Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell.
Gerbera ambigua is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to southern Africa, where it can be found in several countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Lesotho. Commonly known as the Transvaal gerbera or the Barberton daisy, it is a perennial herbaceous plant that generally blooms during spring and summer.
The variety Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii, previously known as Gerbera jamesonii var. gueinzii, is a smaller version of the regular Gerbera ambigua and is mainly used as a cut flower due to its attractive colors and long vase life. It is also known by the common name of Barberton daisy.
General Appearance
Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii is a small herbaceous plant that can reach up to 45 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of dark green leaves with long petioles that grow up to 30 cm in length. The leaves are glossy, hairy, and deeply lobed, with serrated edges. The flowers are borne on single, tall, hairy stems that rise above the foliage. Each stem carries a single, large, daisy-like flower head, consisting of both ray and disc florets. The flower heads can be up to 10 cm in diameter and are available in many colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and white, with a dark center.
Uses
Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii is mainly used as a cut flower due to its attractive colors, long vase life, and suitability for various floral arrangements. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin rashes, fever, and menstrual disorders.
Additionally, Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii is known to be an excellent plant for indoor or outdoor cultivation, as it requires minimal care and can add a pop of color to any garden. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growth conditions for Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii:
Light: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii requires bright light or filtered sunlight for optimum growth. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which may scorch the leaves. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant in a south-facing window with a sheer curtain for protection.
Temperature: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii prefers warm temperatures ranging from 70-80°F (21-27°C). At night, the temperature should not drop below 60°F (15°C). This plant is native to South Africa, so it is adapted to warm temperatures.
Soil: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7, which is slightly acidic. You can use a potting mix that is specially formulated for African violet, as it has the right pH and texture.
Water: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to touch.
Fertilizer: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii requires regular fertilization to produce healthy flowers. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce the frequency during the dormancy period (fall and winter).
Humidity: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii prefers moderate humidity levels, around 50-60%. You can increase the humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. Avoid spraying water directly onto the foliage, as it may cause fungal infections.
Propagation: Gerbera ambigua var. gueinzii can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds take a long time to germinate and may not produce true-to-type plants. Cuttings are easier and faster, and they produce identical plants. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings from the parent plant and root them in a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
Cultivation Methods
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. is a relatively low-maintenance plant species and can easily adapt to various growing conditions. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires moderate sunlight exposure. This plant can be grown in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Seeds or seedlings can be planted in the soil during the spring season once the temperature reaches a minimum of 15°C.
Watering Needs
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. requires moderate watering which would be equivalent to one inch of water every week. Over-watering can lead to soil erosion and fungal diseases that can damage the roots and the plant. On the other hand, under-watering can also cause damage to the plant by making the soil dry and making it hard for the plant to absorb water and other essential nutrients for growth.
Fertilization
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. requires a balanced application of slow-release fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended proportion for Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. would be NPK 10-10-10.
The first application should be done immediately after planting. After that, apply it once every four to six weeks. Applying excessive fertilizer can lead to the burning of leaves and delay in flowering.
Pruning
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. does not require extensive or regular pruning. However, it is recommended to remove the dead and diseased leaves or flowers which can be done using sterile pruning shears. Pruning allows more air circulation and light penetration into the plant, which can prevent the accumulation of moisture and diseases.
Propagation of Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. can be propagated by several methods including:
Seed propagation
The propagation through seed requires collecting fresh ripe seeds from the Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. plant. The collected seeds are then cleaned, disinfected, and sown in well-prepared soil. The soil should be light in texture, well-drained, and rich in nutrients.
Vegetative propagation
The vegetative propagation of Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. is an effective propagation method. This can be done through:
Division
Division is a propagation method that involves separating the plant into smaller divisions. This can be done by gently separating the plant and making sure each division has some roots and shoots. The divided plant is then planted in well-prepared soil.
Cutting
Cutting is another vegetative propagation method. In this method, a portion of the plant is cut off and planted in well-prepared soil. The cutting should contain a node or several nodes, and new roots will grow from the nodes into the soil.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is an advanced propagation method that involves growing the plant in a laboratory. This method is ideal for mass propagation of Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. This method requires sterile conditions and specialized equipment, making it more expensive than other propagation methods.
Disease Management
Gerbera ambigua (Cass.) Sch.Bip. var. gueinzii (Harv.) Thell. is susceptible to various diseases such as grey mould, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Grey mould: Remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation by spacing the plants properly. Apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: Enhance air circulation and reduce humidity by watering the plants early in the day. Use a fungicide to control severe outbreaks.
- Leaf spot: Remove infected leaves and avoid watering the foliage. Apply a fungicide if needed.
- Root rot: Avoid waterlogging the soil and improve drainage. Use a fungicide and remove infected parts if necessary.
Pest Management
The plant may also suffer from insect pests such as thrips, spider mites, and aphids. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Thrips: Use sticky traps to monitor and control thrips. Prune out the infested parts and apply an insecticide if necessary.
- Spider mites: Spray the undersides of the leaves with water to reduce their population. Apply an insecticide if the population is high.
- Aphids: Spray the foliage with a solution of water and dish soap to dislodge the aphids. Apply an insecticide if necessary.
