How to propagate gerbera flowers with cuttings
The editor introduces how to propagate gerbera flowers with cuttings and related knowledge about the cultivation and management of gerbera plants, which will be discussed comprehensively.
Gerbera, also known as African daisy, can bloom all year round under suitable conditions, with the most vigorous blooming in spring and autumn. There are many varieties of gerbera with various colors, making them very suitable for indoor potted plants. Pots can be placed on window sills, desks, dining tables, tea tables, or plant stands. As they bloom continuously, the pots should be placed in a well-lit area or moved outside daily to increase light exposure. For varieties with long stems, they are not suitable for whole-plant viewing and can be cultivated on balconies. When in bloom, cut the flowers and place them in a vase for display.
Gerberas prefer fertile, loose, well-ventilated, and well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 6.5. For home cultivation, a mixture of 3 parts garden soil, 3 parts peat soil, 3 parts decomposed leaf soil, and 1 part sand, or 3 parts decomposed leaf soil, 4 parts peat soil, 2 parts sand, and 1 part perlite can be used. The soil mixture should be sterilized at high temperatures before use. Pots and the tiles or bricks used to cover the bottom of the pot should also be sterilized by sunning or high temperatures.
Gerberas bloom continuously and require a large amount of nutrients. Seedlings do not need to be fertilized during the transplanting period. After potting, apply a well-rotted liquid fertilizer diluted 10 times or 1000 times the concentration of a general-purpose fertilizer every 10 days. Fertilization should be stopped during high summer temperatures or low winter temperatures. When fertilizing, use a fine-mouthed watering can to water along the edge of the pot, ensuring that fertilizer does not come into contact with the flower heart or leaves, as this can cause the growth point to rot and the leaves to be burned. If fertilizer accidentally splashes onto the leaves, wash it off with water and dry the leaves with a towel.
Gerberas prefer a humid growing environment and are averse to waterlogging and drought. Watering of seedlings should not be excessive, and the surface of the potting soil should be kept slightly dry. During spring and autumn, when the plants are in full bloom, water frequently to keep the soil moist. During high temperatures or low winter temperatures, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly moist. Under suitable conditions, gerberas grow vigorously, and the soil in the greenhouse should be kept moist regardless of the season. As the leaves of gerberas are prone to disease, it is essential to water along the edge of the pot to prevent water droplets on the leaves. Here are the management methods for gerberas in different seasons:
1. Spring Management;
Indoor potted gerberas should be repotted once a year, preferably in early spring or late autumn. When repotting, the planting depth should be such that the roots are slightly above the soil level to prevent rotting at the base of the plant.
As the weather warms up in spring, gerberas grow vigorously and require a lot of nutrients. Pots should be placed in a well-lit and well-ventilated room or enclosed balcony. During this time, fertilize and water frequently to meet the plant's nutritional needs. When outdoor temperatures stabilize above 15°C, the pots can be moved outside or to an open balcony. Gerberas kept outdoors during rainy days should be moved inside to prevent them from getting wet. In spring, when temperatures rise, they should be shaded during the hottest part of the day.
How to propagate gerbera flowers with cuttings
2. Summer Management;
Gerberas grow weakly and bloom less during high summer temperatures. Move the pots to a well-lit indoor area, ensure good ventilation, keep the soil slightly dry, and stop fertilizing. At the end of summer, when temperatures cool down, move the pots to areas with morning and evening light. As the plants recover, gradually increase water and fertilizer supply.
3. Autumn Management;
Autumn is a peak season for gerbera growth and blooming, with similar management to spring. However, if temperatures are high at midday, provide shade. After the temperature drops in autumn, they can be cultivated in full sunlight. When temperatures drop to around 10°C, move the pots to an indoor or lighted enclosed balcony and reduce water and fertilizer supply while increasing indoor ventilation.
4. Winter Management;
Gerberas can tolerate cold temperatures and grow slowly at around 5°C. The soil in the pots should be kept slightly dry with adequate sunlight, and fertilization is not required. If the indoor temperature in winter is maintained above 12°C, gerberas can grow and bloom normally, with management similar to spring, but with reduced fertilizer and water usage.
Gerberas are prone to diseases during their growth, with main diseases including leaf spot, brown spot, and bacterial wilt. The main pests are aphids and spider mites. Disease and pest control should focus on prevention. During the peak growing season, apply fungicides to the leaves every 15 days. Fungicides such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, and thiophanate-methyl can be used alternately. Additionally, drench the roots with carbendazim once a month.
The above sharing on how to propagate gerbera flowers with cuttings and related management points is for reference by green plant enthusiasts and aims to solve your problems in green plant management.