The correct method and precautions for watering and fertilizing white magnolia

I. Watering

The root system of white magnolia is fleshy; too much water will cause root rot, while too little water will cause the roots to wither.

The specific measures are: in spring, when white magnolia begins to sprout, water once every 2 to 3 days to keep the potting soil loose and moist; in summer, when white magnolia enters its peak growing season, water once in the morning and once in the evening each day, and if there is a heavy rainstorm or continuous rainy weather, promptly pour off any accumulated water in the pot; from autumn onward, gradually reduce watering, or water according to whether the potting soil is dry or moist. If the surface of the potting soil turns white, it should be watered, generally once about every 5 days; after entering winter, special attention should be paid to preventing the potting soil of white magnolia from becoming too wet or waterlogged. If the leaves of white magnolia are found to turn red and the branch tips turn brown, it indicates that there is water accumulation at the roots, so watering should be controlled, and the soil should be loosened and ventilation strengthened, generally watering once about every 10 days, keeping the potting soil just moist.

II. Overwintering

Before Frost's Descent (mid-October), it needs to be moved indoors for overwintering and placed in a sunny spot indoors. The daytime temperature should be kept at 12°C, and at night not lower than 6°C, otherwise it is prone to cold injury or leaf drop.

To ensure that white magnolia overwinters safely, four points should be noted during indoor care: ① Pay attention to whether there are gaps around the doors and windows near where the white magnolia is placed. If the doors and windows do not close tightly and there is draft leakage, it will cause leaf drop, so this should be avoided. ② White magnolia has poor resistance to smoke and dust, so it is best not to place it in the same room as a coal stove. ③ Frequently spray and wipe the leaves with warm water (15 to 20°C), which not only keeps the leaves emerald green and beautiful, but also increases humidity. ④ Pay attention to strictly controlling the amount of watering for white magnolia during overwintering, watering only when the soil is dry.

In northern regions, white magnolia often experiences leaf drop during the overwintering period. Growers need not be nervous; it should be promptly moved to a place with a higher room temperature and sufficient light, or the indoor temperature should be raised. As long as its root system has not been frostbitten, it can recover and grow vigorously after the temperature rises in spring. In mid-April, when the temperature is 15 to 18°C, white magnolia can be moved outdoors to a sunny place for care.

III. Light

White magnolia loves light. Except during the indoor overwintering period, it must receive sufficient sunlight during its growing period, otherwise growth will be affected.

IV. Fertilizing

White magnolia loves fertilizer. In northern regions, fertilizing starts in May, once about every 10 to 15 days, until after flowering (after September) when it stops. On the second day after fertilizing, water once with clear water to help the plant absorb it. Home fertilizing methods are simple and easy. Ferrous sulfate (black alum), cake fertilizer and water can be mixed in a ratio of 1 to 5 to 100 for preparation, placed in a vat and left until fully fermented and decomposed. For the cake fertilizer, soybean cake or peanut cake can both be used. After white magnolia buds, it should also be given 1 to 2 additional applications of monopotassium phosphate, which is beneficial for flowering.