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Why Do My Gerbera Daisies Keep Dying?
Why Do My Gerbera Daisies Keep Dying?. Commercial Gerbera are hybrids of wild parents native to temperate grasslands in South Africa. They need sandy, well-drained soil and low humidity in a sunny location. Gerbera are susceptible to fungi from air or soil in hot, wet environments.
Commercial Gerbera are hybrids of wild parents native to temperate grasslands in South Africa. They need sandy, well-drained soil and low humidity in a sunny location. Gerbera are susceptible to fungi from air or soil in hot, wet environments.
Powdery Mildew
The most common problem is wind borne powdery mildew (Erysiphe). Yellow spots are followed by white fungus on older leaves. Remove affected leaves and spray with fungicide or a 1:9 milk to water mix or 1 tsp. of baking soda in 1 quart of water.
Gray Mold
Gray mold (Botrytis) affects petals and seedlings after overhead watering in high humidity. Soft brown rot on lower leaves or flowers is followed by decay at growing tips. Wooly gray spores appear.
Root Rot or Damping Off
In wet soil, Pythium or Phytophthora fungi enter the root tip and the root turns black. The plant wilts and yellows. If the soil dries out quickly, the plant may recover.
Verticillium Fungus
Verticillium blocks water transfer from root to crown. Leaves wilt, turn yellow and then brown beginning at the margin. Leaves die from bottom to top of plant. Avoid verticillium by growing seedlings in sterilized potting soil.
Cutting
With Gerbera, when a flower is cut leaving several inches of stem, the stem rots and can transfer rot to all of the plant. Flowers should be picked rather than cut.
