Content
- Gerbera is not toxic to humans or animals
- The delicate hair of gerbera
- Unobjectionable use as a houseplant
- Tips & Tricks
Gerbera is not toxic to humans or animals
The rumor persists that the gerbera should be poisonous. That does not match the facts. Neither flowering nor stem of the tropical plant contain toxins that could be dangerous to humans or animals.
The delicate hair of gerbera
The long stems of Gerbera are occupied in some varieties with many small hairs.They look almost like a down and feel good in the hand. Maybe that's why the plant is so popular with small children, cats and small animals.
The many, sometimes very strong colors exert a strong attraction to children's hands and bird beaks.
That's probably why so many parents and animal lovers believe that the houseplant gerbera is poisonous, even though none of the plant parts contain toxins. Even if a child puts leaves or flowers in his mouth, there is no danger of poisoning.
Unobjectionable use as a houseplant
The gerbera is therefore unbeatable as a houseplant or cut flower, if you value non-toxic flowers.
You should, however, prevent the stems from being touched too often. When small children's hands stroke the gerbera stems too often and too tightly, the fine hairs break and the stalk kinks.
To keep the flowers undamaged, keep cats, rodents and especially birds better away. Lacey bird's beaks make for pearly petals that make plant look unsightly. Damage does not forgive the sensitive gerbera and in the worst case, it does.
Tips & Tricks
If toddlers or animals in the house, you should ensure that houseplants are placed as inaccessible as possible. Although gerbera itself is not toxic, there is a risk that the little animals or animals outline the pots and injure themselves.