How Often Should You Water Cineraria?

Characteristics

• Cineraria, an herbaceous perennial, flowers from late fall through early spring and grows outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. In colder regions, it can also grow as a winter-flowering houseplant. The plant forms a mound of green foliage and covers itself with daisy-like flowers. Each flower has a dark central disk surrounded by colorful petals that are often bicolored, with white centers and deep blue, red, pink or purple edges, depending on the variety.

Water

• The cineraria plant is generally easy to grow, but does best when given regular, even watering. It's native to the Canary Islands, where humidity is high and soil stays lightly moist. A cultivated plant thrives when it's given regular, even waterings and should only be watered when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch. When container-grown, this plant needs a pot that drains well. Good drainage helps prevent fungal problems, such as root rot, that can develop in soil. Cineraria flower production depends on availability of water, so never allow the plant's soil to become completely dry.

Drainage

• Providing a cineraria plant with well-drained soil is critical to keeping it healthy and growing well. If you're growing it outdoors, choose a spot that has good air circulation where soil also drains quickly after rain. If your soil is rich in clay and tends to hold water, add some fine sand at planting to improve its drainage. For a potted plant, use a standard potting mix, but add a small amount of sand to ensure it drains well. You can also make your own well-draining mix from 1 part loam, 1 part compost and 2 parts sand.

Other Care

• Cineraria grows well in spots that get partial shade during the hot summer months; the shade helps protect its foliage from scorching. In regions within its growing zones, you can move a potted cineraria into an outdoor spot that gets bright sun. If you're growing cineraria indoors, move it into a brightly lit, south- or west-facing window during winter. This plant can attract aphids and spider mites, which can cause serious problems if left unchecked. Spraying with insecticidal soap, diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per gallon, usually controls these pests effectively. To discourage the growth of fungus, always water cineraria at the root zone, keeping the foliage and flowers dry.