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How to Keep Gerbera Daisies Alive

1. Choose Healthy Plants:

- Select gerbera daisies with vibrant, fully open blooms and healthy green foliage.

- Avoid plants with yellowing or wilted leaves or signs of pests or diseases.

2. Proper Potting:

- Use well-draining pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

- Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to support healthy growth.

3. Watering:

- Water your gerbera daisies regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between watering.

- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

4. Sunlight:

- Place gerbera daisies in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight for several hours daily.

- Avoid exposing them to too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

5. Temperature:

- Gerbera daisies thrive in warm temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 75°F (24°C).

- Protect them from extreme temperatures, especially frost or excessive heat.

6. Fertilizing:

- Fertilize your gerbera daisies every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

- Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

7. Deadheading:

- Regularly deadhead your gerbera daisies by removing spent blooms. This encourages new flower production.

8. Grooming:

- Remove yellow or wilted leaves from the base of the plant to maintain good air circulation and prevent disease.

- Be careful not to damage the central crown of the plant.

9. Repotting:

- Repot your gerbera daisies when the roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes. Use a slightly larger pot each time you repot.

10. Pests and Diseases:

- Monitor your gerbera daisies for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites.

- Treat any infestations with appropriate pesticides or neem oil.

- Watch out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis. Treat with fungicides if needed.

11. Winter Care (in colder climates):

- Bring gerbera daisies indoors before the first frost.

- Place them in a bright, cool location (around 55-60°F/13-16°C) and continue to water and fertilize as needed.

By following these tips, you can help your gerbera daisies thrive and produce beautiful blooms for a long time.