Planted in a container: You do not want the medium to dry out completely. In a container the plant has a restricted root zone in which to take up water. Water once a day in windy dry conditions. Be careful of over watering a medium which does not drain well. Planted in a garden: It takes a protea up to two years to properly establish itself, thus becoming “drought tolerant”. During this period the plant will need to be watered well. If conditions become very hot and windy increase the amount of water you apply, as well as when it is flowering.