GROWING PROTEACEAE SOILLESS UNDER SHELTER

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 387: III International Protea Research Symposium

GROWING PROTEACEAE SOILLESS UNDER SHELTER

Authors:

M. Montarone, P. Allemand

Abstract:
Introducing soilless techniques to Proteaceae cultivation, requires the definition of proper nutrient solutions and finding adequate substrates for a plant which has very distinct vegetative cycles. During this preliminary stage, the following questions had to be solved:

relative N.P.K concentrations and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio at equilibrium conditions;
chemical compatibility of the substrate in respect of excretions from proteoid roots, these being acidic can attack natural substrates and modify the medium in and around the rhizosphere;
to maintain the proper growth cycle of the plant, do the vegetative and floral stages imply different water and mineral requirements?

The first question was answered for various species suitable for cut flower production, after successive trials derived from open field experience. The subsequent questions were only considered for Protea eximia and P. neriifolia. This study enabled us to establish a basic nutrient solution and to list suitable substrates for most Proteaceae genera and species, but relative needs for various development stages remain specific to each species.

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