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Description
Gerbera Aurantiaca, also known as the Orange Gerbera, is a perennial plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown for its vibrant orange flowers, which bloom throughout the year. The plant typically grows up to 30 inches in height and 12 inches in width. Its leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The flowers have a cone-shaped center and are surrounded by numerous petals, which can be orange, yellow, or red in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Gerbera |
Appearance
Gerbera Aurantiaca is a beautiful and vibrant plant. Its flowers are the main attraction and come in shades of orange, yellow, and red. The flowers have a cone-shaped center and are surrounded by numerous petals, which can be smooth or frilled. The plant’s leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant itself typically grows up to 30 inches in height and 12 inches in width.
Care Guide
Gerbera Aurantiaca is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Gerbera Aurantiaca:Water: Gerbera Aurantiaca prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Gerbera Aurantiaca prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Gerbera Aurantiaca prefers full sun or partial shade. Place the plant in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day.Hardiness Zones: Gerbera Aurantiaca is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gerbera Aurantiaca is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control spider mites.Thrips: These pests cause damage to the flowers and leaves of the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control thrips.Crown Rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent crown rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil has good drainage.
Habitat
Gerbera Aurantiaca is native to South Africa and is commonly grown in gardens and as cut flowers. It prefers warm temperatures and well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gerbera Aurantiaca be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Gerbera Aurantiaca can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.Q: How often should I fertilize my Gerbera Aurantiaca?
A: Fertilize your Gerbera Aurantiaca once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Is Gerbera Aurantiaca a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Gerbera Aurantiaca is a perennial plant.Q: Can Gerbera Aurantiaca tolerate cold temperatures?
A: No, Gerbera Aurantiaca is not cold hardy and should be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Gerbera Aurantiaca:- Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)- African Daisy (Osteospermum spp.)- Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)
References
– “Gerbera aurantiaca.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 17 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286404&isprofile=0& – “Gerbera aurantiaca.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 17 June 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/gerbera-aurantiaca- “Gerbera aurantiaca.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 17 June 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16647/i-gerbera-aurantiaca-i/details
