Proteas are beautiful, but they aren’t exactly the easiest plants for beginning gardeners. if this is your case Click here and see a list of low maintenance species. They do best in warmer, drier climates and can grow quite large if given space.
Attention: flowers, nectar and protea seeds are toxic to humans and pets.
Caring for Protein Plants
Light
provide a lot air circulation and full sun – the more sun, the more flowers.
Ground
Protein plants need very well drained soil. As long as this factor is present, they thrive on virtually any type of soil, from sandy, rocky or clayey. View a guide to soil types here!
The plant’s roots can grow almost horizontally, just below the surface of the soil. Avoid leaving water in the soil because the roots can become waterlogged, likely causing the seedling to die. When growing outdoors, increase drainage by mixing bark and gravel into the soil.
Water
While they are just starting to settle down, water them regularly. After, water only every two or three weeks. When the seedling is about a year old, water it once a week when the weather is dry and when it has sprouted and flowers.
See too
temperature and humidity
When planted in the correct climate and observed hardiness zone for the specific variety, proteas can tolerate temperatures as low as -5°C (sometimes lower). They can also tolerate temperatures as hot as 37°C, but can die if exposed to higher temperatures for too long. And avoid planting the species in particularly wet areas.
Fertilizer
Species generally do not need fertilizer. Too much phosphorus can actually kill them. As the roots are very shallow, take extra care not to disturb them. Apply a mulch of leaves or bark away from the trunk. Gently pull out weeds by hand.
pruning
Bold in color and lush in shape and texture, the flowers are wonderful for fresh bouquets and for dry arrangements. Harvesting the flowers helps keep the plant clean. Remove the spent heads along with most of the stem, allowing for new growth.
To encourage the bush, cut off the young parts in spring and summer. You cannot plant stems without flowers, as they will develop in the next season.
Planting in pots and replanting
For potted proteinsmix equal parts peat, gravel and sand. They do well in nutrient-poor soil.
Common pests and plant diseases
The species is quite resistant to pests. These woody evergreens are neither herbaceous nor annuals. The leaves are large, hard and leathery.
When bent, a mature leaf tends to break rather than bend. As leaves have adapted to conserve water, resist drought, and retain carbon and nitrogen, most insect pests tend to avoid them.
Types of Protein
giant protea
It resembles a crown and symbolizes beauty and resilience, it is a well-known member of this genus (and the national flower of South Africa). It has yellow and red flowers with pink outer tips.
Little Prince Protein
A popular compact variety is the Little Prince protea, another beloved type that blooms profusely. Its scientific name is Protea Eximia x Susannae.
pincushion protein
leucospermums they are also called pincushion proteas because their flowers curve upwards. Grow it as low bushes in the ground or make an arrangement.
flowering serruria
This variety produces beautiful flowers in cream color with super delicate pink touches. They grow well in well-draining containers, although they may not last more than a season or two.
*Via The Spruce