Why does magnolia lose leaves

In addition to gorgeous flowers, magnolias also have decorative foliage. Shiny and leatherymagnolia leaves can turn yellow, brown and dropduring the growing season. Environmental factors, care errors or maybe infestation by diseases or pests are to blame? We explainwhy magnolia loses leavesand how to fix it.

Why does magnolia lose leaves
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Magnolia loses leaves naturally

Magnolias shed their leaves all year round. It is part of their vegetative cycle.The plant expends a lot of energy in creating the flowers, so in order not to spend it on other purposes,magnolias often shed their leaves before floweringIf your magnolia behaves this way every year, don't be alarmed. The plant will release new leaves once it blooms.Most magnolia species also shed their leaves in fallin preparation for winter. The exceptions are evergreen magnolias, such as large-flowered magnolia.

Magnolia loses leaves due to poor pH of the soil

Otherthe cause of leaf fall may be the wrong pH of the substrateFor magnolias, the most advantageous soil is slightly acidic or neutral (pH 5.0-7.0). A soil that is too alkaline can cause yellowing and premature leaf fall. Therefore, when growing magnolias, the pH of the soil should be controlled and it should be modified in a timely manner. He can easily measure the pH of the soil under the magnolia using an electronic soil meter.
Magnolias also do not feel very well on wet and heavy soils, as well as on sandy soils. The soil mixture for magnolia should consist of leaf soil, acid peat and sand mixed together in a ratio of 3: 2: 2.

Magnolia loses leaves because it is watered poorly

Too little or too much water can lead toyellowing and dying off of magnolia leavesMagnolias require moist, well-drained soil. With a water deficit, the plant cannot deliver water to all its organs and as a result, the magnolia may shed leaves. Too little water can also cause stress, causing the plant to lose leaves. Due to a lack of water, even he althy plants can shed up to 10% of their leaves on a regular basis in times of drought.
In turn, with an excess of moisture in the substrate, magnolia roots begin to rot. Magnolia with damaged roots cannot take up nutrients and water from the soil, and as a result it begins to die off.
Make sure the Magnolia Substrate is kept moistbut not excessively wet. If the plant is grown in a container, before planting it, place a drainage layer using, for example, expanded clay, and then the substrate. The bottom of the pot must be equipped with holes that drain excess water to the outside.

Magnolia loses leaves due to bad lighting conditions

If magnolia sheds leaves in summerit can be a symptom of both sunburn and insufficient light. Magnolias prefer sunny locations, but too harsh light can damage the delicate leaves of plants. This applies primarily to young, freshly planted specimens. Also, a shadowy position and insufficient light can causemagnolia leaf fall

Magnolia loses leaves because it is poorly fertilized

Fertile, nutrient-rich soils are the most favorable for the development of magnolia.If our plant loses leaves, it may be a signal that it is not getting enough micro and macro elements. To prevent such a situation, we fertilize magnolia throughout the growing season - from spring to autumn, using slow-release fertilizers or preparations specially dedicated to magnolia.

Magnolia loses leaves because the roots are damaged

The root system of magnolia is poorly developed, sensitive to mechanical damage, and shallow, located just below the surface of the earth. Improperly planting or transplanting magnolia can damage delicate roots. As a result, the plant is unable to take up water and nutrients from the soil and begins to shed leaves.

Good to know!
Damage to the delicate roots of magnolia can also be caused by moles, which burn the soil around plants. If molehills appear in the garden, it is imperative to combat moles.We can do this by planting mole repellent plants near the magnolia or by using the natural mole repeller, Kunagone.

Magnolia loses leaves because it was cut badly

Magnolias are generally not very good at pruning. For this reason, cutting magnolia is not recommended. In particular, mature plants that may lose their leaves under stress should not be pruned. If the plant is trimmed at the wrong date (in early spring) it can weaken its condition, which often results inloss of magnolia leaves

Magnolia loses leaves due to diseases or pests

Magnolias can suffer from diseases and pests. If, with the right choice of place and proper care,magnolia loses its leaves , you should carefully check for diseases or pests.
Diseases can be manifested bystains and discoloration as well as deformation of magnolia leavesSometimes you can also see clusters of fungus spores.In such cases, infested magnolia leaves must be removed and the entire plant sprayed with a fungicide, eg Scoprion 325 SC. As a rule, it is necessary to spray at least 2 times every 14 days.

If in summer, especially when it is hot and dry, mosaic-like discoloration appears on the upper side of the leaves, and over timethe magnolia leaves dry and fall , we may suspect spider mites.
If we notice clusters of wingless, dark green bugson the tops of the shoots and on the underside of the magnolia leaves , we can be sure that they are aphids. Affected magnolias grow less, have distorted leaves and are covered with sticky honey dew.In the event of an attack by spider mites or aphids, spraying with insecticides is necessary: ​​Karate Zeon 050 CS, Emulpar 940 EC or natural Limocide.

MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak