Gerbera daisy
Also known as
Transvaal daisy, Barberton daisy, African daisy, Gerbera
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Gerbera daisy
Gerbera hybrid cultivars are ornamental daisies bred primarily from Gerbera jamesonii and related species in the Asteraceae family. Celebrated for their large, vividly colored blooms, they feature a central disk of tiny florets surrounded by radiating ray florets in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and bicolor combinations. Forms range from single to semi-double and fully double. Plants grow as compact rosettes with lobed, slightly hairy leaves and stout flower stems (scapes) that rise above the foliage. Indoors, they are valued both as potted flowering plants and as sources of long-lasting cut flowers. They require excellent drainage, bright light, and cool nights to sustain bud production. Crown and root rots are the most common cultural failures, often caused by overwatering or poorly aerated media. Spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew may appear in dry or stagnant conditions. Although perennials in frost-free climates, many are treated as seasonal or short-lived houseplants, performing best with steady nutrients and careful moisture management.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Gerbera daisy
Water
Let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of the potting mix dry before watering thoroughly until excess drains. Avoid wetting the crown; water at the soil line or from the saucer, then discard runoff after 10–15 minutes. In bright, warm conditions, watering may be needed 2–3 times weekly; reduce frequency in cooler, lower light. Never allow the pot to sit in water and avoid cycles of saturation and drought, which stress roots and reduce flowering.
Light
Provide bright light with 4–6 hours of gentle direct sun daily. Indoors, place near an east or bright south-facing window with filtered afternoon sun; outdoors, give morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. In low light, expect fewer and smaller blooms; supplement with a full-spectrum grow light (12–14 hours/day) if needed. Avoid deep shade and extreme midday sun that can scorch leaves or stress plants, especially during heat waves.
Nutrients
Feed lightly but consistently during active growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer (e.g., 15‑15‑15 or 20‑20‑20) at 1/4–1/2 strength every 2 weeks, or a controlled‑release fertilizer per label. Aim for slightly acidic media (pH 5.5–6.2) to optimize iron availability and prevent chlorosis; supplement with iron chelate if leaves yellow between veins. Avoid high‑nitrogen spikes that promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms, and always fertilize onto moist soil to prevent root burn.
Temperature
Ideal daytime temperatures are 65–75°F (18–24°C) with cooler nights at 50–60°F (10–16°C). Brief dips to 45°F (7°C) are tolerated, but frost will damage foliage and buds. Prolonged heat above 80–85°F (27–29°C) can stall flowering and increase pest pressure, especially if nights stay warm. Provide good airflow and avoid heat-radiating surfaces. Outdoors, grow as a warm-season annual in cooler climates or a perennial where winters are frost-free.
