The art of bonsai, which has been practiced in Japan for thousands of years, also has many fans here. However, if you want to train a magnolia as a bonsai, you have to make a lot of compromises.
How to grow a magnolia bonsai?
A magnolia bonsai can best be grown from the small star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Unsuitable shoots must be removed, repotted every three to four years and fertilized regularly. However, please note that flowering may be affected by shaping pruning.
Star magnolia is best
The most suitable species for a magnolia bonsai is the relatively small and small-leaved star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Although some experienced breeders have already grown bonsais from other types of magnolias, these will always remain relatively large due to their peculiar growth habit and the fact that they should not be pruned too radically.
Form or flower? That's the question
Magnolias have the property of forming ugly water veins in the most unlikely places if they are cut too often - and the more you cut away, the more they grow back. In addition, cuts on this type of tree heal poorly and form an entry point for various fungi. If all of this doesn't put you off: If you want to grow a magnolia bonsai, you often have to decide between the shape and the flower. You can only get a bonsai into the desired shape by cutting it appropriately, although there is a risk that you will have to remove the flower heads - meaning the flower will fall out.
Cutting magnolia bonsai
Wiring the magnolia bonsai is basically not necessary, but you must immediately remove any unsuitable shoots that develop. Repot the tree into fresh, slightly acidic substrate about every three to four years and use this opportunity to rejuvenate the roots. Repotting should be done immediately after flowering. Incidentally, flat bonsai pots are no problem at all for magnolias, as the roots naturally grow very flat anyway. However, be sure to ensure good drainage, because magnolias like moisture, but not waterlogging. Regular fertilization should also not be omitted.
Tips & Tricks
In addition to the star magnolia, the purple magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora) is also suitable for growing as a bonsai, as long as it is a variety that is as small as possible.