There are different kinds of brown spots on magnolia leaves. Some of them are small and circular, and some are not. In this article, I will tell you how to find the specific reason for brown spots on magnolia leaves and how easily you can cure your magnolia tree.
Magnolia tree leaves can show brown spots due to many reasons, but I will talk about the most common reasons that I personally saw:
- Cold damage
- Lack of acid in the soil
- Fungus
If you want to extend the beauty of your magnolia tree, read: 15 flowering shrubs to grow under magnolia
Magnolia leaves are turning brown - Freeze damage (cold damage)
In winter, if your magnolia tree is exposed to cold, it is normal to witness the brown spots like those (you are seeing in the picture).
Even the newer leaves might get brown and completely dry.
These types of brown spots are not usually circular and can be of any shape.
This makes the leaves dry and crunchy as well.
What to do?
DO nothing except watering (only if the soil is dry). They will fall off in the Spring and it will be fine.
They will be replaced in the spring. I had 3- 30 gal Magnolias planted in Jan of 2023. I lost 1 that did not get enough water from my drip system.
I had it replaced a year later & supplied it with its own bubbler. It is now larger than the original 2.
They need good drainage, but also lots of water when it is in the heat of summer. Mine actually died in March, but it just was not getting enough from the drip system. Good luck, they are beautiful year-round.
Watering is good for speedy recovery for a cold-damaged plant or tree, but overwatering can damage it more.
Always use your fingers to feel the soil. If the soil is moist no need to water.
Note: You can also witness the leaf tips turning brown.
Brown spots on Magnolia leaves - lack of acid in the soil
If you see some brown spots like these on your magnolia leaves (with yellowing leaves), it's due to a lack of acid in the soil.
Magnolia loves acidic soil.
Toss some Epsom salts around the branch line. In the active growing season, feed some nitrogen. This combination can make your magnolia tree super happy.
I bought a house with 4 Magnolias, baby gems, and southern varieties. They were in very poor condition, very thin, and 2 were on the edge of dying.
I have given 1 cup and 1/2 of all-purpose fertilizer 3 times a year and plenty of water. They are all now fully recovered and filled out. Also, add tree stake fertilizers. Good luck.
Note: You can also try superthrive.
Brown spots on the magnolia leaves, caused by the fungus
If your magnolia tree is infested by Cercospora fungus, you may see circular or uneven red or brown spots on the leaves.
You can spray copper-based fungicide thrice a month to get rid of this fungus.
You can not recover the damaged leaves, but it will help prevent the spread of the fungus.
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