The African daisy is scientifically called the Gerbera jamesonii. It was named after Traug Gerber, a German naturalist. It is a very popular cut-flower and a favorite houseplant. It originated from Transvaal, Africa, but is now cultivated worldwide. Improved hybrids come in a variety of colors, ranging from red, orange, and yellow to cream and  pink.  It is now common to see these different colors at garden shows here in Manila. They are actually easy to grow and bloom in an ordinary garden.

The plant thrives under full sunlight which helps it produce such healthy and beautiful flowers. It needs regular watering and can be planted in a pot or directly into the soil with a fertile and free-draining potting mix.  For the optimum production of flowers and healthy growth, the plants can be administered with a well-balanced controlled release fertilizer once every three months.

Gerberas are prone to attack by insects such as leaf hoppers, bagworms, black leaf hoppers, and cut worms.  The insects can be plucked off the plant by the gardener. For prevention, the plants can be regularly washed with a very dilute solution of soapy water.  In case of severe infestation, spray organic or synthetic insecticide.

One major disease affecting Gerbera is the Cercospora leafspot, which can be controlled by a fungicide spray during the onset of the rainy season.