Protea flower belongs to a huge family of Proteaceae, which has more than 1400 species growing in the tropics and subtropics. In its homeland, in South Africa, the protea is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved plants. It is no coincidence that one of its magnificent species, the royal protea, was chosen as the symbol of South Africa.
Meaning of flower
The name of this unusual plant was given by Carl Linnaeus. Fascinated by the variety of its shapes and colors, he named it "protea". The flower, the meaning of whose name the Swedish naturalist associated with the name of the ancient Greek sea god Proteus, who took on different forms and appeared either in the form of outlandish birds and animals, or in the form of water and fire, is striking in its beauty.
After all, even in one copy of this plant, you can find leaves that are different in color and configuration. Therefore, these exotic representatives of the flora, thanks to their yellow, pink, lilac leaves, shaped like fancy bowls and starfish and hedgehogs, were associated by Linnaeus with the son of Poseidon.
Protea Features
Since the natural conditions in which the protea flower lives are quite severe - the monsoon climate, depleted soil and frequent droughts arereflected in the appearance of the plant. All Proteaceae, both small trees and shrubs, have leathery or needle-like leaves.
It is common for them to form fairly large groups. Thus, they are protected from strong winds, and the shade makes it possible for the soil not to overheat, retaining moisture, because it is worth its weight in gold here. That is why many species have special stem underground organs that can accumulate and contain moisture.
Protea's main features are exotic, chic flowers, characterized by bright colors, some of which are up to 30 cm in diameter.
Some types of protea
Protea flower, no matter what species it belongs to, always arouses admiration. However, there are some species that truly amaze with their exotic beauty.
- Protea artichoke is deservedly considered the most spectacular specimen. Due to its very large inflorescences, dressed in bright wrappers of leaves, the locals call it "Protea-King", and since the flowers are filled with sweet nectar, another name has stuck to it - "honey pot".
- Protea large-headed is distinguished by the fact that the wrappers of its leaves form inflorescences similar to large bowls. Moreover, it is surprising that this type of protea is pollinated by the so-called sugar bird, which regales itself on the nectar of a flower.
- Protea "Blackbeard" has a very rare color, as expressed in its name. Inflorescences of a white-pink hue are framed by a black-purple edge, which looks like a real one."beard".
Growing
In South Africa and Australia, proteas are successfully grown in gardens and parks.
But the climate of the Northern Hemisphere is not suitable for growing proteas in the open field. They can be found here only in greenhouses and botanical gardens. Nevertheless, now exotic plant lovers are also engaged in these flowers.
Proteas are difficult to grow at home, as they must be provided with comfortable conditions, namely:
- plenty of sunshine;
- light on cloudy days;
- well-ventilated area;
- air temperature in summer is not lower than + 25º C (+ 5º C is allowed in winter).
Protea flower propagates by seeds, and stratification is recommended for good germination: flowers are placed in wet sand and kept in the refrigerator for several weeks. Before sowing, the seeds are placed in warm water for a day.
Ready-made soil, which is used for azaleas, is suitable for planting. If you add sand and perlite to it, then it will only benefit the protea.
Pots should be chosen wide and not very deep. It is desirable to place expanded clay at the bottom, and pour soil on top. The depth of planting seeds should be 2 times their size. Planted seeds are watered with boiled water and covered with polyethylene film or glass. The shelter must be periodically removed for ventilation.
Care
In about 5-7 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and when two small leaves appear,the shelter is removed and the pot is placed in a place where there is a lot of sunlight. Now that you've sprouted a protea flower, how do you care for it?
The main thing is not to overmoisten it, as this can lead to the death of immature shoots. Water should be used only settled and slightly acidified. Protea does not need fertilizers.
Now, having provided the flower with light and airing the room, we must wait until it grows up, and this happens rather slowly.
Growing a protea flower is a long and laborious process. But for those who show enough patience, this exotic African rose will eventually give beautiful flowers. Protea flower, grown from seeds at home, will begin to bloom in 5-6 years.
