Gerbera aka Transvaal Daisy
Taxonomy
Gerbera, scientifically known as Gerbera L., is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. This beautiful flower was first described by J. D. Hooker in 1889 as Gerbera jamesonii, also referred to as Transvaal daisy or Barberton daisy. With its lobed, dark green leaves and solitary, daisy-like, red flowers, Gerbera is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial that blooms from late spring to autumn. It is commonly called African daisy due to its origins in tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. Named after the German botanist Traugott Gerber, Gerbera daisies are popular both indoors and outdoors. These South African floral plants come in various sizes, ranging from two to five inches across, and boast an array of colors and petal variations. Not only are they widely used as decorative garden plants and cut flowers, but Gerbera is also the fifth most popular cut flower globally. Its significance extends beyond aesthetics, as it serves as a model organism for studying flower formation.
Common names
Transvaal Daisy, African DaisyHow to care for Transvaal Daisy
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Transvaal Daisy due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Transvaal Daisy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Transvaal Daisy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Transvaal Daisy thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Transvaal Daisy.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the Transvaal Daisy. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Transvaal Daisy is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Transvaal Daisy’s native range is Tropical Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
