Content
Magnolia has yellow leaves, what to do?
Most magnolias - with the exception of evergreen magnolia - discard their foliage in the fall, which has previously discolored, just like other deciduous trees. However, if the yellowing of the leaves does not occur in autumn, but in the middle of summer or even in spring, there is a chlorosis.
Causes of chlorosis
Chlorosis always indicates a deficiency, mostly due to the two essential nutrients magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). Acid, solid soils, as preferred by magnolias, are often low in magnesium - especially since this nutrient is either too low or even absent in most commercial fertilizers. Furthermore, over-compacted soil can prevent the plant from absorbing nutrients.
Treat chlorosis
As a first step, you should loosen the soil in the root area. Be careful not to damage roots of the shallow-rooted magnolia. Work as deep as possible and dig in some humus or compost. Then you should fertilize the plant with magnesium and / or iron.
Tips & Tricks
In case of severe magnesium deficiency, fertilization with a 2 to 4% Epsom salt solution provides a quick remedy.