Hi Onion & Ray- I'm growing a number of Protea species in large pots. They seem to be doing very well. I like an occasional handful of Iron Safe (ammonium & Iron)to combat winter cholorosis. Of course the drawn back with ammonium is that is fairly unavailable at temps. less then 65-70 deg.F. I haven't taken many pics this spring 'cause everything is so late with this awful weather, but Leucospermums are starting to pop & all is right with world!! Here is a link that might be useful: Protea Pots

Near Lake Hodges in Escondido, Ca, we have 4 large Leucospermum "Veld Fire" plants which are doing extremely well, though they get shade from Eucs nearby, and the soil is fairly dense. They are about 7yrs old, 7'x7' and covered with blooms in May. (see link below) I made about 50 cuttings a few years ago, but only one rooted (dipped in Physan, Dip n Grow, and put in 16oz plastic cups, 1:10 spagnum to course sand). It is about 4ft tall now and should bloom in 2015. The cuttings were kept outside during the fall, and didn't get the necessary heat & humidity. I just made 16 new cuttings, younger wood, drenched in Physan, dipped in root hormone powder, put in plastic cups containing 1:4 perlite & course sand, moistened with dilute Physan H2O and kept in a sunny window inside this time. I hope to get at least 50% of the cuttings to take this time though won't know for several weeks, so may be wishful thinking. I may put one in a large pot on the deck, but most will go into the ground in well drained sunny location. I would welcome any suggestions for propagation by cuttings if you've had success. I'm just a hobbyist, and not selling any plants, but like to share plants, seeds, and gardening tips. Also, would like to trade cuttings if anyone has a nice red Leucospermum. I need to trim the plants, and have many more cuttings than I can use, and don't want them to go to waste. Here is a link that might be useful:

Hazel, I am following the progress of your protea seeds with great interest. They are fascinating plants. When did you plant them? You sound as though you have been very careful in looking for signs of growth, so I'm sure no harm was done....I have a tendancy to do the same with seeds!! D/D No2 is off to South Africa in Oct to visit boyfriends family, hopefully she can bring some packets of seeds back for me to experiment with. Had email back from DEFRA with info on what is and isn't allowed into UK, so will print it off to take with her... she doesn't know yet! Ha! Did you go to the Gardeners World do at the NEC this year? Almost got tickets ourselves, glad we didnt though with me having the accident, would never have made it. How are your plumies doing? Celadine is so slow in leafing out, but the 4 seedlings are doing well. Keep us posted on the proteas? Regards, Gill.

I live downtown by union square. The window is east facing and gets a lot of morning sun, and then indirect light throughout the day. I leave my bathroom door open when I shower so my room can get more humidity. My Nepenthes is doing really really well, but my orchid is not. The leaves are all burnt, but it is growing a new bud of leaves. I think it isn't doing well because I don't take very good care of it, not because of the area. I rarely ever water it and I need to repot it. I volunteer at the Botanical Gardens in golden gate park, and they have a beautiful silver King Protea growing there. It is not in bloom, but I love it's silver leaves so much.