King protea Care

It is advised to water proteas once the top 2-3 inches (5-7cm) of the soil are dry. It is also crucial to empty the pot saucer. King proteas are susceptible to overwatering, so the soil should not be damp.

Proteas don't require pruning unless you want to keep your plant tidy and deadhead the faded blooms.

Proteas cynaroides don't need additional plant food due to their shallow root system. In fact, excess phosphorus can kill the plant. The only thing required is to pull the weeds when growing your plant outdoors.

King proteas thrive under full sun. The lighter, the brighter the flowers. A south-facing window should provide the plant with sufficient light. If the blooms start losing color, growing lights will come in handy.

King proteas are highly prone to root rot, which is why the soil should drain well. Ideally, it should be acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.1 to 6.6. Sphagnum and pear moss will also improve drainage and enhance acidity.

Growing a king protea from seed might prove challenging, while propagating the plant by cuttings in spring or fall is prone to success. The first step is to make the cuttings — cut the branches below the flower and leave only the top leaves. Use a rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a pot filled with half sand and half peat moss. In 6 weeks, the cuttings should grow roots.

Hot and warm climates are most recommended for King proteas. The plant is drought tolerant, but not cold hardy. It can withstand temperatures no lower than 32˚F (0˚C) and will benefit from additional mulching when the temperatures drop.

King proteas are highly prone to root rot, which is why the soil should drain well. Ideally, it should be acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.1 to 6.6. Sphagnum and pear moss will also improve drainage and enhance acidity.

Terracotta pots are a perfect choice for proteas because of their porous texture that doesn't retain moisture. Also, your container should have a few drainage holes and a pot saucer.