Scientific name: hybrid gerbera
Popular Names: Gerbera, African daisy, Transvaal daisy
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Perennial Flowers
Climate: Equatorial, Subtropical, Tropical
Origin: Africa
Height: 30 to 40 cm
Luminosity: Full Sun
Life cycle: Perennial
 
The gerbera is an excellent, long-lasting cut flower. It originates from the hybridization between Gerbera jamesonii and the gerbera viridifolia.
Its flowers have petals with bright colors and the center can also have different colors.
Also, the flowers can be single or double. It has long stems and very green leaves.
 
Widely used in elaborate floral arrangements, such as ikebana.
Some varieties lend themselves to the formation of massifs and borders in gardens and as a potted plant.
 
They should be grown in full sun, in soil composed of garden soil and vegetable soil, well fertilized, with regular watering. They appreciate the cold.
 
characteristics of gerbera
On the world market, gerbera is the fifth most sought-after flower. The rose, the carnation, the chrysanthemum and the tulip are, in that order, the other favorite flowers. Discover the main characteristics of gerbera plants.
The gerbera is better known as the African daisy – daisy for its resemblance to this flower and African for its origin.
It is a plant that exists in more than 150 varieties, in many colors and sizes, allowing many combinations in branches and other floral compositions. Its flowers are perennial, have no odor and can reach approximately 10cm. The leaves are dark green, broad and scalloped.
It is a plant that has exuberant, robust and imposing flowers. They can have more than twenty different tones, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, orange, purple... vibrant in lighter tones and very elegant in darker tones.
It is a plant originally from a tropical climate and therefore very sensitive to the humidity levels of its habitat.
It is an air purifying plant. Unlike other plants, whose levels of oxygen production decrease during the night, these plants have a uniform production and are a natural filter absorbing toxic substances found in the air.
 
Caring for Gerberas
Of tropical origin, these plants can be found in regions of South America, Africa and Asia. The care related to the level of humidity that so much has to do with its origin are the most important.
 
watering
In the warmer seasons like spring and summer, ensure that the plants have sufficient moisture and good drainage. In autumn and winter it is only necessary to water when the soil is dry. 
Watering the soil. Do not water the plant or the leaves. Water yes, but only on land. 
Moderate watering. These plants like humidity, but that doesn't mean they're crazy about water. The gerbera is a plant that does not resist excess water.
 
Drainage.
To maintain the necessary humidity and release excess water, good drainage is required. Just make some holes in the bottom of the pot. You can also place gravel or clay balls. Watering and draining are two of the most important care for this flower.
 
Temperature. 
The ideal is to keep the room temperature between 18ºC and 24ºC. Make sure that the minimum temperature does not drop below 13°C. Such a low temperature damages the plants. You might even lose them.
 
Luminosity. 
In the garden or at home, planted in a vase, it is a very resistant plant, easy to plant and does not require great care. It's a solar plant. At home, place them next to a sunny window and for approximately 4 to 6 weeks they will display the color of their flowers.
 
Environment. 
Avoid very dry environments. In summer, look for a partially shaded place to avoid an excessively dry environment that harms these plants.
 
Soil conditions. 
Keep the soil rich in nutrients and with good drainage to maintain moisture and allow good oxygenation. In this way, the roots remain healthy and prevent rotting. Choose a good fertilizer that will provide your plants with the food they need.
 
Fertilization. 
If you want to prolong flowering, you can use a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants in the amount indicated by the manufacturer.
 
Transplant. 
The ideal is to transplant the plants every two years to a soil rich in nutrients. Always in spring, hands to work!