Worth knowing:
The evergreen national plant of South Africa with its light leathery leaves can grow in tub cultivation up to two meters tall. Its flamboyant flowers can be as big as 30 cm and make the Protea cynaroides the Queen of the protea plants. The flower heads are extremely durable and, therefore, perfectly suited as cut flowers and for dried flower arrangements.
Natural Location:
The natural habitat of the Protea stretches along the coast near the Cape of Good Hope and until the mountain areas with up to 3000 meters above sea level. It can also be found in Australia.
Cultivation:
Seed propagation indoors is possible throughout the year. To increase the germinability, you should place the seeds initially for about 24 hours in a bowl with lukewarm water for priming. Add a tablespoonful of wood ash (e.g. from the charcoal grill) to 100 ml of the water, to simulate the in South Africa common Smoke Primer. Plant the seeds about 1 cm deep into moist potting compost and choose a pot with at least 12 cm in diameter, so the roots have enough space to develop nicely. Cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the earth from drying out, but don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on your potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature between 20° and 25° Celsius by day and a cooler night temperature. This change in temperature will further stimulate the germination. Keep the earth always moist, but not wet. Some patience with the germination is needed, but within one to three months the first seedlings will come up. You should avoid keeping the sprouts in the full sun until they develop the first pair of leaves.
Place:
The Protea prefers sunny, but not too hot places with a light humidity and constantly moderate moist soil, just as in its natural habitat. It naturally grows often in windy areas and, therefore, likes a place with a good air circulation, which also helps to prevent fungal infestation.
Care:
The Protea is accustomed to rather nutrient-poor soil, and even during blossoming it only needs a week dosage of non-phosphate fertilizer for tub plants every two weeks. Guano or orchid fertilizer is also well suited.
During the winter:
The Protea can easily be kept outdoors until mid of October since it can tolerate light frost up to -7° Celsius. For hibernation it is better be kept frost-free in a half-shaded or sunny place with a temperature around 10° Celsius and a good air circulation. Keep the earth consistently moderate moist during winter.
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