Protea is a plant whose belonging to the exotic category can be judged at first glance. A favorite of florists, this outlandish representative of the Proteaceae family can become the highlight of a room or garden collection. The prickly multi-colored heads of huge inflorescences are spectacular, the foliage is original. And even though it is not easy to grow the many-sided protea, and there are not so many options for agricultural technology, even in indoor and greenhouse cultivation it will have time to show all its bright individuality.
Exotic with a non-standard appearance and its representatives in garden and indoor culture
Succulents from the Proteaceae family with a non-standard appearance, water-accumulating leaves and underground organs captivate flower growers around the world with their non-standard flowering. The “prickly”, bold-looking heads of inflorescences resemble either artichokes, giant thistles and burdocks, or bottle brushes, but in terms of color and exoticism they will more than give a head start to any other plant. Proteas are far from easy to grow crops, but they will become the most original touch in a collection of plants, and then replenish the collection of the most original dried flowers.
Protea (Protea) is a genus of plants in the Proteaceae family. The type species of the genus is Protea artichoke ( Protea cynaroides).
Proteas combine hard, oblong-oval (less often linear or needle-shaped) leathery leaves with capitate inflorescences reaching from 5 to 30 cm in diameter. The inflorescences are surrounded by a thick wrapper and do not show off small flowers, and surprisingly unusual bracts. Cone-shaped, with protruding needle-shaped “petals”, they stand out due to their original alternation of colors, unusually different shapes of bracts and sepals, and sweet nectar that attracts honey plants and hides inside the “heads”.
Proteas are not just diverse - they are inimitably multifaceted. It is no coincidence that this culture even received its name in honor of the son of Poseidon Proteus, who is capable of taking on any form. In their homeland, Australia and Africa, where proteas are found literally at every step, these plants can truly boast of extraordinary diversity. In our country, proteas are represented by a much more modest number of species.
The main representative of Proteas in our climate is Protea artichoke (Protea cynaroides). Its inflorescences reach 30 cm in diameter. The capitate inflorescences are not only large, but also spectacular. They are made variegated by the original involucres of bracts, painted in different tones. In its homeland, this Protea is known as the “pot of honey”: its nectar is used as a unique remedy for coughs. White, pink, orange, yellow, lilac tones Colors of Proteas are sometimes combined in the most variegated variations.
Also occasionally found on sale:
- protea large-headed ( Protea coronata, formerly known as macrocephala) with bright large heads, decorated with wrappers arranged in peculiar stripes;
- creeping protea ( Protea repens) with recumbent shoots, smaller foliage and smaller “spiny” balls of inflorescences.
Popular types
The most popular types of protea flowers among gardeners are: Artichoke, or Royal, - has large (30 cm) inflorescences surrounded by needle-like wrappers. Thistle is a rare species that grows in nature in bush form, has the original ability to survive in nature after a fire, its seeds inside the inflorescences remain viable and are able to germinate on bare ground. Large-headed - has inflorescences and cup-shaped wrappers, is very popular with birds that can drink nectar from them using a long beak; these birds build nests from dry protea leaves. Creeping - has recumbent stems, smaller leaves and small balls of inflorescences with spines.
Home care
Location
Protea responds well to brightly lit areas. Therefore, you can safely keep it on the windowsill in direct sunlight for several hours a day.
Temperature
The plant loves warmth. Reacts sensitively to sudden changes in microclimatic conditions. In the warm months (from late April to mid-autumn), proteas need to create optimal mode. The room temperature should not be lower than +20 degrees.
In autumn, you need to gradually reduce the temperature in the room. In winter, Protea should be kept in cool conditions. The optimal thermometer value for rest is from +5 to +10 degrees. Otherwise, the plant will bloom again and lose its decorative effect. It is almost impossible to restore culture.
In addition to temperature, you also need to provide the flower with access to fresh air. The plant does not develop well when it is stagnant. Unlike most representatives of the flora, it is not afraid of drafts. But in climatic conditions middle zone the flower can only be brought out glazed loggia or balcony. 
Proper watering
In spring and summer, you need to water the soil regularly. But make sure that between waterings upper layer the substrate had time to dry completely. IN winter time year, the frequency of watering can be reduced.
Transfer
The container and substrate should be changed once every two years. In this case, the pot should be chosen one size larger than the previous one. On average, an adult plant will need a pot with a diameter of 35 centimeters.
Trimming technology
To keep the bush branches compact, they need to be trimmed by one-fourth every year. Also clean the flower from fading and dried areas.
Protea feed
There is no need to apply fertilizers for this crop, with the exception of rare procedures aimed at restoring the acidity of the soil. By adding half the standard dose of fertilizers for rhododendrons or azaleas to the water for irrigation once every 1-1.5 months, you can maintain stable soil characteristics and supplement watering with acidified water. There are other strategies:
- during the active period of development, proteas are fed with a three times reduced dose of nitrogen fertilizers or special mixtures for azaleas once a month;
- systemic fertilizing is replaced by applying a full portion of fertilizers in early spring, a month after transplantation and another feeding after the start of flowering.
Excess nutrients Proteas will not tolerate it: they are accustomed to poor soils and such preferences do not change in a greenhouse or indoor culture. 
Protea reproduction
Obtaining new proteas and self-cultivation These plants require diligence and patience. The thing is that protea seeds (and the beauty can only be propagated with them) are not found on sale very often, and the plant blooms 5-6 years after sowing. If waiting is not for you, look ready seedlings proteas.
Seeds are sown in the classic time for summer crops, in March-April. It is better to use a mixture of peat and sand in equal parts as a substrate. They are buried only to a depth equal to twice the diameter of the seeds themselves, and covered with sifted soil on top. It is not worth watering the substrate before the seeds are scattered: after covering them with soil, they need to be very carefully slightly moistened with a spray bottle, covered with glass or film and placed in the Protea’s favorite temperature range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The process of germination is very long: the first shoots will sprout only after 5-6 weeks. The only method to speed up germination is to carry out cold stratification. For this, the seeds can be sown in damp sand and placed for 2 months at a temperature of 7-8 degrees Celsius (the refrigerator is perfect).
It is advisable to remove the cover from the crops immediately after germination. When 2-3 leaves of the protea appear, they need to be transplanted into individual containers. Throughout the entire period of growing for proteas, watering is carried out very carefully, so that drops do not fall on the sprouts themselves, and the substrate is only slightly moist (but does not dry out).
Increasingly, the cutting method is recommended for proteas: stem segments up to 10 cm long are rooted under a hood, provided there is good lighting and planting in a slightly moist peat-sand substrate. 
Plant in open ground
Increased sensitivity of the crop to temperature environment does not allow protea to be grown outside, even as an annual with a short growing season.
Interesting information about decorative culture you can find out from the video:
Features of growing in a container
Soil mixture composition
To grow protea you will need an acidic substrate. The pH level should be between 5.0 and 5.5. Store-bought substrate designed for azaleas is ideal. The soil should be breathable and rough. At home, the mixture can be prepared from sand, peat, perlite, pine needles, and heather soil.
Top dressing
The plant grows well in poor soils. Therefore, frequent feeding will not be needed. It is enough to periodically increase the acidity of the soil. It is undesirable to use preparations with fluoride. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are excellent. They need to be divided into 3 applications. Also experienced flower growers They recommend preparations made for azaleas for Proteus. The concentration should be halved.
Container options
A small and wide pot is suitable for growing. A layer of drainage should be laid out at the bottom. 
Typical plant problems
Protea is highly resistant to various pests and diseases. But non-compliance simple recommendations may reduce plant resistance. As a result, the flower will show signs of aphid infestation or damage by blackleg or late blight.
Yellow leaves indicate increased alkalinity. It is necessary to water the substrate with acidified liquid.
Bloom
The main value of the culture is bright, chic flowers. Their diameter can range from five to thirty centimeters. There are varieties with a sickly sweet aroma. Protea is grown in greenhouses and conservatories around the world.
Amazing flowers are used to create original bouquets, including wedding ones. They are able to maintain their freshness for up to twenty days.
Protea can also often be found dried in various compositions. After wilting, you need to trim the stem a few centimeters below the inflorescence. All parts of the flower are non-toxic. But for allergy sufferers, it is better not to keep the plant in the bedroom during the flowering period.
Belongs to the huge family of Proteaceae, which has more than 1,400 species growing in the tropics and subtropics. In its homeland, South Africa, 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 a symbol of South Africa.
Flower meaning
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 the name of which the Swedish naturalist associated with the sea god Proteus, who took on different forms and appeared either in the form of strange birds and animals, or in the form of water and fire, amazes with its beauty.
Indeed, even in one copy of this plant you can find leaves of different colors and configurations. Therefore, these exotic representatives of the flora, thanks to their yellow, pink leaves, shaped like fancy bowls and like starfish and urchins, were associated by Linnaeus with
Features of Protea
Since the natural environments in which the protea flower lives are quite harsh - monsoon climate, depleted soil and frequent droughts - this is also reflected in appearance plants. All Proteaceae, both small trees and shrubs, have leathery or needle-like leaves.
It is typical for them to form enough large groups. In this way, they are protected from strong winds, and the shade allows the soil not to overheat, retaining moisture, because here it is worth its weight in gold. That is why many species have special underground stem organs that can accumulate and hold moisture.
The main features of Protea are its exotic, luxurious flowers, distinguished by their bright colors, and the diameter of some of them reaches 30 cm.
Some types of protea
The protea flower, no matter what species it belongs to, always causes admiration. However, there are some species that truly amaze with their exotic beauty.
- Protea artichoke deservedly considered the most spectacular specimen. Thanks to its very large inflorescences, dressed in bright wrappers of leaves, local residents call it “king protea”, and since the flowers are filled with sweet nectar, another name has been assigned to it - “honey pot”.
- Protea large-headed differs in 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 feasts on the nectar of the flower.
- Protea "Blackbeard" has a very rare color, which is reflected in its name. The inflorescences are white and pink, framed by a black and purple edge, which looks like a real “beard”.
Growing
In South Africa and Australia, proteas are successfully grown in gardens and used to decorate parks.
But the climate of the Northern Hemisphere is not suitable for growing proteas in open ground. They can only be found here in greenhouses and botanical gardens. Nevertheless, now we also have amateurs exotic plants are engaged in these flowers.
It is difficult to grow proteas at home because they must be provided comfortable conditions, namely:
- abundance of sunlight;
- light on cloudy days;
- well-ventilated area;
- air temperature in summer is not lower than + 25º C (in winter + 5º C is allowed).
The protea flower is propagated by seeds, and for good germination, stratification is recommended: the flowers are placed in damp sand and kept in the refrigerator for several weeks. Before sowing, the seeds are placed in warm water for a day.
Suitable for planting ready soil, which is used for azaleas. If you add sand and perlite to it, this will only benefit the protea.
Pots should be chosen wide and not very deep. It is advisable to place expanded clay at the bottom and pour soil on top. The depth of planting seeds should be 2 times their size. The planted seeds are watered and covered with polyethylene film or glass. The cover must be removed periodically for ventilation.
Care
After about 5-7 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and when two small leaves appear, the cover is removed and the pot is placed in a place where there is a lot of sunlight. Now that you have sprouted a protea flower, how to care for it?
The main thing is not to over-water it, as this can lead to the death of fragile seedlings. Water should only be used that has settled and slightly acidified. Protea does not need fertilizers.
Now, having provided the flower with light and ventilation of the room, you need to wait until it grows, and this happens quite slowly.
Growing a protea flower is a long and labor-intensive process. But for those who are patient enough, the African rose will eventually provide beautiful flowers. A protea flower grown from seeds at home will begin to bloom in 5-6 years.
IN wildlife Protea is native to Africa and Australia, where there is a huge variety of them. In general, the appearance of this flower varies greatly depending on the species. The genus Protea got its name from the name of the Greek deity, the son of Poseidon. According to mythology, Proteus could take on any form, just like the many-faced Protea. He was endowed with the ability to take on the appearance of different creatures and transform into various properties of matter - fire, water, wood. His true appearance is that of a sleepy old man.
Proteaceae are a fairly large botanical family. It includes about 70 genera and more than 1,400 plant species, distributed in tropical and subtropical (rarely temperate) regions, mainly south of the equator and mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. The appearance of Proteaceae can be quite diverse - among them there are perennial herbs, and trees up to 20 m high. But the most typical life form for the family is small trees and shrubs.
Proteas are inhabitants of areas with poor soil and a monsoon climate characterized by periodic droughts. Such conditions affected the external appearance of these plants - Proteaceae have leathery leaves, most often linear or needle-shaped; many members of the family have special underground organs of stem origin - lignotuberuses, which serve as water containers. The real decoration of Proteaceae are their flowers, collected in spectacular racemes, spikes or capitate inflorescences, similar to the inflorescences of Asteraceae. A characteristic and remarkable feature of the family is the adaptability of many species to pollination by vertebrates - birds, bats and small climbing mammals. The flowers of these Proteaceae are brightly colored in different shades of yellow and red and contain a lot of sweet nectar.
Many amazing representatives of the Proteaceae - almost 400 species belonging to 14 genera - can be seen in the Cape Province of southern Africa. Here, for example, about 100 species of unusually rare beautiful plants from the genus Protea. The name, which later became the name of the entire family, was given to these plants by Carl Linnaeus. It is believed that the great taxonomist used the name of the ancient Greek sea deity Proteus, who could take on different appearances at will, to emphasize the great diversity of Proteas - not only are their different species very different from each other in appearance, but the leaves within one specimen can also be different in shape.
The most spectacular of the proteas is the artichoke protea (P. cynaroides) with large, up to 30 cm in diameter, capitate inflorescences, which are surrounded by bright involucres. The local population calls this plant “king protea”.
Another species of South African protea is the large-headed protea (P.macrocephala). It is interesting due to its close connection with the so-called sugar bird (Promerops cafer).
Long pistils protrude from the leucospermum inflorescences, giving the entire flower a “bristle” appearance. Locals call these plants "pincushions."
In Australia and South Africa, many Proteaceae are cultivated in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, and a number of species are even grown on special plantations - as beautiful “dried flowers”, which are then exported to other countries, mainly to Europe.
There are commercial Proteaceae plantations in the USA. You can also find these plants in botanical gardens in southern Europe.
In the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, Proteaceae do not survive in open ground and can be seen, and even then, unfortunately, infrequently, only in the greenhouses of botanical gardens and among amateurs. However, the development of transport communications now makes it possible to deliver proteas to Russia from the most remote corners of the earth, and soon they will become as accessible to us as roses, carnations or tulips.
Already in the 19th century. these plants were very popular in Europe, they were grown in winter gardens in the courts of kings and in the houses of the nobility. London merchant Georg Hibbert, whose name was later given to a new genus of Proteaceae from New Zealand - Hibbertia, collected a collection of 150 species of these plants in his garden! 
Dodonaea boroniifolia Hibbertia dentata.
Hibbertia dentata.
Hibbertia prostrata
Several species of Proteaceae with especially beautiful inflorescences - leucadendron, protea, banksia - were often grown in greenhouses in Europe in the 19th century. They bloomed well and were regularly shown at exhibitions. Now Proteaceae are back in fashion and their popularity is growing everywhere, incl. and in Russia.
Growing Proteaceae at home is quite difficult, and caring for them must be very careful. These plants are very demanding on lighting and ventilation.
Protea is a genus of shrubby evergreen plants native to South Africa, belonging to the Proteaceae family. The most decorative of them are Protea cynaroides and Protea neriifolia.
In nature, protea is found in the form of a shrub reaching 2 m in height, but indoors its growth does not exceed 60-70 cm.
Dark green leathery oblong leaves of protea grow on long stems reddish in color.
At the end of spring, large, amazingly beautiful inflorescences bloom on long peduncles. Their color varies from pink to red, the size of the inflorescence can be 20-30 cm in diameter.
Protea can be purchased in specialized garden centers and online stores. Best time Spring is the time to purchase this plant. Choose specimens with several blooming inflorescences.
On one plant you can see up to several dozen inflorescences resembling burdocks or artichokes. Flowering continues for several weeks. The protea flower is the symbol of the Republic of South Africa.
Growing Protea
Growing proteas will require a lot of patience. In regions with cold climates it is grown as a indoor plant. The substrate should be loose, enriched with a small amount of soil for acidophilic plants, with the addition of expanded clay. From April to September, plants are fed at least once a month, adding fertilizer for flowering plants into water for irrigation.
Location for the flower
Proteas prefer bright lighting with direct access sun rays for several hours a day.
The color of the burdock-like inflorescences varies from pink to red, with delicate shades.
Growing Temperature
Although Protea can tolerate cold temperatures down to 0 °C, in winter period the temperature must be maintained at least 10 °C.
Watering a flower
IN spring-summer period You need to ensure that the soil dries out completely between two waterings.
In winter, the intervals between waterings are longer.
Protea transplant
Replanting is done every two years, choosing a container larger than the previous one, until its diameter reaches 35 cm.
Protea care
To keep the bush compact, its branches are pruned by one quarter annually.
Protea reproduction
Proteas are rarely propagated by seeds, since in this case the plant can bloom only after four to five years. Propagation by cuttings is much more practical. This operation is carried out at the end of summer, separating from the stem a small part 10 cm long, without flowers, which is rooted in a mixture of peat and sand in a moist and lighted environment.
Diseases and pests
Protea is very resistant to diseases and pests.
Below are other entries on the topic “Do-it-yourself cottage and garden”
African Rose (Protea)- amazing exotic flower from South Africa. The family includes more than 400 species; large, bizarrely shaped flowers reach 25 cm in diameter.
Evergreen shrubs with leathery leaves have large cone-shaped inflorescences, very diverse among different species.
The plant has a name ancient god sea waters— Protea, capable, according to legend, of changing his appearance.
All varieties of protea have very beautiful, succulent leaves. Their location on the trunk, and the strong trunk itself, are somewhat reminiscent of the structure of milkweed.
Flowers range from soft pink to vibrant raspberry color, including beige and silver shades.
In their natural environment, shrubs reach a height of 2.5 m, this is very impressive ornamental plant. The protea bud looks like an artichoke; one of the plant varieties is even named after it.
The most popular varieties are:
- large-headed (Protea macrocephala);
- artichoke (Protea cynaroides);
- blackbeard (Protea lepidocarpodendron);
- creeping (Protea repens).
Fluffy, like a felt core Large-headed protea, framed by sharp red petals. The outer edging consists of smaller, scaly petals of a smoky color.
Bush variety Black beard decorated with cream-sand-colored flowers, with dark edges along the edges: brown, black, dark lilac, or violet.
The most common variety is Artichoke Protea. This is what can be found in modern bouquets, or on home windowsills.
Protea repens flaunts on the flag of the Republic of South Africa, is a symbol of this state.
Protea in flower collections and floristry
Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, located near Cape Town, has the most extensive collection of these amazing plants presented in the natural environment.
Protea can be found in the wild of the African continent, south of the Limpopo River. African rose is common in India, Australia, and Hawaii. It is from these countries that the tradition of decorating a wedding bouquet with these flowers came to us.
The exotic beauty was brought to Europe in the 19th century, where it became widespread in the private collections of connoisseurs of unique flora.
IN northern countries African rose is grown on an industrial scale, in closed greenhouses. Beautiful flower widely used in modern floristry.
Cone-shaped buds can be used to create a masculine composition; delicate flowers traditionally complement an exquisite bridal bouquet.
In the homeland of its plants nectar is used for food and is attributed to healing properties . It is quite possible, because not only insects, but also local birds love to feast on the nectar of large flowers.
Artichoke Protea is gaining popularity in indoor floriculture . You can grow it on your own window from seeds, or buy an adult plant.
Flower shop - Protea:
Growing a flower from seeds
For landing you will need acidified, light soil. You can use a store-bought azalea mixture, or prepare the soil yourself. Mix sand, peat, and forest needles in equal proportions.
It is convenient to plant seeds in a regular flat container for food products. Pour a 4 cm thick layer of sifted soil and moisten the soil well from a spray bottle with warm, settled water.
Place the seeds on the surface, then sprinkle them with earthen mixture. Close the container lid or cover it with glass. The container should be placed in a warm place; for seeds to germinate, a temperature of 22-25°C is needed.
Shoots will appear in 2 months, then the greenhouse can be opened. After the second pair of leaves appears, the plant is transplanted into an individual pot. It is better to choose a wide, not very deep pot for it.
To speed up seed germination, some gardeners pre-cool the container with seeds for a month at a temperature of 5-8°C (in the cellar or refrigerator).
The container is filled with wet sand, the seeds are deepened by 1 cm. Then they are planted in the ground as indicated above.
Care of an adult plant and replanting
In an apartment, it is better to place a flower on a south window. Don't be afraid that burns will appear on the leaves. Protea can only be harmed by a lack of sunlight.
In most regions (except the very southern) additional lighting will be needed fluorescent lamps. The brighter the light, the better the African rose will feel.
There is no need to fertilize the bush, under natural conditions the flower grows on poor, dry soils.
Watering should not just be moderate, but rather meager. In summer - no more than once a week, in autumn and winter - once every 2-3 weeks.
For watering, it is better to use settled water, as for all indoor plants.
The plant is not often replanted, there is simply no need to update the nutritional mixture. Young plant, if necessary, can be replanted in the spring using the coma transfer method.
The plant is quite capable of withstanding a temperature drop of up to 10°C, so the winter chill from the window will not harm it.
At excessive watering root system dies immediately. It is better to spray it once again than to water it.
Protea is an exotic and rare plant:
A massive plant with decorative glossy leaves looks very impressive even between flowering periods.
The shrub with bright scaly buds looks elegant, and when the huge flowers, edged with thin lilac fibers along the edges, bloom, the spectacle is simply indescribable.
Faded inflorescences do not lose their bright color and decorative effect. The flower dries out, but its shape and color are preserved. These are wonderful dried flowers that can be used in decorative compositions.
The popularity of protea is growing every day, you can already purchase a bush ready for flowering at a flower shop.
The original bush in flower pot will be able to harmoniously complement the urban interior in any style and will emphasize the individuality of its owner.