Have you ever seen a flower that looks like a bunch of daisies had a rainbow party? That’s what pericallis flowers look like! These amazing plants, also called cineraria or Florists’ Cineraria, are like nature’s fireworks.
They come in bright colors like purple, blue, pink, and white. In this guide, we’re going to learn all about how to take care of these beautiful flowers. So, put on your gardening gloves, and let’s dive in!
What Are Pericallis Plants?
Imagine if a daisy and a rainbow had a baby – that’s kind of what a pericallis looks like! These flowers are originally from the Canary Islands, which are way out in the Atlantic Ocean. They’re not very big plants – most grow about as tall as your knees or waist. T
he flowers look like daisies, but they come in super bright colors that can make your garden or room look like it’s having a party!
Fun Fact:
Pericallis plants used to have a different name. They were called Cineraria, which comes from the Latin word for “ash.” That’s because some types of these plants have leaves that look a bit gray, like ash!
How to Care for Your Pericallis: The Basics
Taking care of a pericallis plant is like being its superhero. You need to give it what it needs to grow strong and healthy. Here are the superpowers you’ll need:
- The Power of Light: Pericallis plants like bright light, but not too much direct sun. Think of them as Goldilocks – they want the light to be just right!
- The Power of Water: These plants like to drink regularly. Keep their soil moist, but don’t drown them. It’s like giving them a small drink of water every day instead of a big water balloon fight!
- The Power of Cool: Pericallis plants don’t like it hot. They prefer temperatures that feel nice and cool to you, around 60-65°F (15-18°C).
- The Power of Food: Just like you need to eat to grow, pericallis plants need plant food (fertilizer) to grow big and strong.
- The Power of Cleaning: Remove dead flowers to keep your plant looking neat and encourage more flowers to grow.
Now, let’s look at each of these superpowers in more detail!
Giving Your Pericallis the Right Light
Pericallis plants are a bit picky about light. They like it bright, but not too bright. Here’s how to give them the perfect amount of light:
- In spring and summer, they like partial shade. This means they want some sun, but not all day long. It’s like they want to wear sunglasses most of the time!
- In fall and winter, they can handle more light. This is when they might take off their sunglasses.
- If you’re growing them inside, put them near a bright window, but not right in the sunlight. It’s like they want to be near the window, but not pressing their nose against it!
Tip for Young Gardeners:
If you’re not sure about the light, watch your plant. If the leaves start to look pale or the flowers fade quickly, it might be getting too much light. If the plant starts to get really tall and skinny, it might need more light.
Watering Your Pericallis: Not Too Much, Not Too Little
Watering your pericallis is like giving it a drink. But just like you don’t want to drink too much water at once, your plant doesn’t either. Here’s how to water it just right:
- Feel the soil with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water the soil, not the leaves. Imagine you’re giving the plant’s feet a bath, not its head!
- Water until you see a little water come out of the bottom of the pot.
- Don’t let the plant sit in water. It’s like having wet socks – not comfortable!
Fun Fact:
Pericallis plants are thirsty plants. In their natural home in the Canary Islands, they often grow where it’s misty and damp.
Keeping Your Pericallis Cool
Pericallis plants are like Elsa from Frozen – they like it cool! Here’s how to keep them happy:
- They like temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C). This might feel a bit cool to you, but it’s perfect for them.
- Keep them away from heaters or fireplaces.
- In summer, they might need a cooler spot. A shady part of the garden or a cool room in the house is perfect.
Warning for Young Gardeners:
If it gets really hot or really cold where you live, you might need to bring your pericallis plants inside. They can get hurt if it’s below freezing or above 80°F (27°C).
Feeding Your Pericallis: Plant Food Power!
Just like you need food to grow, your pericallis needs plant food. This is called fertilizer. Here’s how to feed your plant:
- Use a liquid fertilizer. It’s like giving your plant a smoothie!
- Feed your plant every two weeks when it’s growing and starting to make flower buds.
- Once you see flowers, stop feeding. It’s like telling your plant, “Okay, you’re done growing. Now it’s time to bloom!”
Tip for Young Gardeners:
Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer bottle. Too much fertilizer can hurt your plant, just like eating too much candy can give you a tummy ache!
Cleaning Up: Deadheading Your Pericallis
“Deadheading” sounds scary, but it’s just a fancy word for removing dead flowers. It’s like giving your plant a haircut! Here’s how to do it:
- Look for flowers that are brown or droopy.
- Gently pinch the stem of the dead flower with your fingers, and pull it off.
- If you’re not sure if a flower is dead, wait a day or two and check again.
Deadheading helps your plant make more flowers. It’s like telling your plant, “Hey, we want more pretty flowers please!”
Growing Pericallis in Pots: Perfect for Young Gardeners
Pericallis plants are great for growing in pots. This means you can have them on a patio, balcony, or even in your room! Here’s how to grow them in pots:
- Choose a pot that has holes in the bottom. This lets extra water escape.
- Use potting soil, not dirt from your yard. Potting soil is like a fancy bed for your plant’s roots.
- Make sure the pot is big enough. Your plant’s roots need room to grow!
- Put the pot where it will get bright light, but not too much direct sun.
- Water your potted pericallis a bit more often than plants in the ground. Pots dry out faster.
Fun Project for Young Gardeners:
Try growing a pericallis in a clear plastic cup. Cut holes in the bottom for drainage. This way, you can see the roots grow!
Help! My Pericallis Looks Sick!
Sometimes, even when we try our best, our plants can get sick. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- Yellow Leaves: This usually means too much water. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.
- Brown, Crispy Leaves: This means not enough water. Give your plant a good drink!
- Floppy Plant: Your plant might be too hot. Move it to a cooler spot.
- No Flowers: Your plant might need more light or more fertilizer.
- Bugs on the Plant: Yuck! Wash them off with a gentle spray of water or ask an adult to help you use a plant-safe bug spray.
Remember, it’s okay if your plant gets sick sometimes. Even expert gardeners have plants that don’t do well. The important thing is to learn and try again!
Pericallis Through the Seasons
Your pericallis plant changes through the year, just like you change your clothes for different seasons. Here’s what to expect:
Spring: This is when your pericallis will start to grow and bloom. It’s like the plant is waking up from a long nap!
Summer: Your plant might slow down blooming as it gets warmer. Keep it cool and shaded.
Fall: If you live where it gets cold, you’ll need to bring your plant inside before it gets too chilly.
Winter: Your plant might look a bit sad and lose some leaves. Don’t worry! It’s just resting. Keep caring for it, and it’ll bloom again in spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that many young gardeners ask about pericallis plants:
How do you keep pericallis blooming?
Keep deadheading (remember, that means removing dead flowers), give it the right amount of light and water, and keep it cool. It’s like being a good coach for your plant team!
Is pericallis an indoor or outdoor plant?
It can be both! In warm places, it can live outside all year. In colder places, it’s often grown inside or brought inside for winter.
How much sun does pericallis need?
Pericallis likes bright light but not too much direct sun. Think of it as liking to wear sunglasses most of the time!
Will pericallis bloom all summer?
Usually, pericallis blooms in late winter and spring. With good care, it might keep blooming into early summer, but it doesn’t usually flower all summer long.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You now know all about how to care for pericallis plants. Remember, taking care of plants is a bit like taking care of a pet. It needs the right food, water, and home to be happy and healthy.
Every time you care for your pericallis, you’re not just growing a plant – you’re growing your own skills as a gardener. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be a famous botanist (that’s a scientist who studies plants) or have a beautiful garden full of colorful flowers!
So go ahead, give pericallis a try. With a little love and care, you’ll have a rainbow of flowers that will make everyone smile!
