Magnolias are quite insensitive to fungi and animal pests. However, they quickly resent an incorrect location, unsuitable soil or incorrect care and react by turning the leaves brown.
Why is my magnolia getting brown leaves and what can I do about it?
Brown leaves on magnolias can be caused by late frosts, incorrect location, unsuitable soil or incorrect care. Remedy can be achieved by: transplanting to a suitable location, enriching the soil with acidic rhododendron soil or fertilizing if the soil is exhausted.
Causes of brown leaves on magnolias
If your magnolia has brown leaves, there could be various reasons behind it. If not only the leaves but also the leaf buds and flowers turn brown, late frosts in spring are usually responsible. If this is not the cause, check the location and/or the condition of the soil. Full sun locations are just as unsuitable for magnolias as a location on a lawn or even under plantings. The soil must be slightly acidic; magnolias prefer pH values between 5.5 and approx. 6.5.
Countermeasures
If your magnolia is in the wrong location, you should transplant it. Make sure to enrich the soil with acidic rhododendron soil. If only the current location is exhausted, it is best to fertilize the plant with a fertilizer for acidic soil (e.g. a rhododendron fertilizer). If there's late frost damage, there's not much you can do other than wait and see.
Tips & Tricks
Avoid pruning your magnolia. A cut should only be made if there is an infestation with mildew or another fungus.
