How to Grow Michelia Champaca - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Michelia champaca is a plant native to tropical areas of southern China and Indochina. The plant produces large, fragrant flowers that can be white, yellow, or orange in color. The flowers are popular in many cultures for their unique fragrance, and the plant is used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes.

How to Grow Michelia Champaca - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Champaca
  • Champak
  • Champaca Tree
  • Golden Champaca
  • Yellow Champaca

Common Knowledge

  • The botanical name of michelia champaca is Magnolia champaca.
  • It is a tropical tree that is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
  • The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall.
  • The leaves are oblong-shaped and can be up to 30 centimeters long.
  • The flowers are large and fragrant, and can be either white or yellow in color.
  • The tree flowers throughout the year.
  • The fruits are oval-shaped and contain a single seed.
  • Michelia champaca is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders.
  • The tree is also grown as an ornamental plant.
  • It is considered to be sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Growing Steps

  1. For michelia champaca, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the soil by adding some organic matter such as compost or manure.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Water the plant deeply.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  7. champaca will begin to bloom in its second year of growth.
  8. To encourage more flowering, deadhead spent flowers.
  9. Fertilize champaca annually with a slow release fertilizer.
  10. Prune champaca after flowering to keep it looking tidy.

The Soil

About soil condition, Michelia champaca prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is not tolerant of heavy, clay soils. The roots are shallow and spreading, so the tree does not do well in drought conditions.

About light

Just like other Michelia species, the champaca tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It need at least four hours of good sun exposure each day in order to flower well. This tree is not particular about soil type, but it does require good drainage. If the soil is too heavy or poorly drained, the roots will rot. The champaca tree is also quite tolerant of salty air and windy conditions.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Michelia champaca is tropical. The temperature condition of the Michelia champaca is tropical. It is found in tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The temperature condition of the Michelia champaca is tropical. It is found in tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The flower is used in religious ceremonies and is also used as a perfume.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is above 60%. The plant will not do well in lower humidity conditions and the leaves will start to turn brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow.

Fertilizer Requirement

For the fertilizer, this plant requires high amounts of nitrogen and potassium. The root system is very sensitive to changes in the environment, so it is important to be careful when transplanting or repotting this plant.

Light requirement

Pruning your Michelia champaca is important to encourage new growth and to keep your plant healthy. You should prune your Michelia champaca in early spring, before new growth begins. To prune your Michelia champaca, start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Next, cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, trim back any branches that are longer than the others.

About Propagating

Propagation of michelia champaca is best done through seed. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Seedlings will emerge in approximately four weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Champaca can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and placed in a well-drained rooting medium. Cuttings will typically root within six weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate quickly when they are young. They can add as much as 3 feet (91 cm) in height in a single growing season. Once they reach maturity, their growth rate slows down considerably. They may only add a few inches (cm) in height each year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are too much sun, too little sun, poor drainage, and insufficient water. If the plant gets too much sun, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. If the plant does not get enough sun, it will not bloom. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, and insufficient water can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water the plant regularly.
  • Place the plant in a sunny location.
  • Use a well-draining pot or container.
  • Fertilize the plant regularly.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Repot the plant every few years to refresh the soil.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
  • Deadhead the flowers regularly.
  • Place the plant in a protected location during winter.
  • Enjoy the beautiful flowers of the plant!

Alternative Plants

  • Michelia champaca ssp. maingayi (Vidal) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca ssp. nielsenii (Ridl.) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca ssp. nilagiriensis (E.A. Bruce) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca subsp. champaca - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca var. pubescens (W.W. Smith & Ridley) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca var. rubella (Ridley) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia champaca var. rubiginosa (Ridley) D.F. Chamberlain - Champak tree
  • Michelia doltsopa E.Walton

Source:
Michelia champaca, champaca | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Michelia champaca (Magnoliaceae) - HEAR species info
Michelia champaca | Tropical Restoration Library

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category