The art of bonsai, which has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years, also has many followers here. However, if you want to raise a magnolia as a bonsai, you have to make a lot of compromises.
Star magnolia is the best
The most suitable species for a magnolia bonsai is the relatively small and small-leaved star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Although some experienced growers have already grown bonsai from other magnolia species, these will always remain relatively large due to their peculiar growth habit and the fact that they should not be pruned too radically.
shape or flower? That is the question
Magnolias have the property of forming ugly water veins in the most unlikely places if they are cut too often - and the more you cut away, the more will grow back afterwards. In addition, cuts in this type of wood heal poorly and form a gateway for various fungi. If all this doesn't deter you: If you want to grow a magnolia bonsai, you often have to decide between the shape and the flower. You can only get a bonsai into the desired shape by cutting it accordingly, although there is a risk that you will have to remove the beginnings of the flower - ergo the flower will fail.
Cut magnolia bonsai
Wiring the magnolia bonsai is basically not necessary, but you must immediately remove developing, unsuitable shoots. Repot the tree every three to four years in fresh, slightly acidic substrate and use this opportunity to rejuvenate the roots. Repotting should be done immediately after flowering. Incidentally, flat bonsai pots are not a problem for magnolias at all, since the roots naturally grow very flat. Be sure to ensure good drainage, though, because magnolias like moisture but not waterlogging. Regular fertilization should also not be neglected.
tips and tricks
In addition to the star magnolia, the purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) is also suitable for training as a bonsai, provided it is a variety that is as small as possible.