Gerbera daisy care guideGerbera jamesonii

Bright daisy-like blooms. Ranked #57 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

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Scientific name
Gerbera jamesonii
Origin
South Africa
Difficulty
Moderate
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 5 to 7 days
Watering (winter)
every 10 to 14 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Pet-safe (non-toxic)
IKEA SKU
10624007

WateringWhen 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.

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.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Gerbera daisy is bright / direct light: 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.

TroubleshootingCommon 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.

Pet safetySafe with cats and dogs

Pet-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 is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.

Field noteSomething worth knowing

Discovered in 1884 in South Africa by Robert Jameson; ranks fifth among cut flowers sold worldwide, after rose, carnation, chrysanthemum and tulip.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Gerbera daisy based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

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FAQCommon 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 is bright / direct light: 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 the leaves are wilting leaves, crispy leaf edges, or drooping flower stems instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.

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