Magnolia grandiflora is a plant that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a large evergreen tree that can grow to a height of 100 feet. The leaves of the tree are large and leathery, and the flowers are white and very fragrant.
Related plant:
Magnolia Figo
Related plant:
Magnolia Soulangeana
About soil condition, magnolia grandiflora prefers acidic, well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. It does not like wet, poorly drained soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
Like the other plants, magnolias need sunlight to grow. They prefer full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, they can also tolerate partial sun, which means they need at least four hours of sun each day. Magnolias can also tolerate some shade, but they will not flower as well in these conditions.
The temperature conditions that are most ideal for magnolia grandiflora are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures allows the plant to retain its moisture and prevents the leaves from drying out. The plant also needs to be in an area where there is plenty of sunlight.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower. The plant does not tolerate high humidity well and may start to experience problems such as leaf drop and fungal diseases. If the humidity is too high, the plant may also start to produce less flowers.
The fertilizer, this type of plant need, is a 5-10-5. The fertilizer should be fed to the plant during the spring and summer. If the plant is in a pot, the roots will need to be fertilized every two weeks. If the plant is in the ground, the roots will need to be fertilized every month.
Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy magnolia grandiflora. Pruning should be done in early spring, before new growth appears. The best time to prune is when the plant is still dormant. This will help to prevent damage to the new growth.
Propagation of magnolia grandiflora is relatively easy and can be done either by seed or by cuttings. Seed germination can take anywhere from one to six months, so patience is required. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy branches in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about four to six inches long and placed in a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, sunny location until they have rooted, which can take four to eight weeks. Once rooted, the magnolia grandiflora can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when rainfall is plentiful and temperatures are warm. The average growth rate for this species is between 1-2 feet per year. However, growth rates can vary depending on the tree's age, location, and health. For example, young trees may grow more quickly than mature trees, and trees in southern regions may grow more rapidly than those in northern regions. Additionally, trees that are well-cared-for are likely to have faster growth rates than trees that are not.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, scale, sooty mold, and root rot. Caterpillars are the most common problem and can be controlled with insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis. Scale can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the honeydew secreted by scale and can be controlled with fungicides. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils and can be controlled by planting in well-drained soil and applying a root rot fungicide.
Source:
Magnolia grandiflora, southern magnolia | Trees of Stanford
Growing Southern Magnolia | UGA Cooperative Extension
Magnolia, Southern (Magnolia grandiflora 'Alta', Magnoliaceae) Â…