How to Grow Magnolia Champaca - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Magnolia champaca is a plant that is native to southern China and Vietnam. It is a member of the Magnoliaceae family and is also known as the golden lotus tree or the Indian magnolia. The plant grows to a height of 15-20 meters and has large, white flowers that are fragrant and bloom from June to July. The flowers are followed by elliptical, green fruits that ripen to a yellow-orange color in September.

How to Grow Magnolia Champaca - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Scented Champaca
  • Yellow Champaca
  • Golden Champa
  • Yellow Champa
  • Indian Magnolia

Good to Know

  • Magnolia champaca is a species of magnolia native to Southeast Asia.
  • It is a large evergreen tree growing to 20–40 m tall.
  • The leaves are 15–30 cm long and 10–20 cm broad.
  • The flowers are 10–12 cm diameter, with 15–20 tepals arranged in two whorls of 9-1 They are yellowish-white with a central orange-red blotch.
  • The fruit is an oval-shaped cone 10–15 cm long and 7–10 cm broad, containing numerous seeds.
  • Magnolia champaca is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its flowers, which are used in religious ceremonies, as well as in perfumery and traditional medicine.
  • The flower is the national flower of Cambodia and is also used as a temple offering in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
  • In Indonesia, the flowers are used in the traditional wedding ceremony, while the tree is considered sacred and is often planted near temples and graves.
  • Magnolia champaca is also known as the "golden champa", "champa flower" or "frangipani".
  • The tree is also known as the "tree of wealth" and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Related plant:
Magnolia Figo

Growing Steps

  1. For magnolia champaca, first step is to plant the tree in a location with moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  2. Water the tree regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  3. Fertilize champaca tree twice a year, in spring and fall, with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. Prune magnolia champaca tree as needed to keep it healthy and looking its best.
  5. Enjoy the beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance of your magnolia champaca tree!

Related plant:
Magnolia Bush

The Soil

About soil condition,Magnolia champaca prefers well-drained, acidic soils and does not do well in heavy, clay soils. The tree is tolerant of salt and can be grown in coastal areas. It can also grow in full sun or partial shade.

About light

Not too different with other magnolia trees, the champaca requires full sun to partial shade in order to thrive. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can also tolerate drier conditions. This tree can reach a height of 40-50 feet and has a spread of 20-25 feet. The champaca is a beautiful tree that produces large, fragrant flowers. The flowers can be white, yellow, or pink in color and they bloom from May to July.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that magnolia champaca thrives in is tropical. This means that the temperature is warm year-round, with little variation. The ideal temperature for magnolia champaca is between 21 and 32 degrees Celsius.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 70-80%. However, it can tolerate lower humidity level as well. It is important to maintain consistent humidity level for the plant, as sudden change can lead to stress on the plant. When the plant is under stress, it is more susceptible to disease and pests.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant requires, is used to promote growth in the roots and help the plant to become more disease resistant. The roots are able to stay moist and cool in the summer heat, which helps the plant to absorb more nutrients from the soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your magnolia champaca healthy and looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches first. Next, cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or growing in an undesirable direction. Finally, trim back any overgrown branches to maintain the desired shape of the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation : To propagate magnolia champaca, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be around 6 inches in length. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in a pot filled with sterile potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist. Cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate relatively slowly, taking around 10 years to mature. However, once they reach maturity, they can grow quite quickly, up to 3 feet per year. Given the right conditions, magnolia champaca can live for centuries.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are black spotting on the leaves, yellowing of the leaves, and browning of the flowers. These problems are usually caused by fungi or bacteria. To prevent these problems, it is important to water the plant regularly and to keep the area around the plant free of debris.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to fertilize the soil before planting the magnolia champaca.
  • Choose a sunny spot for planting.
  • Water the plant regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Protect the plant from strong winds by staking it.
  • Collect the fallen leaves and flowers for composting.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat them immediately if found.
  • Feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
  • Enjoy the fragrance of the beautiful magnolia champaca flowers!

Related Plants

  • Magnolia campbellii tree
  • Magnolia x campbellii tree
  • Magnolia champaca x campbellii
  • Magnolia champaca florist
  • Magnolia champaca commons
  • Magnolia champaca grandiflora
  • Magnolia champaca france
  • Magnolia champaca fruit
  • Magnolia champaca hindimoviesonlines.in
  • Magnolia champaca lily

Source:
Browse All : MAGNOLIACEAE Magnolia champaca
Michelia champaca, champaca | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Discover Nature at JCU - Michelia champaca - JCU Australia

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category