The leaf-shape of Protea magnifica is variable: oblong-elliptic to lanceolate, ovate or obovate. The leaves may be sessile or have very short and indistinct petioles. The leaf midribs are prominent with visible, ascending, lateral veins. Leaf tips are rounded, tapering or acutely angled. The leaves vary in length from 10 cm to 21 cm, in width from 3 cm to 6 cm.
Leaf colour is grey-green or blue-grey, glaucous. Mature blades are hairless and leathery, although some young leaf hairiness may persist along the margins. The leaf margins are cartilaginous, reddish or cream, sometimes wavy (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Coates Palgrave, 2002; Rebelo, 1995; Rourke, 1980; iNaturalist).