How to treat magnolia leaves turning yellow?

[Frankanderson]

Hi all, 

Trying to work out why our little gem magnolia is turning yellow with brown spots. 
Located in prospect SA, and have been in this position for >12 months.

they get watered every 2 weeks but it’s been winter and raining frequently. fertilised every 6 weeks with seasol
they are still flowering but the leaves look unhappy! 

 

Any help would be appreciated! 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Frankanderson. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Magnolia care.

It sounds like your Little Gem magnolia is experiencing some stress, which could be due to a few factors, especially as we're moving from spring into summer and water needs have increased. Although watering every two weeks may have been sufficient during winter when rain was frequent and temperatures were cooler, the warmer weather of spring and the upcoming summer may require more frequent watering. Magnolias like consistent moisture, and with the shift in seasons, they might not be getting enough.

A good practice is to check the moisture level of the soil between watering to ensure it’s still damp enough for the roots. You can do this by sticking your finger into the soil to feel for moisture or using a moisture meter. If the soil feels dry, it’s a sign that you may need to increase your watering frequency. Magnolia roots spread out shallowly, so they can dry out quickly in warmer weather.

The yellowing leaves with brown spots could also indicate nutrient deficiencies or potential fungal issues. While applying Seasol is good, it's not a fertiliser; it is only a health tonic and lacks the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. It would be worth switching to a balanced slow-release fertiliser designed for flowering plants. Magnolias benefit from fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy growth and flowering. Keep an eye on the drainage, too, as soggy soil can lead to root issues, especially if there’s been a lot of rain recently. Ensuring proper drainage will help avoid waterlogged roots, which can also cause yellowing leaves.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell