The Language of Flowers and Symbolism of Magnolia denudata and a Detailed Guide to Home Care

The language of flowers of Magnolia denudata (white magnolia) is pure, noble and sincere love and enduring friendship. It is a deciduous tree of the family Magnoliaceae. When its petals open they are as white as jade, and its form is elegant, like congealed cream. Moreover, Magnolia denudata also gives off a delicate, intoxicating fragrance, which is why it also enjoys the fine name "white jade magnolia."

Generally speaking, many flower lovers hear "fresh cut flowers" and imagine they can only last 3-5 days. This is not actually the case. What determines the vase life of fresh cut flowers is mainly judged by how thick and long the stems are and by the flower branches. For fresh cut Magnolia denudata, for example, the vase life generally reaches about 30 days. How should it be cared for? First, choose dedicated flower-cutting scissors and cut a cross into the base of the flower branch, then you can also cut away some excess side branches, as well as some branches without flower buds. Best of all, take a vase you like and keep it in deep water. Change the water about every 5 days, and once it blooms, avoid direct sunlight and air-conditioning vents.

For flower lovers who have a small courtyard or a balcony that is spacious enough, you can directly buy either ground-planted or potted plants. In terms of daily care, you can place them near a sunny south-facing or southeast-facing balcony at home. Note that they must not be kept in shade for long periods, otherwise flowering will be affected. As for watering, the soil is best kept moist. During spring and summer when they are in full bloom they need a larger amount of water; in autumn and winter, reduce watering accordingly. If there is standing water in the saucer at the bottom of the pot, pour it out immediately to avoid excessive moisture and root rot.

As for fertilising Magnolia denudata, you can choose a phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertiliser once a month, which can speed up flower bud differentiation and blooming. When applying fertiliser, avoid direct contact with the roots so as not to burn them. Its optimal growing temperature is 15-30°C, so flower lovers in the north should note that once it drops to 10°C they should move it back indoors to a warm place and avoid cold wind.

Finally, what you need to know about growing potted Magnolia denudata is that pruning should be done every year in spring after flowering, cutting away some dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, overly dense branches and so on, so that nutrients are not taken up by useless branches. It also allows better ventilation and light penetration and absorption, and encourages new shoot growth. As long as flower lovers follow the points above, your Magnolia denudata will thrive at home and produce beautiful flowers.