Growth control is a great thing. At least, it is when it happens on purpose. Inadvertently growing containerized gerbera dry for extended
periods excessively stunt growth more than desired.
Uniformity is one of the most important aspects associated with containerized greenhouse crop production. Variation in plant size within any crop reduces quality and- in some cases- reduces the number of marketable plants.
In looking across this crop of containerized gerbera, there was a noticeable difference in plant size from the front of the growing block to the back. In walking to the back of the block, the pattern became clear- the edge of the crop had been grown too dry.
Several factors contributed to this problem. First, gerbera daisies can be more prone to drying down compared to other containerized crops simply due to the leaf morphology. The large, serrated leaves transpire more than other leaves and can use up moisture quickly, drying down. While this increased transpiration capacity helps keeps plants cooler, it also causes gerbera to use up substrate moisture more quickly.
Read more at e-gro.org