Hello to all! I am wondering, if anyone has ever cared for a Protea. I bought this Protea in 2008, too bad I did not take a photo of the amazing flowers it has, thinking it will come back. From then on I only got leaves, at least it was alive. While I was away recently for 2.5 months, my dear hubby decided to uproot and replant in a different pot, and when I returned all the leaves died, had to remove them all, and was left with just the stem. Seems alive I think, but not really sure if I should just give up on it and just get another one later on..any thoughts please?

The Protea is the one in the blue glazed pot..


The very sad stem..

Proteaceae are well-adapted to windy conditions, and like to have free air circulation around them. Mulching with well-rotted compost or wood chips helps keep down the weeds, retain moisture, cool the roots and supply some nutrients.

If you need to keep the proteas in a pot, you must make up your own potting medium

2 parts coarse river sand,
2 parts peat or decomposed pine needles, and
1 part vermiculite or perlite.

It is important that the soil mixture drains well. Water should run right through the filled tray, but the soil mixture should be such that it retains moisture and remains damp between waterings. The seeds/seedlings should never be allowed to dry out. The vermiculite helps retain moisture.

Since the proteaceae are adapted to nutrient-poor conditions, chemical fertilizer or manure will burn their sensitive root system. Use an organic plant food such as a fish or seaweed emulsion. Occasionally, a small amount of Ammonium Sulphate sprinkled on the soil and well-watered helps keep the soil acidic and provides nitrogen to the plants.

To avoid: Dig or cultivate around the plants - proteas may die if their fine root system is disturbed.

Sometimes tap (faucet;-) or borehole water can be a problem and using rainwater can make a big difference to germination and later growth. Having the pH of your water tested is a good idea. Also test for chlorine and other chemicals. Usually your local Department of Agriculture is a good place to go.

The Proteaceae are adversely affected by brackish or alkaline water and water with a high salt content. Some dam or lake water may also contain spores of the cinnamon fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi), which is deadly to proteas. This is usually the case if it drains from an area that naturally carries this soil-borne fungus.

Hmm. maybe that's why it did a die off...uprooted,moved to a media it does not like...thanks for the info and pointers

tarev............where did you purchase your protea? I think they are just way cool..........and I have a greenhouse................are they expensive?

Hi Anna! I bought a couple of these plants in 2008 from Lowe's, however, only 1 survived for about 2+ years, did not flower at all. Hmm let me think, I think the price at that time was around 8 to 10 bucks.

Lowes???? No kidding..................probably none up this way. Oh, there are Lowe's but I don't suppose they carry anything like that up here in 4a. LOL

tarev, Go to the Tropical forum and ask this question. Carol, in Hawaii, grows many tropical plants. She has been a great source of knowledge and encouragement when dealing with "exotic" plants. Just copy your original question and post over there.

Hi Sandi, thanks..I will do that and get more feedback..I really want to revive this plant if at all possible!

Oh good! It would be a shame to lose it after so many years.

I know Ferenc already mentioned about them being easily burned by fertilizer, but phosphorus in particular is bad for them so if you ever do fertilize make sure you avoid ones that contain phosphorus (and if your hubby fertilized it with Miracle Gro or something like that when he transplanted, that could definitely contribute to the problems you're seeing).