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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: Plant ProblemsMagnolia Soulangeana looking mise …

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Magnolia Soulangeana looking miserable

#1 · 26th May 2024, 1:01 pm

So I've had it for a year and only recently notices the pot hasn't been draining properly. At that time, the plant had a ton of yellow leaves - removed them all, repotted it (acidic soil + clay pebbles) and applied fertilizer (once a week or two). Some of the neighboring plants had fungi problem so I sprayed magnolia as well just in case. But it doesn't really look much better - there are some new buds but the leaves look lifeless and there's not many of them. Not sure what else I can do. Any advice appreciated!

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#2 · 29th May 2024, 5:57 pm

Hi @amari

I can appreciate your frustration and dedication to your Camellia, and yes, it does look rather poorly, down but not out!

I think the problem with this is its been left to sit in water causing the roots to struggle with lack of air.

Let's take a look at why the lack of drainage in plants and their root systems is bad for them.

Root Suffocation

Anaerobic Conditions Without enough air, soil becomes anaerobic (oxygen-depleted), which can suffocate roots and inhibit respiration.
Root Rot Prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to root rot, a condition where roots decay and die, often caused by fungal pathogens thriving in anaerobic conditions.

Reduced Nutrient Uptake

Energy Deficit Inadequate oxygen supply hampers energy production, limiting the plant's ability to take up and transport nutrients effectively.
Nutrient Imbalances Poor aeration can lead to nutrient imbalances, causing deficiencies that manifest as various plant health issues, such as chlorosis (yellowing leaves).

Poor Plant Growth and Health

Stunted Growth Without sufficient oxygen, plant growth is stunted due to reduced root development and nutrient uptake.
Increased Susceptibility Plants with poorly aerated roots are more susceptible to diseases and pests, as their overall health and resilience are compromised.

Also, adding loads of new fertilizer to a struggling plant is actually counterproductive as the plant is struggling just to recover, let alone put on loads of new growth. What I would do is just water it once a week, let the leaf buds emerge and then, when it starts to put on some new growth, feed it. I think, at the moment, it's a case of you trying everything, which just overwhelms the plant.