Plant care guides
Gerbera daisy care guide Gerbera jamesonii
How to grow and care for Gerbera daisy at home. Bright daisy-like blooms.
- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 5 to 7 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Scientific name
- Gerbera jamesonii
- Origin
- South Africa
- Humidity
- 40-60%
Fun fact
Discovered in 1884 in South Africa by Robert Jameson; ranks fifth among cut flowers sold worldwide, after rose, carnation, chrysanthemum and tulip.
When and how much water
Water Gerbera daisy when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
- Every 10 to 14 days
- Every 5 to 7 days
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can’t see: the actual light at the plant, the pot’s size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly’s app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
How bright a spot it needs
Gerbera daisy needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Feeding
Feed Gerbera daisy every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp — feeding dry roots can scorch them. When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Gerbera daisy is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Most Gerbera daisy problems trace back to watering — here’s how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for
- Yellowing leaves
- Mushy crown
- Rot at soil line
- Soft leaf bases
Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for
- Wilting leaves
- Crispy leaf edges
- Drooping flower stems
- Stunted growth
Water a little more often and don’t let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Toxic to pets?
NoPet-safe.
Gerbera daisy is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Browse all pet-safe houseplants →
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Gerbera daisy from a cutting.
- Water the plant thoroughly the day before dividing — well-hydrated roots are more resilient.
- Slide the plant gently out of its pot.
- Shake off the loose potting mix to expose the root system.
Common questions
How often should I water a Gerbera daisy?
Water your Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) when the top 2 cm of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 5 to 7 days; in winter, slow down to every 10 to 14 days. Botanicaly’s app tunes this further based on your home’s actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Gerbera daisy need?
Gerbera daisy needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Gerbera daisy safe for cats and dogs?
Gerbera daisy is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why are my Gerbera daisy’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Gerbera daisy, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, mushy crown, or rot at soil line. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see wilting leaves, crispy leaf edges, or drooping flower stems instead, it’s likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Gerbera daisy’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
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