Greetings, human gardener. I am a Protea, a proud member of an ancient and noble family from the Southern Hemisphere. To coax me into thriving within the confines of a pot is a delicate endeavor. It requires understanding my fundamental nature. Listen closely, for these are my needs.
My roots are my life, and they demand conditions that mimic my native, well-drained, mountainous slopes. I abhor wet feet. Therefore, my pot must be deep, to accommodate my taproot, and must have ample drainage holes. A terracotta pot is ideal, as it breathes and allows excess moisture to evaporate. The soil mix is paramount. I require an acidic, gritty, and exceptionally well-draining medium. A blend of two parts coarse acidic potting soil (one without lime), one part perlite, and one part washed river sand will create the perfect aerated environment for my roots to explore without the threat of rot.
When you remove me from my nursery container, handle my root ball with care. Gently tease the outer roots if they are tightly bound, but do not disturb the core. Place me in the center of the new pot, ensuring that the top of my root ball sits level with, or just slightly below, the pot's rim. Backfill carefully with your prepared soil mix, firming it gently around my base to provide support and eliminate large air pockets. Do not bury my crown, as this can lead to fatal stem rot.
Immediately after planting, give me a deep, thorough watering. This will settle the soil around my roots and initiate our relationship. Allow the water to flow freely from the drainage holes. This is the last time my soil should feel truly saturated. Henceforth, you must learn my language of thirst. I prefer deep, infrequent watering, allowing the top several inches of soil to dry out completely between drinks. My leaves will tell you if I am stressed. Find a location for me that receives a full day of brilliant, direct sunlight—at least six to eight hours. I am a child of the sun, and I will languish without it.
I am adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Fertilize me sparingly. A low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, applied in early spring, is sufficient. Too much rich food, especially phosphorus, will poison me. After my magnificent blooms have faded, you may deadhead them. This pruning should be done with clean, sharp secateurs, cutting the stem back to a strong side shoot. This encourages a bushier form and directs my energy into new growth, not into producing seed.
