Quck answer
To grow a magnolia tree from a cutting, follow these steps:
1. Choose a healthy branch with new growth from an existing magnolia tree.
2. Cut a 6-8 inch section of the branch just below a leaf node.
3. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
4. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
5. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
6. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
7. Wait for roots to develop, which may take several weeks.
8. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
9. Provide regular water and care, and watch your magnolia tree grow!
Magnolia trees come in three common species: those with star-shaped flowers, those with saucer-shaped flowers, and evergreen southern magnolias. Depending on the species, different types of cutting and auxin hormone are required to encourage rooting.
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
To start, sterilize pruning shears or a sharp knife in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water or rubbing alcohol. Cuttings can be taken from any part of the tree, but should be chosen based on their growth stage and health. Softwood cuttings are taken in the early spring and should snap easily when bent, while semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in early summer and should be reasonably firm with mature leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the cuttings, and remove buds and flowers from the upper part. Insert the leafless section of the cuttings vertically into the rooting mix.
Starting the Cuttings
Take 4- to 6-inch-long, healthy appearing cuttings early in the morning when the tree is full of moisture. Cuttings should be inserted leafless into the planting mix, and stored in a refrigerator if there will be a delay in planting. Magnolia cuttings of all species should be stored in a moist environment until they grow roots.
Rooting Star Magnolia Cuttings
Take sections of semi-hardwood from the deciduous star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) in July or August. Dip the end into the auxin hormone Hormodin #2 and plant them in a rooting mix of 1 part peat and 1 part sand or 1 part peat and 1 part perlite. Mist the foliage to keep it moist and store the cuttings in a moist environment. The cuttings should root in five to six weeks. Star magnolias will grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Rooting Saucer Magnolia Cuttings
Take sections of softwood of the deciduous saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) in early April. Dip the freshly cut ends in the auxin hormone Hormodin #3 and plant them in a mix of 1 part peat and 1 part sand or 1 part peat and 1 part perlite. Mist the foliage to keep it moist and store the cuttings in a moist environment. The cuttings should root in five to six weeks. Saucer magnolias, also called tulip tree or Japanese magnolia, will grow in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Growing Evergreen Magnolias from Cuttings
To propagate evergreen sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), take softwood cuttings and wound one side of the bottom end. Then, dip the cuttings into a powdered plant auxin, specifically a 3000 parts per million IBA (Indolebutyric acid) talc solution. After tapping off the excess talc, plant the cuttings in a rooting mix of 1 part peat and 1 part sand or 1 part peat and 1 part perlite. Keep the leaves moist by misting and store them in an ice chest or plastic bag. In six to eight weeks, the cuttings should root at a bottom temperature of 75 to 78 degrees F. Sweetbay magnolias thrive in USDA zones 6 through 9.
Post-Planting Care
If you plant multiple magnolia cuttings, ensure they are spaced far enough apart to allow sunlight to reach their leaves, but not in direct sunlight. For a 6-inch cutting with 4 inches above the ground, the recommended spacing is 8 to 10 inches between cuttings. To increase their chances of survival, transplant them into a planting bed or container to harden before moving them to their final location in your landscape.
FAQ
1. Can I grow a magnolia tree from a cutting?
Yes, it is possible to grow a magnolia tree from a cutting. Start by selecting a healthy branch from an existing magnolia tree. Cut a 6-8 inch section of the branch, making sure to include a few nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
2. When is the best time to take a cutting from a magnolia tree?
The best time to take a cutting from a magnolia tree is in late spring or early summer. This is when the tree is actively growing and the branches are flexible. Avoid taking cuttings during the dormant season as they may not root successfully. Additionally, choose a branch that is about pencil-thickness for the best chances of success. Taking cuttings during the appropriate time and from a healthy tree will increase the likelihood of successful rooting and growth.
3. How long does it take for a magnolia cutting to root?
It typically takes about 6-8 weeks for a magnolia cutting to root. However, the exact timing can vary depending on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and the health of the cutting. It’s important to be patient and provide the cutting with proper care during this time. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and provide the cutting with a warm and bright environment. Once roots have developed, you can gradually acclimate the cutting to outdoor conditions before transplanting it into the ground.
4. Can I use a magnolia cutting to create multiple trees?
Yes, you can use a magnolia cutting to create multiple trees through a propagation technique called “stooling.” Stooling involves bending a long and flexible branch of a magnolia tree down to the ground and burying a portion of it. The buried section will develop roots and can be severed from the main tree to create a new individual. This process can be repeated with multiple branches to create several new trees. Stooling is a great way to propagate magnolia trees and can result in a beautiful and diverse collection of these stunning plants.
5. What are some tips for successful magnolia cutting propagation?
To increase your chances of successful magnolia cutting propagation, consider the following tips:
- Choose a healthy magnolia tree with desirable characteristics.
- Take cuttings during the appropriate season when the tree is actively growing.
- Use a sharp and clean pruning tool to make a clean cut.
- Apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the cutting to encourage root development.
- Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it consistently moist.
- Provide the cutting with a warm and bright environment.
- Be patient and give the cutting enough time to develop roots before transplanting.
- Gradually acclimate the rooted cutting to outdoor conditions before planting it in the ground.