Treasure flower (Gazania rigens)
Also known as: Pied gazania, Strand gazanias
Gazania, commonly known as the treasure flower, is a striking ornamental plant native to South Africa. Its eye-catching blooms come in vibrant combinations of white, orange, yellow, cream, red, and pink. One glance at its bold, bi-colored flowers reveals why it’s aptly named the treasure flower.
In This Article
Attributes of Treasure flower
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 50 cm
Spread
10 cm to 50 cm
Leaf Color
Green Yellow Gray
Flower Size
7 cm to 10 cm
Flower Color
Orange White Yellow Pink
Images of Treasure flower
Quickly Identify Treasure flower
1
Large daisy-like blooms in gradient shades of orange to yellow.
2
Trailing stems with flowers that close at dusk and on overcast days.
3
Leaves 1.5-4.5 inches long, green upper surface, whitish hairy underside.
4
Stems slender, trailing, light green to brownish-green, wiry texture.
5
Distinctive black eye at base of vibrant orange to yellow petals.
Scientific Classification of Treasure flower
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies
Family
Daisy
Genus
Treasure flowers
Species
Treasure flower
Planting and Growing of Treasure flower
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
65-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Treasure flower?
Gazania rigens, also known as treasure flowers, requires a modest watering approach. Water enough to soak the soil to a depth of about 15cm, which usually translates to around 250 milliliters per watering. Ensure the soil dries out between sessions to prevent root rot, reflecting a balance between moist yet not overly saturated conditions.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Treasure flower?
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What should I do if my Treasure flower is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Treasure flower?
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How to save an overwatered Treasure flower?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Treasure flower?
The ideal light range for Gazania rigens is full sun, which promotes maximal blooming and growth. Consistent full sun exposure allows this plant to flourish, enhancing both its flowers' vibrancy and overall health.
How much sunlight does Gazania rigens need?
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What is the best solution to ensure ideal lighting for Gazania rigens?
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What benefits does Gazania rigens gain from ideal lighting?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Treasure flower?
Gazania rigens thrive in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. This range ensures optimal photosynthesis and metabolic processes, contributing to vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
What Soil is Best for Treasure flower?
Gazania rigens thrives in well-draining soils, preventing root rot and related diseases. This drainage capability ensures consistent aeration and keeps the roots healthy by avoiding excess moisture. While not overly demanding, Gazania requires moderate nutrients for optimal growth. Using slightly enriched soil ensures healthy foliage and vibrant blooms. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5) is perfect for Gazania. This pH range promotes efficient nutrient uptake and promotes vibrant flower colors.
How to Fertilize Treasure flower?
Gazania rigens, or the treasure flower, appreciates a balanced approach to fertilizing. Generally, aim for a modest application—using a half-strength liquid fertilizer mixed with water—ensuring the plant receives essential nutrients without overburdening it.
How to Prune Treasure flower?
Begin by deadheading any faded or spent flowers. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing more blooms rather than seed production. Identify overgrown and leggy stems. Cut them back by one-third to stimulate bushier growth, focusing on shaping the plant to maintain a compact form. Once the flowering season has wound down, give your Gazania a more substantial trim. Reduce all stems to about half their length to prepare it for the next growth cycle.
How to Propagate Treasure flower plant?
1
Harvest seeds from mature Gazania rigens flowers once they have dried on the plant. It's crucial to pick them at the right time to ensure they are viable and ready for planting.
2
Select healthy shoots from the parent plant and cut them using your sterilized tool. Remove lower leaves and place them in water or rooting hormone before planting in soil.
3
Carefully dig up the plant, gently shaking off excess soil. Divide the rootball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots and shoots for successful replanting.
How to Repot Treasure flower plant?
1
Watch out for roots growing out of the drainage holes or becoming root bound. These are clear indicators that your Gazania rigens needs a new pot. Additionally, if the soil takes longer to dry out than usual or the plant appears top-heavy, it's time for a change.
2
Select a pot that is only one size larger than the current one. This prevents root rot and ensures that the plant does not retain too much moisture. A pot with sufficient drainage holes is crucial to allow excess water to escape, keeping your Gazania healthy and vibrant.
3
Choose a sandy, well-draining potting mix to mimic the natural environment of the Gazania rigens. This soil ensures that water does not linger, thus preventing root rot and keeping the plant's roots adequately aerated and healthy.
