Origin
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans, commonly known as the velvet sugarbush or silver sugarbush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Proteaceae. Native to Angola, Namibia, and Zambia, this plant is commonly found growing in the mountainous regions, rocky outcrops, and savannas of these countries.
Common Names
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans is commonly known as the velvet sugarbush or silver sugarbush. In Angola, it is locally known as "Matule" while in Namibia, it is referred to as "Spookvel" or "Velsuikerbos".
Appearance
The velvet sugarbush is a beautiful, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 m in height. It has large, leathery leaves that are silver-grey or green and velvety to the touch. The large, bowl-shaped flowers are the most striking feature of this plant and can reach up to 12 cm in diameter. The flowers are a deep red to burgundy color and are surrounded by silvery-white bracts that form a cup around the base of the flower head.
Uses
The velvet sugarbush is grown primarily as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world. However, the plant has also been used for medicinal purposes by the indigenous people of Angola. It is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Light Requirements
The Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans requires full sunlight exposure for its survival. Therefore, it must be placed in a well-lit location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in high temperatures. The optimum temperature range for the Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans is between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C) could lead to its decline. Additionally, it can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature as long as it is not extreme.
Soil Requirements
The Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans grows best in well-draining soil that is light and airy. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It does not thrive in heavy clay soils, which do not allow for proper drainage. Additionally, it requires soil rich in organic matter and does not do well in soils lacking essential nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus. It is also important to avoid over-watering the plant as this could lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans, commonly known as velvet sugarbush, is a shrub that is native to southwestern Angola and northern Namibia. It thrives in Mediterranean climates, and it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9b-11. The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic or neutral, with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
When cultivating velvet sugarbush, it is essential to plant it in a sunny or partially shaded location. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow. It is advisable to plant the shrub in a sheltered area, away from strong winds that may damage its delicate flowers and leaves.
Watering Needs
The velvet sugarbush requires moderate watering, especially during the active growth phase in spring and summer. It is advisable to water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of at least six inches. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and it is crucial to ensure that the soil drains well after watering. During the cooler months of the year, the plant requires less water, and it is essential to reduce watering frequency to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Protea micans Welw subsp. micans requires a low-nutrient feed, which contains a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advisable to feed the plant once every three months during its active growing season, starting in spring until early fall. Overfertilizing the plant may lead to nutrient burn, which causes the leaves to turn brown and curl up.
Pruning
Pruning the velvet sugarbush is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed at any time of the year to prevent the spread of infections. To encourage bushy growth and optimize flower production, it is advisable to pinch off the tips of the branches in early spring to promote branching.
Propagation of Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans can be propagated through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature cones. It is important to harvest the cones just before they start to open and release the seeds. The cones should be kept in a cool, dry place until they open on their own. Once the cones have opened, the seeds can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be lightly moistened before sowing the seeds. The seeds should be sown just below the surface of the potting mix and lightly covered with soil. The pots should be placed in a warm, bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
The seeds will usually germinate within 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as cuttings and layering.
Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood growth. The cuttings should be around 8-10cm long and should be taken in late summer or early autumn. The lower leaves should be removed from the cutting and the base of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, bright location.
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem and burying it in the soil. Roots will grow from the stem at the point where it intersects with the soil. Once the roots have formed, the stem can be cut and transplanted into a well-draining potting mix.
Disease Management
Protea micans Welw. subsp. micans is generally a hardy plant, but like any other plant species, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include root rot, fungal leaf spot, and Botryosphaeria dieback.
One way to manage root rot is to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to anaerobic conditions that favor the growth of pathogens. Also, make sure to plant the protea micans in well-draining soil, and avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage. Fungicides can also be used to control root rot.
In the case of fungal leaf spot, affected leaves should be pruned and destroyed as soon as possible. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease. To prevent fungal leaf spot, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid getting water on the leaves during watering.
Botryosphaeria dieback, also known as protea canker, is a fungal disease that affects the plant's stems and branches, causing dieback. Preventative measures include pruning infected branches and using a copper-based fungicide to protect healthy branches.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect the protea micans include spider mites, thrips, and scale insects. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Thrips can be managed through insecticidal treatments or by releasing predatory mites that feed on thrips.
Scale insects are more challenging to control, but insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective in controlling their populations. Pruning the affected parts of the plant can also help manage scale insects.
In general, good hygiene practices such as removing dead or fallen plant material and maintaining a clean growing area can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Strong, healthy plants are also less susceptible to pests and diseases, so make sure to provide the protea micans with the right growing conditions, including proper soil, light, and water.
