To understand the winter needs of a potted daisy plant brought indoors, one must first clarify its botanical identity. The common name "daisy" is applied to numerous species from different genera. The most likely candidates for indoor cultivation are the Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) and the English daisy (Bellis perennis). Their requirements differ significantly, making correct identification the first critical step.
From the plant's perspective, the Gerbera daisy is a tender perennial, native to South Africa. It does not have an evolutionary history that includes a cold-induced dormancy period. Its growth cycle is more closely tied to light and temperature consistency. When moved indoors for the winter, the plant's primary goal is survival in suboptimal conditions, not a true, deep dormancy.
While it may enter a state of semi-dormancy or reduced metabolic activity due to lower light levels and cooler indoor temperatures compared to summer, this is a stress response, not a physiological requirement. The plant will significantly slow its growth, produce fewer flowers, and may appear to stagnate. The key for the plant is to conserve energy until brighter, warmer conditions return. It does not need a period of freezing temperatures or complete darkness; in fact, such conditions would likely kill it.
This daisy is a hardy perennial, evolutionarily adapted to temperate climates with distinct seasons. For this plant, a winter dormancy period is not just beneficial—it is a non-negotiable part of its annual life cycle. This requirement is known as vernalization. The plant relies on a prolonged period of cold temperatures to trigger biochemical changes that initiate the flowering process for the next season.
If brought into a consistently warm indoor environment, the English daisy becomes physiologically confused. It is denied the environmental signal it needs to complete its cycle. The plant may continue to grow weakly, but it will often become leggy and etiolated as it stretches for more light. Crucially, it will fail to produce a robust display of flowers in the subsequent spring and summer because its internal clock has been disrupted. Without the cold period, the flowering genes are not activated.
Regardless of the type, any daisy plant moved indoors will experience environmental shock. The light intensity is drastically reduced, humidity levels are lower, and air movement is minimal. From the plant's viewpoint, the priorities are reducing water loss through transpiration and conserving carbohydrate reserves.
This means the plant will require far less water, as its growth has slowed and its roots are less active, making them highly susceptible to rot in soggy soil. Fertilization should be halted entirely, as the plant cannot process the nutrients, which would then accumulate in the soil and potentially harm the root system. The plant's objective is simply to maintain its core structures—roots and crown—until external conditions improve and it can resume active photosynthesis and growth.
