Origin
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore, commonly known as the African daisy, is native to the southwestern and southeastern Africa, growing in rocky grasslands, crevices, and margins of forests.
Common Names
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore is known by various common names such as the African daisy, Transvaal daisy, Barbeton daisy, and Shasta daisy.
Uses
The African daisy is a popular ornamental plant and is used in gardening and floral arrangements. The flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes such as treating headaches and abdominal pain, while root extracts have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
General Appearance
The African daisy is a perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. The stems are erect and leafy with basal leaves arranged in a rosette and alternate along the stem. The leaves are lance-shaped, velvety, and up to 25 cm long. The bright yellow or orange flower heads are symmetrical and up to 10 cm in diameter, with long slender petals surrounding the central disk. The flowers bloom in summer and autumn, attracting bees and butterflies. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Light Requirements
Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore prefers partial shade to full sunlight. The plant can thrive in bright indirect light. It is important to note that direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wither and lose their color.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore ranges from 18 to 25°C. However, this plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 30°C. It is essential to protect the plant from frost which can damage the leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to use a potting mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts. The plant does not tolerate heavy clay soil that retains water for an extended period.
Cultivation methods
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore thrive in areas that receive bright, direct sunlight and well-draining soil. It is best to plant the Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore in the fall or the spring.
If planting in the garden, choose an area with loose, loamy soil. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole before planting. Cover the roots with soil and press gently. If planting in pots, choose a well-draining potting mix and ensure that the container has holes at the bottom for water drainage.
Watering needs
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore needs to be watered regularly to maintain healthy growth. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plant deeply around once a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture.
Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If planting in pots, it is best to wait for the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
The Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore responds well to regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 every two weeks during the growing season.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burned roots and foliage.
Pruning
Pruning the Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore helps to promote healthy growth and increased flower production. Deadheading the spent flowers or removing any yellow or damaged leaves will encourage new growth.
Pinching off the top growth of the plant will also encourage branching and increase the number of flowers produced. However, be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore
There are several methods to propagate Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore, which include:
Seeds
Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moistened. They can take up to 14 days to germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Cuttings
Another way to propagate Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore is through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 4-6 inches in length. They should be trimmed of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they develop roots.
Division
Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in the spring or early summer. The plant should be dug up and the roots separated into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a healthy shoot and root system. The new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
It is important to keep in mind that Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore is a sensitive plant and requires careful attention during propagation. It should be kept in a warm and humid environment and monitored closely for any signs of stress.
Disease Management
The plant Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore is prone to several diseases that can cause significant damage. Some of the common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris and leads to the formation of small, water-soaked spots on the leaves. The spots may eventually turn yellow and develop a reddish-brown border. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Verticillium Wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper sanitation practices by removing infected plants and their debris. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
- Fusarium Wilt: This fungal disease causes the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The plant Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage this pest, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that create webs on the leaves and suck sap from the plant. To manage this pest, remove the affected leaves and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are larvae that feed on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die. To manage this pest, use sticky traps or biological control methods such as parasitic nematodes.
Regular monitoring of the Gerbera welwitschii S.Moore var. velutina S.Moore plant is essential to identify and manage diseases and pests before they cause significant damage. Ensuring good cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and sanitation can also help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
