Protea

Caring for your proteas

Protea stems are woody. Cut them at a sharp angle and split the bottom inch so water can get in.

Their leaves tend to blacken well before the flower is finished. This is normal for the species and not a sign of poor quality. Strip the darkened leaves off and the bloom looks all the better for it.

Change the water every three or four days. They are not thirsty, but they dislike stale water.

When the vase life ends, do not throw them away. Take the protea out of the water, hang it upside down somewhere dry and out of the sun, and it will dry into a permanent version of itself.