The magnolia with its beautiful, fragrant flowers is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in our gardens. Anyone who is not lucky enough to have a garden to call their own would like to have this spring beauty in their home. However, cultivation as a houseplant is usually not successful.
Is the magnolia suitable as a houseplant?
Magnolias are not suitable as houseplants because they require a lot of space, sunlight and hardy conditions. However, they can be cultivated in a pot on a balcony or terrace. A flowering alternative for indoor spaces is the rose hibiscus.
Indoor magnolia does not bloom
Magnolias, from a botanical point of view, are usually large shrubs that can reach heights of three meters or more - and are just as wide. Some types of magnolia, on the other hand, grow more as a tree that can reach heights of up to six meters or more. Even though they grow very slowly, magnolias need a lot of space. In addition, for their well-being, they need a place outside that is as sunny and protected as possible, where they can stay throughout the winter. After all, commercially available magnolia varieties in this country are in most cases hardy. Indoor magnolias may grow for a few years, but eventually stop growing and become stunted. Indoor magnolias also almost never bloom, even if they sometimes set buds. However, the hopefully expected bud break rarely occurs; instead, they simply fall off.
Magnolia as a pot plant on the balcony or terrace
Although it is not advisable to keep magnolias as houseplants, smaller species can still be cultivated in a pot. However, this should be given a sunny and sheltered spot on the balcony or terrace, and the bucket must also be sufficiently large - it is better to be much too big than too small. The magnolia is a shallow-rooted plant; its roots spread out in a plate shape around the plant and also require a lot of space. In winter, a potted magnolia definitely needs good protection so that its sensitive roots do not freeze and the plant possibly dies. Under no circumstances should the magnolia overwinter in a warm living room; it would be better to keep it under cold house conditions. Deciduous species can also be placed in a dark place; after all, photosynthesis cannot take place without leaves.
Tips & Tricks
If you are looking for a beautiful, flowering plant to keep indoors, try a hibiscus. The rose hibiscus (also called Chinese rose or rose marshmallow) in particular is ideal for this purpose and impresses with its wonderful flowers.
