Magnolia 'Galaxy' Magnolia 'Galaxy'

Water

The Galaxy Magnolia should be watered deeply and thoroughly, which means the soil around the roots should be soaked. During the growing season, typically in spring and summer, watering once a week is ideal. It needs about 1.5 to 2 gallons per week, depending on rainfall and soil drainage. In hot and dry periods, you may have to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first to avoid overwatering. During the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease.

Light

The Galaxy Magnolia thrives best in full to partial sunlight. It should be planted in a spot where it will receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This magnolia variety can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to fewer flowers and a less robust plant.

Temperature

The Galaxy Magnolia does well in a wide range of temperatures and is quite cold-hardy. It can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing temperatures are between 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may stress the plant, so it should be monitored and watered more frequently during such periods.

Pruning

Pruning the Galaxy Magnolia should be done to remove dead or broken branches, to shape the tree, and to promote healthy growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. This plant doesn't require frequent pruning, so doing so every 2 to 3 years or as necessary to maintain its shape and remove any problematic branches is sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Magnolia 'Galaxy', or Galaxy Magnolia, thrives best in a rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The ideal soil mix includes loamy or sandy soil amended with organic matter such as compost to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Galaxy Magnolias are typically planted outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in a container, young Galaxy Magnolias should be repotted every 2-3 years into a larger pot to accommodate their growing root system.

Humidity & Misting

The Galaxy Magnolia, commonly referred to as just Magnolia, prefers average outdoor humidity levels. While it does not require a specific humidity range, it thrives in environments that mirror its native habitat, which is moderately humid.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, avoid dry heat, mist leaves often.

• Outdoor

  Needs full sun, shelter from harsh winds, mulch roots well.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Galaxy' Magnolia begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, requiring stratification to break dormancy before germination. Upon successful germination in favorable conditions, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a set of true leaves. The juvenile phase follows, where the young Magnolia 'Galaxy' experiences rapid vegetative growth and establishment. It then enters the reproductive phase, producing large, tulip-shaped, pink to purple flowers mainly in early spring, before the leaves unfurl. After pollination, it develops seed cones that mature in late summer to autumn, releasing red-coated seeds that are dispersed by wind and gravity. The mature Magnolia 'Galaxy' can live for several decades, continuously going through cycles of growth, flowering, and seed production within its lifespan.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Magnolia 'Galaxy', a magnificent deciduous tree known for its striking spring blooms, is through softwood cuttings taken during the early summer when the plant's new growth is still somewhat tender but starting to firm up. To propagate, one would select a healthy portion of the tree's softwood stem that has at least two sets of leaves. The cut for the cutting should be made just below a node, which is the point on the stem where leaves are attached, because this area contains concentrated levels of growth hormones that can kickstart root development. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be carefully removed, and the cut end dipped into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root formation. The treated cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture in a pot or tray, which should be kept consistently moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight. To maintain humidity, a plastic bag or cover might be placed over the setup to create a mini greenhouse effect, indirectly encouraging the cutting to establish roots, typically within a few weeks to a couple of months.