I need to cut the dead the blossoms of a protea. I live in Garden Grove, Ca and not sure of my zone.
Here is an article with many diagrams which will tell you exactly how to prune your protea:
I bought a protea in a 300mm pot, but it has not shown any signs of development since I bought it (about 2 months now) Does it need special food, soil, etc? Will it survive in the pot? I look forward to hearing from you Regards Robert
Protea plants should be able to grow fine in pots, but they do have pretty strict soil and water requirements. The soil and the pot need to be extremely well draining, or the roots will rot. They also like heat and lots of direct sun. If you're keeping it indoors, that might be part of the problem.
You can read more about their specific growing conditions in this article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/protea/protea-plant-care-tips.htm
I am rebuilding my berms for Proteas. I know not to use phosphorus, wonder if mushrooms, aged chicken manure, bat guano found in "soil booster" and mixed with 50/50 mixture ofplanting soil would be appropriate. I was successful several years ago in creating berms of native soil and a top soil. It has been 15 years and my proteas have been healthy. Now time for renewal and I am questioning the content of some soils I have. HELP, I am ready to do this, but don't wantto jeopardize my planting of new plants. Thank you so much for your assistance. Pat Voss - Napa Valley, CA
No need to question the soil content and needs! Have a soil test preformed to determine the best way to amend your soil. Your nearest County Extension Office can help you with a soil test for a small fee. This will take the 'guess' out of the process and will most likely save you lots of time and money in this garden project.
All of the organic materials that you mention are great amendments, but the true determination is what is going on in the soil that you all ready have.
Here are some links for you including a link to help you locate your nearest Extension Office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/protea/protea-plant-care-tips.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/leucospermum/growing-leucospermum-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
I have recently ordered and received a shipment of Protea seeds - 4 different varieties. I live in a tropical climate in rural eastern Thailand and in my study of germinating Protea seeds I read that a temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius is the recommended germinating temperature. The only way I can think of achieving a constant temperature around this range is to germinate the seeds in a glass doored shop cooling fridge. Can you tell me if this is a viable option to germinate the seeds. My aim is to expand to a commercial venture. With Thanks, Graeme.
Yes, I do believe that this could be a feasible option. Any method that you can use to get the seeds to proper germination temperatures will suffice. It will not matter how it is done, only that it is done.
are these proteas dead and if so should I cut off the heads? Regards Bob
They aren't dead, but they do seem to be disturbed. This seems to happen in compacted soils, soils that remain too wet, or otherwise too dense.
I would cut any affected blooms, leaving the others. Treat with a mild fungicide, and do your best to ensure that it doesn't remain too wet for too long. (If possible.)
Here is an article that will help you with their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/protea/protea-plant-care-tips.htm
Here is an article that will help you with fungicide use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
I have a sunroom full of plants. This 1 would be in a large terra cotta pot if that would be best.
Sure! As long as you bring it in long before it gets below about 23 degrees or so. I would recommend doing so, even before it gets chilly.
This article will help you to know what kind of care they require:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/protea/protea-plant-care-tips.htm
-two years old -60cm high -see photo
I'm going to paste links to
two different articles that may help you pinpoint the problem(s):
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/root-rot-in-garden-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/leaf-browning-in-center.htm
If you've had an especially wet winter and/or spring, your plant may have some root rot.
Here's another article about what conditions are necessary for a healthy protea:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/protea/protea-plant-care-tips.htm
It would also help to spread some mulch around the plant. That will help cool the soil and prevent moisture loss.