Image – Flickr/Ava Babili
Is it possible to grow a magnolia in a pot? If we are honest, it is not the most recommended. It is a tree that can measure more than 30 meters in height, and develop a crown of 4-5 meters in diameter, so if we think only about this, many -including myself- will tell you to plant it in the ground in when you have a chance But it is a plant that grows at a very slow rate, and also tolerates pruning. And, yes, I myself have a potted specimen and I have no intention of putting it in the ground.
The soil in the garden is clayey, with a pH of 7, and if you put it in it would not take long to become chlorotic due to lack of iron. Although this can be avoided when it is young and therefore small, by watering with acidic water and even adding blond peat to the soil when planting it, when it is an adult it does not pay off. Because, I'm going to explain how to care for a potted magnolia.
Sun or shade?
If we look for images of any magnolia tree, will show us plants exposed to direct sunlight. Even in nurseries they usually have them like this, in sunny places. But, Does that mean that the light of the star king must always give them? The reality is no.
All the deciduous magnolias They are mainly native to East Asia, where they live in areas where the climate is temperate and the winter is very cold with significant frosts, which is why they lose their leaves in autumn/winter. Are they grow much better in shade, especially when grown in warm-temperate climates such as the Mediterranean, where temperatures exceed 35ºC during the summer.
And the M. grandiflora is evergreen, native to the southeastern United States, where it is often found in low-lying, wooded areas where the climate is mild. this species yes can be grown in full sun, although it tolerates shade and partial shade. But yes, in summer it is preferable to protect it a little.
Large or small pot?
Neither too big nor too small. It must be of the appropriate size taking into account the height and diameter of the root ball (root loaf) that it has at that moment. Let's remember that its growth is very slow, so if we put it in a pot three times the size of the one it has now, not only would it take a long time to take root, but there could also be a risk that it would die from excess moisture.
Therefore, it is preferable to plant it in one that is at most 15 centimeters wider and taller than the one it currently has. It does not matter if it is made of plastic or clay, but it is important that it has drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting.
What culture substrate to put on it?
Given that all species of magnolias grow in acidic or slightly acidic soils, when we want to have one in a pot we will have to put an acidic substrate, that is, with a pH between 4 and 6. But, which one? We can choose:
Specific substrate for acid plants
It is a mixture of soils that contains the nutrients they need. The problem is that in climates with very hot summers (with temperatures over 30ºC) they tend to become very compact, preventing the free circulation of air between the grains of the substrate, this increases the risk of the plant suffocating if we do not control the risks. . But when the weather is mild, without extreme temperatures, it is the best option. You can get it here.
Akadama mix with 30% kanuma
These are substrates of volcanic origin, imported from Asia. They are expensive (for example, a 14 liter bag of akadama costs about 25 euros) and lack nutrients. But they quickly absorb water, fertilizers and fertilizers, and the air can circulate without problems between the grains, so it is very difficult for the roots to die drowned. However, if you live in an area where temperatures exceed 35ºC, I do not recommend them, because they lose moisture quickly and your magnolia could dehydrate.
I had Japanese maples (which are also acid plants) in this mix and during a heat wave, with highs of 38ºC and humidity above 70%, from one day to the next they ended up with dry leaves, all but one that I had ( and I have) in coconut fiber.
Coir
Retains water but without suffocating the roots. In addition, it contains some essential nutrients for magnolia, such as iron, vitamins A and C, and molybdenum. you can buy it here. In the video we explain more:
How to water the potted magnolia?
The magnolia or magnolia is a tree that does not resist drought, so it must be watered moderately throughout the year so that it does not dehydrate. It will be done with rainwater, or failing that, water with a pH between 4 and 6. To know what the pH of the water is, you can buy a pH meter like this, which as soon as you introduce it into the liquid will tell you what it is. In the event that it is higher, you can add a little lemon or vinegar to lower it.
Then, you have to pour the water into the substrate, until it comes out through the drainage holes of the pot. It is important that it is soaked well so that the plant does not go thirsty. Plus you have to do it about 2 or 3 times a week during the summer, and 1 or 2 a week the rest of the year as long as it doesn't rain, since if there is a forecast of rain, it is best not to water until the land needs it again. For the avoidance of doubt, it is highly advisable to purchase a soil moisture meter such as this, because you only have to enter it to know if it is wet or dry.
When to pay?
Image - Notesdehumo.com
While it is growing, that is, during the spring and summer months, it must be fertilized. In this way, we will make it much healthier and more precious. To do this, we can use:
- Specific liquid fertilizers for acid plants: they are very interesting, since their effectiveness is fast and they contain the nutrients they need. But yes, to avoid overdose, a small amount must be diluted -the one indicated on the container- in water, and it must also be added as often as indicated. You can get it here.
- Fertilizers for green plants: They are a good alternative when it is not possible to get the first one, or when the leaves of the magnolia are turning pale yellow (chlorotic). They contain iron and other nutrients that will contribute to your improvement, although it is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you want it, you got it here.
- Guano: It contains many nutrients, among which are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and its effects are seen quickly. But you have to be careful, because it is very concentrated and a small amount is enough for the plant to be perfect. To avoid problems, the instructions specified on the packaging must be followed. get it here.
How to prune potted magnolia?
If we do not have a garden to plant it in, or if we are interested in keeping it in a pot always, then we will have no choice but to prune it. But pruning will not be done every year, since as it grows very slowly it can take a long time before it is necessary to give it a touch-up.
This It basically consists of keeping the magnolia at the size that interests us, but trying not to prune branches that could reduce its ornamental value. In other words, if we intend for it to be a small tree, what we will do is wait for the trunk to begin to develop and, later, we will cut the branches a little so that they branch out more, and thus form a more compact crown. Also, if we want, we can clarify the crown, eliminating those branches that cross.
On the contrary, if we are more interested in it being a bush, we can start pruning it earlier. To do this, we will cut 1/3 of all the branches. In this way, more will sprout.
When should you prune? Well, if it is a deciduous magnolia (or Asian magnolia), it will be done in late winter, before the leaves come out; or in autumn if there are no frosts yet, when they no longer have them. And if it is evergreen, it will be done in early spring.
With these cares, you will surely be able to have a magnolia in a pot.