio
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Florist's cineraria
Pericallis × hybrida, commonly sold as florist’s cineraria, is a cool-season, short-lived perennial typically grown as an indoor pot plant for its vivid, daisy-like blooms. This complex hybrid, derived primarily from Canary Islands species such as Pericallis cruenta and P. lanata, forms a compact rosette of soft, velvety, heart- to oval-shaped leaves in medium to deep green. Above the foliage, dense clusters of composite flower heads appear from late winter to spring, often with contrasting rings and central eyes in blues, violets, magentas, reds, and whites. Plants usually reach 20–40 cm tall and are bred to flower heavily for several weeks under cool, evenly moist conditions. Although they can be set outdoors for seasonal color in mild climates, they are most often treated as temporary indoor décor, as they decline in heat and after flowering. The genus Pericallis was formerly included in Senecio, which explains the lingering common name “cineraria.” With proper light, humidity, and attentive watering, the bloom period can be significantly extended during the coolest months.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Florist's cineraria
Water
Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top 0.5–1 cm (1/4–3/8 in) feels dry, then irrigate thoroughly until excess drains. Bottom-water for 10–20 minutes to fully moisten peat-based mixes and keep foliage dry, reducing Botrytis risk. Discard saucer runoff and do not leave the pot standing in water. In cool rooms, reduce frequency while maintaining even moisture; in warm, dry air, monitor daily. Use room-temperature water to avoid shock and spotting.
Light
Provide bright, indirect light indoors—an east-facing window with gentle morning sun or a bright north exposure is ideal. Avoid harsh midday sun that scorches leaves, yet don’t under-light, as too little light reduces flowering and causes lank growth. In cool climates, filtered morning or late-afternoon sun outdoors is acceptable; in warm zones, keep to bright shade. Aim for 8–12 hours of light daily during bloom and rotate the pot weekly for even growth.
Nutrients
Feed modestly during active growth and bud formation. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 15-15-15) at 1/4–1/2 strength every two weeks, or a bloom-leaning 10-15-10 to support heavy flowering. Ensure micronutrients (iron, magnesium) in peat-based mixes. Avoid high-urea nitrogen and never fertilize drought-stressed plants. Flush the pot with plain water monthly to prevent salt buildup that can burn tender roots and leaf margins.
Temperature
Cool conditions are essential. Ideal range is 10–18°C (50–65°F), with nights 7–13°C (45–55°F) to maximize bud set and flower longevity. Avoid heat above 24°C (75°F), which hastens decline and wilting, and protect from cold below 4°C (40°F), as frost damages foliage. Keep away from heating vents, hot sun behind glass, and cold drafts. Outdoors, grow only in mild, frost-free seasons as a spring annual; move plants if temperatures spike or dip.
