Most magnolias have very large, shiny leaves that are arranged alternately. You can easily tell whether your magnolia tree is feeling good by looking at the leaf color.
Why are my magnolia leaves changing color?
Magnolias can get brown or yellow leaves due to late frost, unfavorable location, nutrient deficiency or leaf spot. Improve the site, fertilize if necessary and water regularly to support the he alth of the plant.
Not all magnolias are deciduous
Many types of magnolia shed their leaves in autumn, although there are also evergreen varieties. The difference is due to the different origins of the trees, as some magnolias come from always warm areas. The rule of thumb is that evergreen magnolia varieties usually have little or no winter hardiness and should therefore be cultivated either in pots or planted out in mild regions (e.g. the German wine-growing regions). The deciduous magnolias first bloom and then develop their leaves. Leaves and flowers can only appear at the same time during a possible second flowering in summer.
Leaves turn brown
Brown leaves on magnolias usually indicate either damage caused by late frosts and/or an unsuitable location - the magnolia simply does not feel comfortable and shows this with the leaf color. Magnolias need a sunny (but not too sunny) and wind-protected location, and the soil should be as loose as possible, rich in humus and slightly acidic. Brownish spots, on the other hand, are a hallmark of leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. It mainly occurs in warm but humid weather conditions.
Leaves turn yellow
Yellow colored leaves always indicate a nutrient deficiency. This can occur because the roots cannot absorb nutrients and transport them to the upper leaf areas, either due to soil that is too heavy or waterlogged (be careful, risk of rot!), or because there are simply not enough nutrients in the soil. For optimal nutrient absorption, magnolias need slightly acidic to acidic soil with pH values between 5.5 and 6.8. In many cases, the yellow leaves of the magnolia indicate a deficiency of magnesium or iron. In such a case, fertilizing with a rhodendron fertilizer is not a bad idea.
Tip
Magnolias need a lot of water and should therefore be watered in dry times and hot periods. However, you should be careful not to pour the irrigation water over leaves and flowers.
