Re: A little help to cure my Gerberas
> Natale Sottini wrote:
>
> Dear friends,
>
> I'd need please you advice on growing Gerberas in pots (sorry I can't
> be more precise but it must be a semi-dwarf variety.) I bought some
> wonderful healty plants a couple of weeks ago and simply repotted them
> in a bigger container with the same mix I usually use for
> Pelargoniums, (a ready to use specific one at which I usually add some
> sharp sand).
> I watered them only once, even if I'm afraid a little bit too much.
> Now they're beginning to get rotted, I suspect.
> All I knew about Gerbera is that it must be set in a half shaded spot,
> sheltered in winter and be kept rather on the dry side (well, or at
> least I suppose so *now*). Any advise about specific potting mix or
> any other growing tips would be very appreciated.
>
Natale
Having always lived in climates where Gerberas could be grown out of
doors (first in East Africa and then here in central New Zealand) I am
not very familiar with growing them in pots. I was surprised however you
said they need shade, as I have always seen them grown in sunny
positions. If you do give them summer shade I think it should be very
light.
The main thing they seem to need is a very well-drained soil. One of my
books says they like very light volcanic or riverbed soils and where the
soil is clay should be grown in special raised beds.
The other thing, which may I fear be your problem, is that they can
suffer from root rot due to a fungus Phytophhora parasitica. This could
have already been in the soil when you bought them and maybe you have
encouraged it to become active by being a bit generous with the water. I
fear they do not offer any remedy and if you cannot improve their health
by cultural means you might have to scrap these plants and start again.
If they were mine I would I think lift them from the mix and wash it off
the roots, removing rotted parts as far as you can, before replanting in
a very light medium which is mostly pure sand.
Make sure you do not plant them too deep, as burying the crowns would
encourage the rot. Until they show vigorous new growth you could keep
them going with occasional liquid (foliar) feeds. the best kind would be
a preparation based on seaweed extract (which has some healing
properties).
Good luck anyway
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
