In principle, magnolias are easy to care for, provided they are in the right location and in the right soil. Regular fertilization is only necessary if deficiency symptoms become noticeable.

The right soil for magnolias

Magnolias can be real divas: if they don't feel well, they show it very clearly and simply refuse to flower. In order not to give your magnolia a reason for such bitching, it is best to ensure optimal conditions when planting. In addition to the right location, this includes a humic, slightly acidic soil. Sandy soil is unsuitable for magnolias, while loamy soil should be enriched with plenty of rhododendron soil before planting.

Preserve acidic soils

If your magnolia has been in acidic soil for a number of years but is ailing, these two causes are the most likely: Acidic soil usually contains little magnesium, which is also used up after a certain period of time. In this case, fertilize your magnolia with a fertilizer containing magnesium. However, be aware that most commercially available ready-made fertilizers contain little or no of this mineral. However, applying an Epsom salt solution can help, although you can also use it preventively. Furthermore, a formerly acidic soil can change its pH value unnoticed. In this case, spreading bog bed soil generously in the root area helps.

Mature compost is sufficient for healthy magnolias

Healthy magnolias are fed a thick layer of mature (i.e., well-rotted) compost in both spring and fall. When working in the root area, be careful not to work too deep due to the shallow roots. Fall compost should help your magnolia tree survive the winter more easily. Further fertilization (e.g. with ready-to-use or liquid fertilizers) is not necessary for magnolias planted in the garden. Potted magnolias, on the other hand, need regular fertilization about every two weeks with a good liquid fertilizer. A rhododendron or bog bed fertilizer is also ideal here.

Recognize and counteract deficiencies

In the following overview you can assign the abnormalities noticed on your magnolia tree to the corresponding deficiency symptoms at a glance and act correctly. However, you won't go wrong if you feed your ailing magnolia with rhododendron or ericaceous fertilizer. This has been specially developed for the needs of plants growing in acidic soil.

abnormalities What is missing? countermeasures
Leaves turn light green nitrogen Fertilization with nitrogenous fertilizer (e.g. yellow grain)
Leaves turn yellow-green magnesium Fertilization with Epsom salt solution
Leaves develop interblade necrosis (i.e., brown or black spots) magnesium Fertilization with Epsom salt solution
Leaves turn brown from the edge of the leaf potassium Fertilization with Thomaskali
leaves turn yellow potassium Fertilization with Thomaskali
Leaves turn blue-grey phosphorus Fertilization with Thomaskali
Leaves turn yellow iron Fertilization with iron fertilizer
Pale leaves with rich green veins iron Fertilization with iron fertilizer

tips and tricks

Magnolias do not have a particularly high nutrient requirement and are therefore at risk from over-fertilization. It is better to pay close attention to the leaf color and flowering behavior of your magnolia tree, then you can quickly compensate for an existing nutrient requirement.

Category:

Trees