Gerbera daisy care guide
Gerbera jamesonii
Quick answer
Water your Gerbera daisy when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 8 to 12 days · winter - LightBright light, some sun
- Climate10–20 °C (50–68 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 8 to 12 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Keep water off the leaves and especially the crown, because a wet crown can rot. Water at the edge of the pot or from below, and let the excess drain.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright light, some sun
Gerbera daisy needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your 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
Humidity40–60%
Gerberas often stop flowering below 10 °C (50 °F). Keep tender plants above 5 °C (41 °F) and protect them from frost.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Gerbera daisy is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Gerbera daisy?
Water your Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 8 to 12 days.
How much light does a Gerbera daisy need?
Gerbera daisy needs bright light and a little gentle direct sun, such as morning sun. Strong midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it close to an east- or west-facing 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 is my Gerbera daisy turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources5 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · native range
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · container care · overwintering · insects, diseases, and other plant problems
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information CenterCulture · overwintering · irrigation · fertilization · pests and diseases
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPlant profile · position · soil · moisture · under-glass · pests and diseases
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · dog, cat, and horse toxicity classification
- How we check our plant advice
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