Protea flower at home. Description of African roses

Engineering systems 19.05.2019

Engineering systems

Proteas are exotic plants that can delight with their beauty not only during flowering, but also after, as dried flowers.

There are about 400 species of representatives of the Proteus family, their appearance is quite diverse, but most have leathery leaves of a needle or linear shape, many have peculiar underground organs - water receptacles. Plants need them because their homeland - southern Africa - has poor and dry soil. But the main advantage of proteas is their flowers! They are from 5 to 20 centimeters in diameter, are cone-shaped, colored in shades from red to yellow, depending on the variety, and filled with sweet nectar.

By the way, because of such a variety of species, proteas got their name. According to ancient Greek mythology, the sea god Proteus could easily change his appearance, that is, he was many-sided, like Proteus.

The most popular representative of this plant can be called artichoke protea. She has large (up to 30 centimeters in diameter) capitate inflorescences, surrounded by bright wrappers of leaves. This plant is called "honey pot" for the sweet nectar that local population used as a cough suppressant.

Interestingly, the flowers of the creeping protea are the symbol of South Africa, and another of the proteas (Telopea) symbolizes the state of New South Wales in Australia. The large-headed protea is quite common, because its nectar is very fond of birds that pollinate the plant.

Protea is grown not only in Africa, but also in Australia and the USA. They can grow in parks, botanical gardens and even plantations if they are intended for export to European countries. The fact is that the protea stands for a long time after cutting, and then it can be used as a dried flower, which is why it is very loved by florists. It can often be seen in bouquets, including wedding bouquets, and those intended for men.

In our climate zone in open ground proteas are not grown, as it is a heat-loving plant. You can meet them only in greenhouses with exotic plants, but if you are a brave flower grower and are not afraid of difficulties, you can try to grow this miracle at home, and our recommendations will help you with this.

How to grow protea at home?

The soil: For germination, you will need a mixture of high-moor peat and sand. An equal mixture of pine needles and brown loose peat or ready mix for azalea (pH 5.0–5.5) for planting seedlings.

Lighting: Light, but protected from direct sun rays, a place. On cloudy days, turn on additional lighting.

Temperature: In winter + 5-10 degrees C, not lower, and in summer + 20-25 degrees C.

Watering: Moderate watering from spring to autumn, it is important to prevent overdrying of the earth and excess moisture. Protea should be watered with soft, slightly acidified water. In winter, water once a month.

Humidity: Protea loves hot dry air. Spraying is not required.

Fertilizer: Since proteas grow in poor soils, they do well without regular top dressing. But you can make a little fertilizer for azaleas and rhododendrons.

Reproduction: Proteas can be propagated from seeds, but unfortunately they are not so easy to find in stores. Sow seeds in spring at a depth of 2 times over size seeds, sprinkled with a layer of earth, moderately moistened, covered with a film or glass and kept at a temperature of about + 20-25 degrees C.

Seedlings will appear no earlier than in a month and a half, but you can speed up the process by first placing the seeds in wet sand and keeping them in the refrigerator for two months (at + 7-8 degrees C).

Belongs to a huge family of proteans, 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.

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 outlandish birds and animals, or in the form of water and fire, is striking in its beauty.

Indeed, 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 leaves, shaped like fancy bowls and starfish and hedgehogs, were associated by Linnaeus with

Protea Features

Since the natural ones in which the protea flower lives are quite severe - the monsoon climate, depleted soil and frequent droughts - this was also reflected in the appearance of the plant. All Proteaceae, both small trees and shrubs, have leathery or needle-like leaves.

They tend to form fairly large groups. Thus they are protected from strong wind, and the shadow 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.

The main features of the protea are exotic, chic flowers that are distinguished by the brightness of colors, and some of them reach a diameter of 30 cm.

Some types of protein

The 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 deservedly considered the most spectacular instance. Due to its very large inflorescences, dressed in bright wrappers of leaves, the locals call it the “king protea”, and since the flowers are filled with sweet nectar, another name has stuck 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 regales itself on the nectar of a flower.
Protea "Blackbeard" It has a very rare color, which is reflected in its name. The inflorescences of a white-pink shade are framed by a black-purple edge, which looks like a real "beard".

cultivation

In South Africa and Australia, proteas are successfully grown in gardens and decorate parks with them.

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 we have lovers exotic plants doing these flowers.

It is difficult to grow proteas at home, as they must be provided comfortable conditions, namely:

abundance sunlight;
light on cloudy days;
well-ventilated area;
air temperature in summer is not lower than + 25º C (+ 5º C is allowed in winter).

The Protea flower propagates by seeds, and stratification is recommended for good germination: the 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 is suitable for planting, which is used for azaleas. If you add sand and perlite to it, then this 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 and covered with polyethylene film or glass. Shelter must 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 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 seedlings. Water should be used only settled and slightly acidified. Protea does not need fertilizers.

Now, having provided the flower with light and ventilation of 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 those who show enough patience will eventually give beautiful flowers African rose. Protea flower, grown from seeds at home, will begin to bloom in 5-6 years.

Protea is evergreen shrub with long shoots and flowers unusual shape, outwardly resembling the inhabitants of the ocean. The plant got its name in honor of the sea god Proteus, who can change his appearance. IN vivo the shrub grows in southern Africa - it is no coincidence that it is a symbol of South Africa. For the first time, the flower was described by the botanist Carl Linnaeus, who noted the various forms of flowers and leaves.

Description of the protea

Flowers deserve special attention. Depending on the variety, they may be in the form of a burdock, starfish or sea urchin. During the flowering period, a large number of buds are formed on the shrub, collected in inflorescences-spikelets.

Inflorescences are large, externally covered with a rigid shell, inside which are small flowers. The special beauty of the plant is given by cone-shaped bracts with needle-shaped petals. The color of the flowers is varied. It can alternate several shades.

plant varieties

Currently, more than 400 species of protea are known. All of them differ in size and shape of flowers and leaves. The most common are the following varieties of shrubs:

Oriental poppy: features of care, planting and cultivation

Home care

Protea is a thermophilic shrub. In open ground, it can only grow in warm climates. In the middle lane, the plant is grown at room conditions, greenhouses and winter gardens.

The flower needs bright light. A prerequisite is direct sunlight. IN winter period additional lighting with fluorescent lamps is used for several hours.

In nature, protea grows in a hot climate, so it needs a stable temperature above 25 °. In winter, the plant needs a decrease in temperature. The shrub must winter in a cool room, otherwise it will not bloom with the onset of spring.

The protea flower responds positively to airing, because it cannot grow in a room with stagnant air. He is not afraid of drafts, so he can safely be kept around open windows. Take out the pots outdoor balcony or a veranda is undesirable.

Watering should be given Special attention , since the plant is very sensitive to an excess of moisture. Watering should be extremely moderate. Moisturizing the soil is best done often, but in small quantities. Under home conditions, the shrub loses its drought resistance very quickly, so you should not allow the soil to dry out completely. The next watering should be carried out when the top layer of soil dries up. IN winter time watering is carried out no more than 1 time per month. Soft filtered water is used for it, to which a few drops of lemon juice are added for acidification.

Protea does not need spraying and air humidification. In order for the inflorescences to look attractive, experienced flower growers recommend placing plant pots near heating appliances.

The flower does not require regular feeding. Fertilization is necessary to maintain soil acidity. Mineral supplements are applied once a month, using dressings for azaleas and rhododendrons.

It is also recommended to apply the nutrient composition after transplanting the plant or at the beginning of the flowering period. This is due to the fact that in the wild, the shrub grows on poor oxidized soils, and it can die from excess fertilizer. To maintain an attractive appearance in a protea plant, dried buds should be removed and strongly regrown young shoots should be pinched to ¼ of the length.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis): planting, growing and care

flower transplant

The shrub needs frequent transplanting. Young plants are transplanted once a year in the spring, before the onset of a period of active growth. An adult protea should be transplanted after the root system has completely entwined the earthen ball. She, like most succulents, needs a wide, low pot with large drainage holes. Small pebbles, brick chips or expanded clay can be used as drainage.

The soil mixture should consist of equal parts of peat, coarse sand, pine needles. The shrub can also be planted in ready-made soil for rhododendrons and azaleas. The soil should have a rough texture and acidic reaction, well pass moisture and air.

Syn.: African rose, shy bride, honey pot.

Representatives of the genus Proteus are evergreen tall shrubs or trees with original capitate inflorescences of various colors and linear or needle-shaped leaves. Proteas are grown as indoor flowering potted crops, used as dried flowers in floristry.

Ask the experts

In medicine

Protea is a non-pharmacopoeial plant and is unknown in official world medicine. According to some sources, protea has long been used in folk medicine as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory agent.

Contraindications and side effects

The use of protea is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, allergic reactions, during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in childhood.

In crop production

Protea is a well-known and popular plant among flower growers. Protea is quite often used by florists in flower bouquets and compositions. The plant does not lose its bright color and stem strength, therefore it is successfully used as a dried flower in dried collages and bouquets.

Protea is grown in winter gardens, greenhouses. For indoor cultivation, the plant needs careful care. Protea is a light and heat-loving plant, prefers dry air. In winter, the plant needs to provide cool conditions within 10-15 degrees. Water rarely in winter, moderately in summer, avoiding excessive moisture and drying of the soil. Water must be used settled. Protea does not need spraying. For transplanting, the plant is suitable for "soil for azaleas." Young proteas are transplanted annually. Propagated by seeds. A plant sprouted from a seed blooms in the 5-6th year.

Classification

Protea (lat. Protea) - type genus perennials Proteaceae family (lat. Proteaceae). The genus includes 101 species. The type species of the genus Protea is Artichoke Protea (lat. Protea cynaroides).

Botanical description

Representatives of the genus Proteus are tall (up to 3 m) evergreen shrubs or tall (up to 20 m) trees with hard leathery dark green leaves. The leaves are needle-shaped or linear, placed alternately or spirally towards the stem. Distinctive feature many Proteus is the presence of a woody underground organ - lignotuberus, which serves as a reservoir for water.

Protea is especially attractive during flowering, large, up to 30 cm in diameter, capitate inflorescences, brush inflorescences or spikes open. Corollas of various rainbow shades: scarlet, raspberry, light green, lilac, etc. Even after long-term storage, dried flowers do not lose their original appearance. Proteus flowers are pollinated by beetles, birds, rodents and some other mammals. The fruit is a nutlet, the seeds are winged, with 2-8 cotyledons.

Protea artichoke or royal (Protea cynaroides) is the most spectacular representative of the genus, thanks to large inflorescences that reach 25-30 cm in diameter. The capitate inflorescences of the species are variegated, original because of the bracts, painted in different colors (lilac, raspberry, light green). At home, this species is called the "honey pot", because the inflorescences are filled with sweet nectar.

Large-headed Protea (Protea macrocephala) is another representative of the genus, a shrub with beautiful inflorescences, which are pollinated by a sugar bird with a long beak (Promerops cafer), as well as a nectary.

Creeping Protea (Protea repens) is an undemanding shrub plant with knotty, gray leaves, up to 15 cm in length. It is distinguished by a cone-shaped elongated yellowish-cherry inflorescence up to 10 cm. Creeping Protea is the national symbol of South Africa.

Spreading

Proteas are native to South Africa. Many species from the Western Cape (South Africa) have spread throughout the world in the tropics and subtropics of Australia and America. Tall trees or shrubs usually grow large groups, thus protecting against strong winds. They live in areas with poor soil, monsoon climatic conditions and occasional droughts. Proteas bloom here all year round. Many species have adapted to pollination by birds, bats, small climbing mammals.

In Australia and southern Africa, many species are cultivated in parks and gardens as ornamental plants, and some species are grown as "dried flowers" on special plantations and in farms, then exported to European countries, mainly Europe. You can find proteas in the botanical gardens of many countries in southern Europe.

Procurement of raw materials

Nothing is known about the harvesting of the plant.

Chemical composition

Chemical composition proteins have not been studied.

Pharmacological properties

The pharmacological properties of the protein have not been studied.

Application in traditional medicine

African residents use the nectar of protea flowers to treat coughs and whooping cough.

History reference

Heat-loving protea plants became known in our latitudes already in the 19th century. At that time, beautiful exotics began to grow in the palaces of rich nobles, kings. It is known that the collection of the London merchant George Hibber included about 150 species of Proteus. A little later, one of the genera of the New Zealand representatives of the Proteus family was named after him.

Due to the wide variety external forms culture got its name in honor of the son of Poseidon Proteus. After all, Proteus had the ability to take on any guise. In 1735, Carl Linnaeus named the plant Proteus in honor of the sea deity Proteus.

Protea is also called the "pot of honey" because of a large number nectar in inflorescences, "African rose" because of the original colorful inflorescences.

In many tropical countries, in South Africa, India, Australia, India, the Hawaiian Islands, protea is the favorite flower of brides. Variegated inflorescences are often used in bridal bouquets. The inhabitants of these countries call the protea Blushing Bride flower, which means "shy bride."

The protea flower is the national flower of South Africa.

Literature

1. Plant life. – M.: Enlightenment, 1981.

2. Ivchenko S. Interesting about phytogeography. - M .: Young Guard, 1985.

3. Yakimova T. Many-sided Proteus // In the world of plants. 2000. No. 5.

4. Schoolboy Julia. tropical plants. Amazing flora of hot countries. - Publisher: Litres, - 2017.

In modern bouquets, an exotic flower with an unfamiliar name protea is often found. For Russia, Europe, North America protea is exotic flower.

Protea (Protea L.) grows naturally in South Africa, it is an evergreen shrub with leathery leaves up to 3 meters high.

The name of this plant was given in 1735 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in honor of the character of ancient Greek mythology Proteus, who was famous for being able to change his appearance. The fact is that protea has a wide variety of external forms.

The habitat of proteas is located in South Africa, south of the Limpopo River. More than 90% of all proteas grow in the Cape region, this is a unique ecosystem in southern Africa, one of the floristic kingdoms of the earth, is specially protected natural area, object world heritage UNESCO.

Flower of royal protea or artichoke protea ( Protea cynaroides L.) is the symbol of South Africa.

In many countries with a tropical climate - in South Africa, India, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands (USA), protea is the favorite flower of brides. It is often used to make bridal bouquets. Protea in these countries is called Blushing Bride flower(Shy bride).

In the second half of the 20th century, protea flowers were so popular in South Africa that the plant was threatened with extinction in the wild. Now Protea is grown in sufficient quantities in nurseries and farms. South Africa.

Protea royal or artichoke protea ( Protea cynaroides L.) has large flowers with a diameter of 12 to 30 cm. One plant usually has 6 to 10 flowers per season. Although some large bushes can produce up to 40 flower heads per season.

In the photo on the right is a royal protea bush.
Photo: Skier Dude.

The color of the flowers of the royal protea varies from creamy white to dark crimson. The most valuable are proteas with delicate pale pink flowers with a silvery sheen.

Protea royal.