It blooms and blooms every year. But suddenly the flowers stop blooming, the leaves turn brown, diseases become noticeable and worry lines appear on the gardener's face. Does star magnolia lack nutrients?
When and how should you fertilize a star magnolia?
The star magnolia should ideally be fertilized every 8 to 12 weeks during its growing season in spring. Suitable fertilizers include rotted compost, horse manure or rhododendron and azalea fertilizer. Fertilize the plant in the root zone without damaging the roots.
Fertilizing necessarily necessary?
Basically, it is not necessarily necessary to fertilize the star magnolia every few weeks. As long as it grows he althy and happy, the soil does not lack nutrients. It copes well with moderately nutrient-poor substrates.
It is only recommended to fertilize this plant when deficiency symptoms become visible. A lack of nutrients can, for example, result in an increased susceptibility to illness. The leaves can also turn brown and fall off.
Which fertilizer is suitable?
He althy soil does not need fertilizer. But if you want to fertilize your star magnolia, you have the choice between the following fertilizers:
- rotted compost
- Crap like horse manure
- Rhododendron and azalea fertilizer (organic-mineral)
When should fertilizer be added?
As part of star magnolia care, fertilizer should be applied at the start of its growing season. This is the case in spring. It is enough to fertilize them every 8 to 12 weeks.
How to fertilize?
If you decide to use an organic-mineral fertilizer from the trade, you should proceed as per the manufacturer or as noted on the packaging. If you decide to use compost or manure, you should rake it into the surface above the roots. Caution: Do not damage the roots of the plant. They lie flat in the ground.
What are the benefits of fertilizing star magnolia?
Fertilizing the star magnolia causes it to grow faster and consequently has more shoots for flowers. The nutrients also give it enough strength to deal with diseases and pests. Last but not least, she looks more vital overall.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to save on fertilizer, you should mulch the star magnolia generously. This way you can kill three birds with one stone. Water requirements are reduced, weeds are suppressed and nutrients are released slowly and evenly.