Simple Introduction to the Characteristics of White Magnolia
The editor will talk about the simple introduction of the characteristics of white magnolia and related topics such as the cultivation of flowers, introducing the details for you as follows.
White magnolia is a species of evergreen tree in the genus Michelia of the magnolia family. Also known as white缅甸花,缅甸桂花, and white magnolia. The flowering period is from April to September, with June and July being the peak bloom time. It flowers in summer with white and fragrant flowers, blooming between summer and autumn, with a long flowering period and dark green leaves. It is a famous garden ornamental tree, cultivated extensively in Fujian, Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou, and often potted in the Yangtze River Valley, spending the winter in greenhouses.
White magnolia prefers a climate with abundant sunshine, warmth, and humidity. To ensure that the leaves do not fall off during winter, the temperature must be kept above 12℃, with the lowest not below 5℃. It is a typical acidophilic flower, requiring rich organic matter, good drainage, and deep acidic soil (pH 5-6) for planting.
White magnolia is an evergreen tree that can reach 17 meters tall, with white flowers that are extremely fragrant. The flowering period is from April to September, blooming in summer and usually not bearing fruit. In the southern regions of China, it is often cultivated in courtyards for ornamental purposes. In the colder northern regions, people also love white magnolia and often use pot cultivation.
I. Propagation methods of white magnolia: The roots of white magnolia have weak regeneration ability and do not easily form adventitious roots, making it difficult to propagate through cutting. Typically, aerial layering and grafting are used.
Aerial Layering Propagation: High-pressure propagation is performed by selecting 2-year-old branches with a diameter of more than 1 centimeter during the growing period. At a distance of 20-30 centimeters from the base branch, half to two-thirds of the bark is removed in a ring shape, then a mixture of fertile soil and high-quality fertilizer is wrapped around the wound in a ball shape, covered with plastic film to keep it moist. The high-pressure period is usually from February to March in early spring, and by August to September, white roots can be seen through the plastic film. The pressure-taped ball is cut off 3-5 centimeters below the ball, and the cutting must be immediately planted in a false environment.
Grafting Propagation: Commonly using purple magnolia, yellow magnolia, and Magnolia officinalis as rootstocks, grafting is performed using methods such as approach grafting, cleft grafting, large bud grafting, and root-collar grafting when the first flush of new growth stops.
II. Cultivation of white magnolia: For the first potting of seedlings, use a pot with a diameter of 60 centimeters, then switch to a pot with a diameter of 120 centimeters in the second year, a缸 (large pot) with a diameter of 180 centimeters in the third year, and a large缸 or wooden barrel after the fourth year. First, place broken tiles at the bottom of the pot, then fill in the cultivation soil. Select large seedlings with soil balls for winter and spring potting. Place the white magnolia plant in the center of the pot, making sure the roots are spread out. Fill the soil to half the pot, then gently lift and shake the plant to compact the soil. The planting should not be too deep, keeping the rootstock level with the pot opening. Too shallow will affect survival, and too deep will affect the growth of the white magnolia after transplanting. After planting, water thoroughly. After planting, keep the plant in a shaded environment for about a week, then move it to a sunny place for daily management.
III. Water and Fertilizer Management:
One of the key techniques for growing white magnolia is proper water management. White magnolia is very sensitive to water; too much water will cause the leaves to turn red and may lead to leaf drop. The principle of watering white magnolia is less is more, but each watering must be thorough. Maintain higher humidity in the air and suitable soil moisture. Pay attention to drainage during the rainy season. In summer, water the potted white magnolia twice a day, and after the start of autumn, water every 10-15 days (only when the soil is dry). In early spring and late autumn, water every other day. In summer, sudden rainfall can wet the soil and cause root burn, so immediate watering to cool down is necessary, followed by draining excess rainwater.
White magnolia likes fertilizer, but not in small amounts. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased. Using decomposed cake fertilizer is best. Apply in the evening on sunny days, with an application every 7 days after moving out of the greenhouse, more during the peak bloom, and avoid fertilizing when the soil is too dry or too wet to prevent root rot.
IV. Management:
Shading: In the hot summer, to avoid damage from the intense midday sun, a shelter can be set up to provide shade.
Pruning: To facilitate management, it is necessary to control the height of the tree canopy. In the juvenile stage, the top should be pruned to promote lateral branching. To encourage flower growth, dead and diseased branches should be cut, old leaves thinned, and diseased leaves removed.
Overwintering: In the Yangtze River Valley, usually by the end of October, the plants are moved indoors with a room temperature of 3℃ or higher. Before moving in, pruning is performed to remove dead and diseased branches, vigorous branches, and dense branches. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering and do not water unless dry. No fertilizing is done indoors to prevent root rot.
The above is a simple introduction to the characteristics of white magnolia and a complete introduction to the cultivation techniques of white magnolia. I hope it can be helpful to you. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and knowledge!