Sweet bay magnolia tree is one of the most popular and oldest trees in the southern United States. The sweet bay magnolia tree is a beautiful, flowering tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall. The sweet bay magnolia tree has large, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The sweet bay magnolia tree is a popular tree for landscaping and gardens because it is easy to care for and is very drought tolerant.
Related plant:
Sweet Almond Bush
Related plant:
Sweetgum
About soil condition, the sweet bay magnolia tree prefer wet, boggy soils and are intolerant of drought conditions and compacted soils. They will grow in full sun to partial shade but prefer partial shade, especially in hot, humid climates. The soil should be acidic to neutral in pH.
Not too different with other magnolia trees, the sweet bay magnolia tree needs lots of sun to grow and thrive. This tree grows best in full sun to partial sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to do well. It's also important to plant this tree in a location that gets good air circulation to prevent problems with fungal diseases.
The temperature condition that is ideal for the sweet bay magnolia tree is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This tree is native to the southeastern United States, where the temperature conditions are typically mild.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-70% which can be provided by regular misting, grouping the plant with other plants, or using a humidifier. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and curl.
The fertilizer, this family of plant needs, is also easy to find as it is something that many gardeners and farmers use. You can find it at your local garden center or hardware store. For the Sweet Bay Magnolia tree, use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus.
Pruning is a necessary part of keeping a sweet bay magnolia tree healthy and strong. Without regular pruning, the tree can become weak and susceptible to disease and pests. While pruning is important, it should be done properly in order to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation is best accomplished by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken from the sweet bay magnolia tree in late summer. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and should have at least 2 leaves. Cut the bottom inch off of the cutting, and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and place the pot in a shady location. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in 4 to 6 weeks the cutting should have rooted. Once rooted, transplant the young tree into a permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 to24 inches per year. Some trees may grow more rapidly, but this is not common. A young tree may even double its growth rate for the first few years. Once a tree is established, its growth rate slows considerably.
Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, root rot, and powdery mildew. If you notice any of these problems on your tree, you should contact a certified arborist or tree care specialist for help.
Source:
Sweetbay Magnolia | Yale Nature Walk
Sweet Bay Magnolia - Bellarmine University
UNF - UNF Landscape - Magnolia virginiana - Sweet bay magnolia - unf.edu