Flower protea - African rose

The flower of the protea belongs to a huge family of Proteaceae, which numbers more than 1,400 species that grow in the tropics and subtropics. In its homeland, in South Africa, the protea is considered one of the most beautiful and favorite plants. It is no coincidence that one of its magnificent species is selected as the symbol of South Africa - royal protea.

The value of a flower

The name of this extraordinary plant was given by Carl Linnaeus. Being fascinated by the variety of its forms and colors, he called his "protea". The flower, the meaning of the name of which the Swedish naturalist associated with the name of the ancient Greek sea god Proteus, who took different forms and appeared in the form of strange birds and animals, then in the form of water and fire, amazes with its beauty.

After all, even in one copy of this plant you can find leaves, different in color and configuration. Therefore, these exotic representatives of the flora, due to their leaves of yellow, pink, purple, shaped like quaint bowls and on sea stars and hedgehogs, were associated with Linnaeus with the son of Poseidon.

Features of Protein

Since the natural conditions in which the proteus flower lives are severe enough - the monsoon climate, depleted soil and frequent droughts - this has also affected the appearance of the plant. All protyane, like small trees and shrubs, have leathery or needle-like leaves.

It is typical for them to form large enough groups. Thus, they are protected from strong winds, and the shadow allows the soil not to overheat, retaining moisture, because it is worth its weight in gold. That is why many species have special stem underground organs capable of accumulating and containing moisture.

The main features of the protein are exotic, chic flowers, distinguished by the brightness of the colors, with the diameter of some of them reaching 30 cm.

Some types of protein

The flower of the proteus, to whatever species it belongs, always causes admiration. However, there are some species that truly amaze with their exotic beauty.

• Protea artichoke deservedly considered the most spectacular specimen. Due to the very large inflorescences, clothed in bright wrappers of leaves, the locals call it "protea-king", and since the flowers are filled with sweet nectar, then it was fixed and another name - "honey pot".
• Protea large-headed is characterized by the fact that the wrappers of its leaves form inflorescences, similar to large bowls. And it is surprising that this kind of protein pollinates the so-called sugar bird, which treats the flower nectar.
• Protea "Blackbeard" has a very rare color, which is expressed in its name. Inflorescences of a white-pink shade are framed by a black-violet edge, which is similar to a real "beard".

Cultivation

In South Africa and Australia, the proteins are successfully grown in gardens and decorated with parks.

But the climate of the Northern Hemisphere is not suitable for growing prosthey in the open field. They are found here only in greenhouses and botanical gardens. Nevertheless, now and we are fans of exotic plants are engaged in these flowers.

At home, it is difficult to grow the protein, because they must be provided with comfortable conditions, namely:

• An abundance of sunlight;
• Light on cloudy days;
• Well ventilated room;
• The air temperature in summer is not below + 25ºC (in winter it is allowed to + 5ºC).

The flower of the protein multiplies by seeds, and stratification is recommended for good germination: the flowers are placed in moist sand and kept in the refrigerator for several weeks. Before sowing, the seeds are placed in warm water for a day.

For planting, the prepared soil is suitable, which is used for azaleas. If you add sand and perlite to it, it will only go to the benefit of the protege.

Pots should be wide and not very deep. On the bottom it is desirable to place expanded clay, and top to pour the soil. The depth of planting seeds should be 2 times their size. Planted seeds are watered with boiled water and covered with a film of polyethylene or glass. Shelter should be periodically removed for ventilation.

Care

After about 5-7 weeks the seeds will germinate, and when two small leaves appear, the shelter is removed and put the pot in a place where there is a lot of sunlight. Now that you've got a protea flower, how do you care for it?

The main thing is not to overmoisten it, as this can lead to death of fragile shoots. Water should be used only stale and slightly acidified. The fertilizer does not need a protein.

Now, having provided the flower with light and airing the room, it is necessary to wait until it grows up, and this happens rather slowly.

Growing a flower of a protein is a long and time-consuming process. But for those who show enough patience, this exotic African rose will eventually give beautiful flowers. A flower of a protein grown from seeds at home will begin to bloom after 5-6 years.