Jooni
Magnolia
1 Species
Species
Fertilizing
Feed your magnolia bonsai with a balanced organic fertilizer once monthly during the growing season (spring through late summer). For more frequent feeding, you can opt for a liquid fertilizer applied weekly. During the blooming period, consider switching to a low-nitrogen fertilizer to enhance flower production and prevent excessive growth that could weaken the tree. Remember that proper fertilization is especially crucial during the growing season when the tree consumes more nutrients.
Additionally, watch for signs of chlorosis (yellowing leaves), which can occur due to nutrient deficiencies or when using highly calcareous water. If this happens, adjust your fertilization schedule or consider supplementing with specific nutrients as needed.
Placement
Place your magnolia bonsai in a location that receives bright morning sunlight with partial afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn. During the growing season, temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) are ideal. While magnolias are generally frost-hardy, protect your bonsai from severe frost when grown in small containers by moving it to a cold but frost-free greenhouse during winter.
The blooming period requires special attention - protect the flowers from rain and frost to extend their lifespan, as they can wilt suddenly when exposed to night frost in spring. If keeping the tree indoors, position it near a south or west-facing window to ensure adequate light exposure, but avoid placing it in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations or drafts.
Pruning
Prune your magnolia bonsai primarily during winter dormancy when the branch structure is clearly visible without leaves. After flowering and throughout the growing season, trim new shoots back to two leaves once they've developed five or six leaves. During summer, when the canopy becomes dense, remove the largest leaves to prevent inner branch shading.
For leaf reduction, you can perform defoliation in early summer by carefully removing mature leaves to encourage the growth of smaller ones. When pruning leaves, fold each leaf along its middle vein and make a diagonal cut to maintain a natural pointed shape. Avoid aggressive pruning as magnolias heal slowly, and be particularly cautious with pruning during the flowering period to prevent reducing bloom production.
Repotting
Repot younger magnolia bonsai trees every two to three years, while older specimens can go longer between repottings. Use a well-draining soil mixture with a pH between 5.5 and 7, incorporating components like akadama, pumice, and lava rock. The best time for repotting is early spring, just before bud break.
When repotting, be gentle with the root system as magnolia roots are quite tender, especially in older trees. Prune the roots conservatively, focusing on maintaining a healthy root mass rather than aggressive reduction. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes and is appropriately sized to accommodate the root system while maintaining aesthetic proportions.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, as magnolias are sensitive to both drought and overwatering. During the growing season, the tree consumes significant amounts of water, so monitor soil moisture daily by checking the top inch of soil - water thoroughly when it feels dry to the touch. Use water with a pH between 5.5 and 7, preferably rainwater if your tap water is highly calcareous.
Remember to adjust watering frequency based on seasonal changes and reduce watering during winter dormancy. Maintaining proper humidity through regular misting can benefit the tree, especially after repotting, but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.