Gerbera

Gerbera (Gerbera) is an exotic, perennial herbaceous plant with elongated leaves arranged in a rosette. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. The plant was named in honor of the German physician and botanist Traugott Gerber. Currently it grows in India, Japan, China, South Africa, Australia and Mongolia. However, the homeland of gerbera is still considered to be South Africa, so it can only be cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions. Growers count about 80 species of gerbera. Thus, from early spring until autumn this remarkable plant produces leafless flower stalks bearing solitary flowers.

Such flowers range in size from 4 to 15 centimeters. In addition, they have a rich color palette: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, etc. It is known that gerbera entered cultivation much later than chrysanthemums, carnations and roses. The most popular variety is considered to be the Jameson gerbera. Botanists divide all varieties into large-flowered and small-flowered. Florists increasingly use gerbera to create various floral arrangements. It is not surprising, since a bouquet of gerberas always attracts attention with its brightness and beauty. Original baskets with gerberas are also in high demand among customers.

It is important to remember that once cut, such a flower requires careful care. Therefore, place a bouquet brought home into a vase of water for several hours without delay. Charming gerberas will continue to delight you for many days if you remove the leaves and carefully cut the stems at an angle. Gerberas are perceived as sunny flowers symbolizing happiness and love. They truly can give people a great mood and vivid emotions.

Indoor gerbera

Today gerbera decorates the home not only as a bouquet but also as a flowering decorative potted plant. There are various flower colors in double and single forms. In turn, gerbera usually begins to bloom from May until August. This warmth-loving plant is ideal to grow at 18-20°C in a well-ventilated room with bright sunlight. Indoor gerbera should be watered moderately and care should be taken to prevent moisture from getting on the leaves. It is important to add forest or field soil, pine bark, sand and peat to the potting mix.

It should be noted that gerbera, like all houseplants, responds well to complex fertilizers. For gerbera: a fertilizer containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen (200:300:200 milligrams per 1 liter of mixture). However, do not overfeed your plant more than 3 times a month. In autumn and winter the delicate gerbera should be fed once a month with potassium fertilizers. Such care will help protect your favorite flower from various diseases and pests. As a result, during the flowering period a healthy gerbera will produce about 40 new dazzlingly bright flowers.