Seed Propagation Of Leucospermum Cordiflolium

Deep In Their Roots They Keep The Light...

People outside the Cape Floral Kingdom and especially outside South Africa do not have the privilege to propagate plants from the Proteacea family naturally, but with the newly developed nursery from Propgrowth it can be done anywhere in the world by creating the optimal growing environment for the plant to be propagated. 

Leucospermum cordiflolium is a proudly South African plant which is part of the Proteacea family. It is commonly known as Pincushion or “Bobbejaanklou” in Afrikaans. It is mainly propagated via seeds and requires specific procedures and environmental conditions.

Leucospermum cordiflolium prefers an area with winter rainfall with its wet winters from May to September and hot, dry summers from December to end of February. This must be kept in mind when the Leucospermum cordiflolium is propagated in the nursery. Seeds must be sown at the end of February when the nights get cooler. To replicate the optimal conditions for Leucospermum cordiflolium to germinate in, an optimal low and high temperature of 9 and 24 ^OC is used. Where lower temperature and higher temperature is maintained for 16 and 8 hours respectively to ensure that germination occurs the same as in die natural environment. Studies have shown that when Leucospermum cordiflolium grow in increasing shade from 0 to 80% it results in the decrease of the number of styles and decrease of the length and diameter of receptacle.

Before the seeds get sown it is important to make sure that the seeds are fresh and that is goes through a certain process to ensure the best results. Soak Leucospermum cordiflolium seed in water to which hydrogen peroxide has been added, at the ratio of 1% of the total volume. This loosens the outer seed coat and oxygenates the seed. The softened seed coat is then rubbed off. It is important to dust the seed with a systemic fungicide so it can be absorbed by the seed to ensure that all fungi is killed that could have possibly infected the seed before it is sown. Seed should be sown in a seed-tray placed in a sunny position. Germination starts after three to four weeks. The seedlings need to be picked out in batches because the seed germinates at different times. It is necessary to sow seedlings in a well-drained medium because this can decreased the potential problem that is caused by the high clay content of the soils. Leucospermum cordiflolium thrive in very sandy and rocky soils and that is why it is so important to decrease the problem of high clay content in soil. It is possible for them to adapt in nutrient poor soil and for this reason organic fertilisers are recommended, as chemical fertilisers with a phosphorous content will damage the plant. In richer soils all fertilisers should be avoided. Leucospermum cordiflolium flourish in windy conditions where air can circulate freely. It is necessary to water the plants deeply every week during the first two years of growth, but once the plant is well established they tolerate drought. Apply a coarse mulch such as bark or wood chips over the roots. This will prevent weed growth, protect the soil and provide slow fertilisation. Pine bark and pine needles will also help to acidify the soil which is preferable for Leucospermum cordiflolium.

Leucospermum cordiflolium is an extremely well adapted plant and it a great way to light up any plantation with its bright yellow colour.