Gerberas are bright, cheerful flowers with large, daisy-like blooms. That is why they are also called African daisies: gerberas come from South Africa and belong to the same aster family as daisies. The genus is named after the German botanist Traugott Gerber, and today mostly hybrids are grown for cut bouquets and pots, in colours ranging from white to deep burgundy.
Gerberas usually last 7–14 days in a vase, but only when cared for properly – their stems are more sensitive than those of many other flowers. Below: what gerbera colours mean, how to care for cut gerberas so the stems don’t droop, and how to grow a gerbera in a pot.
What gerbera colours mean
In general, gerberas symbolise joy, sincerity and good spirits – one of the best flowers when you want to cheer someone up without grand gestures. The colour adds more precise meaning:
- Red – love, passion and complete devotion.
- Pink – tenderness, admiration and gratitude.
- Yellow – friendship, joy and optimism.
- Orange – energy, enthusiasm and warmth.
- White – purity and innocence; they suit christenings and light-hearted celebrations.
Because they are so bright, gerberas are often given for birthdays, to colleagues, to children or simply for no reason at all.
Gerbera types and flower shapes
Two groups are most common in floristry: standard gerberas with a flower 10–13 cm across and mini gerberas (also called germini) with a 6–8 cm flower. Mini gerberas suit smaller, playful bouquets, while standard ones suit single-variety bouquets or tall arrangements.
By flower shape, gerberas can be single (one row of petals), semi-double and double, as well as “spider” types with narrow, pointed petals. The centre can be light, greenish or dark – which changes the mood of the whole bouquet.
How to care for cut gerberas so the stems don’t droop
The most common gerbera problem is a drooping head. This happens when bacteria clog the stem and water no longer reaches the flower. Gerbera stems are hairy, so they rot faster in deep water. To make gerberas last longer:
- Use only a little water – 5–7 cm at the bottom of the vase is enough. The stems should not be submerged deeply.
- Cut the stems at an angle, 2–3 cm, with a sharp knife and put them in water straight away.
- Use a clean vase and flower food – it slows the growth of bacteria.
- Change the water every day or two, trimming the stems by 1 cm each time.
- Choose a vase that supports the stems: one with a narrow neck or a taller one, so the heavy flowers do not bend.
- Keep them cool, away from radiators and direct sun.
If a gerbera has already drooped, cut 3–4 cm off the stem and stand it in warm water for a couple of hours – the flower often straightens up again. More general tips in our flower care guide.
Gerbera in a pot: growing it indoors
A gerbera can also be grown as a houseplant. It likes a bright, well-ventilated spot, but not scorching heat:
- Temperature. 20–24 °C in summer, cooler in winter – 14–16 °C (no lower than 12 °C) – with extra light.
- Watering. The soil should be slightly moist but not wet. Water with room-temperature water at soil level, so water does not get into the leaf rosette.
- Humidity. Gerberas like humid air but not misting – it is better to stand the pot on a tray of damp expanded clay.
- Flowering. Twist off faded flowers right at the base so the plant produces new ones.
What gerberas pair with in a bouquet
Gerberas are a bold accent, so they look best with more serious greenery: eucalyptus, monstera or palm leaves. For a softer bouquet, choose gypsophila or spray carnations, while a single-colour gerbera bouquet looks modern and graphic.
If you would like an equally cheerful, colourful bouquet, choose a bouquet of the day – the florist will create it from the seasonal flowers in our studio that day. And if you need gerberas specifically, write to us and we will tell you what we can offer.
Bouquet of the day - MA florist’s improvisation from the seasonal flowers in our studio that day – every bouquet is different. Original price was: €60.€48Current price is: €48.View the bouquet →
Frequently asked questions about gerberas
How long do gerberas last in a vase?
Usually 7–14 days. They last longest in a small amount of clean water that you change every day or two.
Why do gerberas droop?
Most often because of bacteria clogging the stem or water that is too deep. Trim the stem and put it in fresh, shallow water.
What do gerberas symbolise?
Joy, sincerity and good spirits. Red ones stand for love, yellow ones for friendship and white ones for purity.
Can a gerbera grow in a pot?
Yes. Indoors it is grown in a bright spot at 20–24 °C in summer and 14–16 °C in winter, watered sparingly so water does not get into the leaf rosette.
How is a gerbera different from a daisy?
Both belong to the aster family, but the gerbera comes from South Africa, its flowers are larger and come in many colours, which is why it is also called the African daisy.
