My Waratah (Telopea) has damaged leaves, showing signs of blistering and trails over the leaves.
This is most probably leaf miner. Ask you nursery to recommend a systemic (absorbed into the plant) insecticide.
Why won't my Protea flower?
Some possible reasons:
-It's too young - some take 3 years, the King up to 6 years.
-It's in the shade - Proteas need sun all day to flower.
-It's not had enough water during bud formation so buds die.
My Waratah (Telopea) is not growing.
Waratahs prefer some protection from the wind and sun, and need watering during summer. Feed during early Spring with slow release native fertiliser or blood and bone. If your soil is clay you will need to add gypsum to break it up and improve drainage..
My King Protea has red spots on the leaves.
There are many causes of this, here are some possible solutions:
-feed the plant with slow release fertiliser for "natives" in Spring.
-ensure the plant is watered during summer.
-the plant should be exposed to sunlight all day.
-avoid clay soils / add gypsum to break up the soil and improve drainage.
My Protea's buds form but why won't they open?
Some possible reasons:
-With some varieties (for example Protea grandiceps), the flowers don't ever appear to open.
-With some varieties such as Protea repens, the flower buds close after flowering and it is possible to miss seeing the flower.
-Insufficient water during bud formation can cause buds not to open.
-Frost killed the bud.
Why did my Protea die?
Some possible reasons:
-overwatering of mature plants.
-unsuitable plant for the condition.
-presence of root rot fungi (treat with 'Fongarid', do not replant Proteas in this spot).
-unsuitable soil; do not use mushroom compost or added fertiliser in the garden
