First, as an African Daisy, I need you to check my overall health. Look for signs like wilted leaves, yellowing, brown spots, or dry soil. If my stems are mushy, I might be overwatered. If my leaves are crispy, I’m likely dehydrated. Gently touch my soil—if it’s bone dry or waterlogged, that’s a clue to what’s wrong.
I thrive with consistent moisture but hate soggy roots. If I’m drying out, water me deeply until excess drains from the pot, then let the top inch of soil dry before watering again. If I’m waterlogged, stop watering and move me to a brighter spot to dry out. Trim any rotten roots if repotting is necessary.
I love full sun (6+ hours daily) but can tolerate partial shade. If I’m leggy or not flowering, I need more light. If my leaves are scorched, move me to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Rotate my pot weekly so all sides get equal light.
If my soil is compacted or depleted, repot me with fresh, well-draining mix (like cactus/succulent soil). Feed me monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10) during growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing—it burns my roots!
Trim yellow or dead leaves with clean scissors to redirect energy to healthy growth. Cut back leggy stems by 1/3 to encourage bushiness. Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to promote new blooms. Sterilize tools between cuts to prevent disease spread.
Inspect my leaves (top and underside) for aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap. If I have fungal spots (gray/white powder), improve airflow and treat with a fungicide. Isolate me from other plants if infected.
I prefer temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Avoid drafts, AC vents, or sudden temperature swings. If indoors, keep humidity moderate—place a tray of water near me or mist lightly. Outdoors, protect me from heavy rain or extreme heat.
After addressing stressors, give me time to recover. New leaves or buds signal improvement. If I’m severely damaged, propagate healthy stems: cut 4-inch sections, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in moist soil. Keep cuttings warm and humid until roots form.
