How to Plant Magnolia liliiflora and Key Points to Note

In the past, Magnolia liliiflora was a very precious plant. It not only has extremely high ornamental value - one glance at its flowers is enough to enchant you. In addition, Magnolia liliiflora also has very powerful medicinal effects, as it can improve nasal airflow and has a marked effect on treating acute and chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. Let's take a look at how to plant it.

How to Plant Magnolia liliiflora

1. Planting preparation

In spring and autumn, choose a spot sheltered from the wind and facing the sun. The seedling should be kept with its soil ball so the fleshy roots are not damaged and do not rot.

2. Planting method

When planting, dig the soil deeply, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer at the bottom of the hole, cover the base fertilizer with a thin layer of soil, then place the Magnolia liliiflora in so the roots spread out. After planting, water thoroughly.

3. Planting and aftercare

Once the plant has survived and established, prevent drought in spring and water promptly. Around flowering, apply fertilizer once each time you water before and after blooming, which can promote flowering and new leaf growth. In the rainy summer season, guard against waterlogging and drain standing water promptly. In autumn, do not water too much, which helps the branches mature and improves cold resistance.

Magnolia liliiflora Planting Methods and Key Points to Note

I. Growing methods

1. Potting soil

Magnolia liliiflora likes loose, fertile acidic to slightly acidic soil. You can use equal parts leaf mold and vegetable garden soil mixed as the growing medium, and add 50 to 150 grams of bone meal or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer to the soil.

2. Watering

Magnolia liliiflora likes moisture and fears waterlogging, so watering at the right time and in the right amount is very important. From the start of spring to flowering, keep the potting soil moist but not wet; after flowering, keep the potting soil moist but not waterlogged; after leaf drop, keep the potting soil slightly moist but not dry.

3. Fertilizer

Magnolia liliiflora likes fertilizer. Fertilizing should seize the two key times: the 2 months before flowering and the 5 months after flowering. Apply nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer about once every ten days. The former makes the buds swell and the flowers open, while the latter promotes more bud formation and more flowers the following spring.

4. Light and temperature

Magnolia liliiflora likes light. Placed in a sunny courtyard or rooftop garden, it grows robust and lush with more sunlight. Under semi-shade it can still grow, but it is weaker and bears fewer flowers; in too much shade it will not flower at all.

II. Key points to note

1. Choosing a pot

The pot should be slightly deeper and larger. Put some broken hard plastic foam blocks at the bottom of the pot to enhance air permeability and drainage and prevent root rot. Repot and change the soil once a year or every other year after flowering, keeping 1/2 to 1/3 of the old soil.

2. Moisture

It must never be allowed to dry out, nor be waterlogged. Especially in the rainy season, pay attention to drainage and waterlogging prevention.

3. Fertilizer

When it loses its leaves in early winter, apply a fertilizer mainly of phosphorus and potassium once to strengthen its cold resistance for overwintering. At other times, apply little or no fertilizer. Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer alone.

4. Pruning

Magnolia liliiflora has strong sprouting ability at the roots. If you do not need to propagate it, prune the shoots as they grow, and keep 3 main stems per pot. For branches that are too tall or too long, you can shorten them right after flowering when the leaves are just unfurling. Because its healing ability is poor, apply sulfur powder to the cuts after pruning to prevent rot. If not necessary, do not prune. After flowering, if you do not need to keep seeds for propagation, cut off the spent flowers together with their stalks.

When Does Magnolia liliiflora Bloom

Generally speaking, it mainly blooms in early spring, that is, from March to April. However, this period is only a rough timeframe. As we all know, a plant's flowering period is related to many factors. For example, grown indoors in a warm place, it may bloom earlier. So its flowering period varies with various factors, but is broadly concentrated in March and April.

Why Magnolia liliiflora Does Not Bloom

1. Tree age issues

This means the plant has been grown for too short a time and has not reached flowering age. In that case, there is no way to force it to bloom. You can only care for it carefully, and when the time comes, it will bloom.

2. Temperature issues

This plant itself has relatively high temperature requirements. Therefore, in our country it is mainly distributed in some southern provinces, such as Hubei Province, Sichuan Province, and so on. So if it is grown in a more northern place and you want it to bloom, you must ensure the temperature is in a suitable state. If it is potted, moving it indoors is more appropriate.

3. Light issues

Similar to the temperature factor, it also has relatively high light needs and is a plant that quite likes light. So under semi-shade conditions, it grows very weak and bears few flowers. In a very dark environment, it will not bloom at all. Therefore, we must be sure to provide it with plenty of light during its flowering period.

4. Pest and disease issues

If the plant is troubled by diseases and pests, this will likewise hinder its flowering. When we find it is sick, we should treat it promptly.

Magnolia liliiflora is native to central China. It likes a warm, humid growing environment with plenty of light. Its root system is well developed and its sprouting ability is also strong. Friends who want to grow it should get started right away. It can not only be used for viewing, but can also be given to friends to praise their talent.