Gerbera
Scientific name: Gerbera jamesonii
☘️ Toxicity: Safe for cats
☀️ Ideal light: Soft full sun or very bright indirect light
💧 Watering: Moderate; water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry
The Gerbera is an herbaceous flowering plant known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms that bring instant color to any space. In pots, it stands out for its compact form and flower heads in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. With strong light and careful watering, it can bloom for months and is completely safe for homes with cats.
Essential care
- Light: 4–6 hours of gentle sunlight or very bright indirect light. Avoid harsh midday sun in hot climates.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Water the soil directly, avoiding the crown and flower centers.
- Substrate: Well-draining and fertile (e.g., 1 part potting soil, 1 part organic compost, 1 part perlite or coarse sand).
- Environment: Prefers mild temperatures (18–26 °C / 64–79 °F) and good air circulation.
- Fertilization: Every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced flower fertilizer (e.g., NPK 4-14-8 or 10-10-10 diluted).
- Maintenance: Practice deadheading (remove faded flowers at the base) to encourage continuous blooming.
Pests and how to handle them
- Aphids and thrips: Remove with a jet of water and apply mild soap or neem oil.
- Mites: Increase humidity and mist leaves lightly; keep good ventilation.
- Fungal issues (mildew, powdery mildew): Avoid wet leaves, improve airflow, and remove affected parts.
Propagation
- Division: Separate mature clumps at the end of winter or start of spring.
- Seeds: Sow in trays with light, moist substrate and keep constant humidity until germination.
Cat safety
- Classification: Considered non-toxic to cats.
- Best practice: Even though it’s safe, discourage your cat from chewing leaves or flowers to preserve the plant.
💡 The more quality light a Gerbera receives, the stronger and shorter its stems become — resulting in longer and more abundant blooms.
Frequently asked questions
- Can it live indoors? Yes, if placed near bright windows (east or west) or under grow lights.
- Why do the leaves turn yellow? Usually due to overwatering or poor drainage.
- How long do the flowers last? Each stem blooms for about 2–4 weeks, extending with good light and regular deadheading.
Quick checklist
- ☀️ Bright light (soft sun or strong indirect light)
- 🪴 Well-draining soil mix
- 💧 Moderate watering, avoid overwatering
- ✂️ Remove old blooms
- 🐾 Safe for cats