Gerberas are, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. Similar to daisies but with more striking colors, they sprout from spring to late summer, and sometimes until fall if the weather is kind to them. As they also grow little, it is very common for them to be grown in pots.
Now, Have you ever wondered what are the care you should give to the gerbera in a pot? It may seem like a very easy plant to care for, but if mistakes are made we could lose it.
Where should the potted gerbera be placed?
La gerbera It is a herbaceous plant that needs two things to flourish and be really well: direct sun and heat (but not extreme). Starting from this, it is best to have it outside, either on the patio or terrace, or even on the windowsill if you have enough space. It is also perfect to have on the balcony, because since it is small, it can be placed on the balcony floor or hung on the wall.
Now, during the winter we will have to decide whether to keep it outside or whether to put it inside the house, since it does not resist frost. In the event that we have to keep it indoors, we will place it in a room where there is plenty of natural light.
When do you have to water it?
The watering of the gerbera should be moderate while the weather is good, but rather scarce during the winter. This must be so because during the warm months the substrate dries out faster than in autumn and winter. In addition, a plant that is inside the house will also be watered less than another that is outside, since the earth needs more time to dry.
The question is, how many times should it be done? Well, the answer is that it depends a lot on the weather and where it is placed. But overall, it will be watered when the earth is seen to be almost dry. So that problems do not arise, I recommend inserting a thin plastic stick and see if it comes out wet or not.
By the way, when you go to rehydrate your gerbera, remember this: you have to pour water until it comes out through the drainage holes of the pot. And if you have a plate under it, drain it later.
What type of pot and substrate to choose?
The pot for the gerbera should be wider than tall (or roughly the same width as height). It can be plastic or other material as long as it has holes in its base so that the water can come out of them when watering, since otherwise the roots will end up rotting and the plant will die.
Also, you should keep in mind that the substrate you put on it must be of quality. Avoid heavy substrates -which are the ones that are usually cheaper-, since these do not allow the roots to grow well. In fact, I advise using universal substrates (such as this) that contain perlite, and if they do not have it, buy it separately (here for example) and mix it in a ratio of 7:3 (70% universal substrate + 30% perlite).
When should the pot be changed?
It's a small herb, but you will need a slightly larger pot if roots are coming out of the holes than you currently have. However, it should not be transplanted if it is flowering, but rather before it starts to do so, or later if the temperatures are high and there will be no frost in winter.
When should gerbera be fertilized in a pot?
Since it is a plant that grows when it is hot, and to be more exact, when the temperatures stay above 15ºC and below 35ºC, if you want it to be even better, healthier, and to bloom longer, it is very interesting to pay it during those months.
For that, manures or liquid fertilizers should be used like this, or specific fertilizing cloves for flowering plants such as these (the latter are very easy to apply, since all you have to do is "nail" them into the ground). Of course, always follow the instructions that you will find on the package because an overdose can be fatal.
How do you take care of yourself in winter?
Image - Flickr / jacinta lluch valero
If during the winter there are frosts, you will have to have your gerbera in a pot inside the house. In addition to ensuring that it does not lack light and reducing the frequency of watering so that it does not rot, you will have to make sure that you put it in an area where it is not exposed to the air conditioning unit, radiators, or drafts. of air that can enter from the windows.
Likewise, You must suspend the subscriber until spring returns, since while the winter lasts the gerbera will not grow, so it will not need that extra contribution of nutrients.
I hope you enjoy your potted gerbera very much.
