Everywhere the magnolia lover reads that these primeval trees are easy to care for, would thrive almost anywhere and are also not very susceptible to diseases. Basically, this claim is also true, but the magnolia is a real diva that is difficult to please.
Leaf loss can have various causes
First of all: Losing leaves in autumn is completely normal for most magnolias, unless it is an evergreen variety. Many magnolia species shed their leaves in the fall, preparing for winter. In spring, depending on the magnolia species, new leaves appear either before or after flowering. However, if leaf loss occurs in spring or summer, your magnolia will not feel well. There are many reasons for this, whereby the possible discoloration of the falling leaves can give you an indication of the reason. In the table below, we have summarized the most common causes of falling leaves and the corresponding countermeasures.
| leaf discoloration | Possible Cause | countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| yellow / light green | Chlorosis / deficiency (mostly magnesium) | fertilize |
| Brown | with prolonged drought, lack of water | water |
| Brown | with high humidity possible waterlogging | ensure more dryness / possibly implement |
| yellowish to brown | wrong location (e.g. calcareous soil) | implement or soil improvement |
| gray to white spots | mildew | Home remedies or fungicides, cut |
| yellow upper side of leaf, yellow-brown spots on lower side of leaf | rust disease | Home remedies or fungicides, cut |
| yellow (when located near a house wall) | Calcium chlorosis with simultaneous iron deficiency | Fertilize with iron chelate or transplant |
Transplanting often causes leaf shedding
Another cause of leaf loss can also be a recent planting or transplanting, for example by planting a previously potted magnolia in the garden or transplanting an older magnolia. In such a case, root damage often occurs or you even have to prune the roots. The plant then sheds some leaves because it cannot supply all of the above-ground parts with the reduced roots. Magnolias transplanted from the pot, on the other hand, initially strive to develop new roots and therefore shed leaves.
tips and tricks
Most magnolia species do not like calcareous soil, although some specimens may have thrived in such for years. However, a slightly acidic, humus-rich and loose soil is better. Make sure, however, that this is not too humus, because an oversupply also leads to leaf shedding. By the way, acidic soils are often poor in magnesium.