Overview:
Gerbera burmanni Cass. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and commonly found in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Gerbera burmanni is commonly known as Barberton Daisy or Transvaal Daisy.
Appearance:
Gerbera burmanni grows up to 60cm in height and has basal and stem leaves that are thick, hairy, and oblong in shape. The plant produces flowers that are solitary, with a diameter of about 2-3cm, and have a yellow central disc surrounded by white, pink, or purple ray florets. The petals are finely fringed, giving the flowers a delicate and elegant appearance.
Uses:
In traditional medicine, Gerbera burmanni has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and stomach disorders. Recent studies have also identified that the plant contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. This has led to an increased interest in the potential use of Gerbera burmanni extracts in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Gerbera burmanni is also a popular ornamental plant, adored for its beautiful flowers and longevity. It is often grown in gardens, pots, and indoor spaces due to its versatility in adapting to different environments. The plant is relatively easy to maintain and requires minimal care, making it a perfect choice for beginner gardeners.
Growth Conditions for Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Light: Gerbera burmanni Cass. prefers bright, indirect light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which may cause scorching of leaves. A minimum of 5 hours of bright, indirect light is ideal for its growth.
Temperature: The plant prefers temperatures between 18°C to 24°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 13°C or above 30°C. Higher temperatures may cause wilting of leaves and flower buds.
Soil: Gerbera burmanni Cass. prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be waterlogged. Adding perlite and sand to the soil can improve its drainage and aeration, which is essential for the plant's growth.
Fertilizer: The plant requires regular fertilization with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to overtly green foliage with fewer flowers, whereas too little fertilizer can result in stunted growth and yellowing of foliage.
Water: Gerbera burmanni Cass. requires regular watering to maintain the soil's moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause wilting of leaves and stunted growth. It is advised to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch.
Humidity: The plant prefers high humidity levels of around 60% to 70%. Using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help increase humidity levels.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds or division of rhizomes. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Rhizomes should be divided during the growing season and placed in well-draining soil.
Cultivation of Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Gerbera burmanni Cass. can be easily grown in both pots and garden beds. It prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant should be placed in a location that receives partial to full sunlight for optimal growth.
Watering Needs of Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Gerbera burmanni Cass. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt. It is recommended to water the plant once a week, or more frequently in hot and dry weather conditions.
Fertilization of Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Gerbera burmanni Cass. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be applied to the soil every two weeks during the growing season. In the dormant season, fertilizing once a month is sufficient.
Pruning of Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Gerbera burmanni Cass. needs regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote new growth. Remove any spent blooms and yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. The pruning process should take place at a leaf node to avoid damaging the stem. Pinching off the growing tip of the stem can encourage branching and result in a bushier plant.
Propagation of Gerbera burmanni Cass.
There are different methods of propagating Gerbera burmanni Cass. - through seeds, division of clumps, and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Gerbera burmanni Cass. produces seeds at the end of the flowering season. The seeds need to be collected and allowed to dry before storage. The stored seeds can be sown in soil or a potting mix in a shallow container. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Germination will occur in about two weeks.
Propagation through Division of Clumps
The clumps of Gerbera burmanni Cass. can be divided during the growing season. The clump should be dug out and the roots should be separated carefully. Make sure that each division has enough roots and foliage. Each division should be planted in its individual container or in the garden directly at the same depth as they were in the original clump.
Propagation through Cuttings
The leaves of Gerbera burmanni Cass. can be used for propagation through cuttings. Select a healthy leaf and cut it from the plant, leaving about 2 inches of the petiole. The lower end of the petiole should be dipped into rooting hormone before planting in moist potting mix. Cover the container with a plastic bag and place it in a bright, warm location. The cuttings will root in about four weeks and can be transplanted into individual containers or the garden directly.
Disease and Pest Management for Gerbera burmanni Cass.
Gerbera burmanni Cass. is a plant species that is known to be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Gerbera burmanni Cass. is Botrytis blight or gray mold. This fungal disease thrives in humid conditions and can cause wilting, flower bud rot, and plant death. To manage Botrytis blight, it is important to remove infected leaves and flowers, prune the plant to improve air circulation, and avoid overwatering. It is also recommended to apply organic fungicides such as copper-based sprays to prevent further outbreaks.
Another disease that might affect Gerbera burmanni Cass. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and flowers, increase air circulation around the plant, and spray with organic fungicides such as neem oil or potassium bicarbonate.
Pests
Gerbera burmanni Cass. is also susceptible to certain pests such as spider mites, thrips, and aphids. Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in hot and dry conditions and can cause leaf yellowing and wilting. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil and increase humidity around the plant.
Thrips are another common pest that affects Gerbera burmanni Cass., causing damage to flowers and leaves. To manage thrips, it is recommended to remove infected flowers and apply organic insecticides such as spinosad or pyrethrin sprays.
Aphids can also infest Gerbera burmanni Cass., causing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and flowers, apply insecticidal soap, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
