Propagating magnolias from cuttings is a rewarding method for expanding a garden and replicating favored varieties. This technique ensures new plants possess the same desirable characteristics as the parent. It also offers a significantly faster path to mature, flowering trees compared to growing from seed, which can take over a decade to produce blooms.
When and Which Cuttings to Take
The optimal period for taking magnolia cuttings is generally during summer, after the plant’s buds have formed from new growth. Softwood cuttings are recommended for magnolias, as they possess the highest rooting potential. These are taken from tender, flexible new shoots of the current season that have not yet fully hardened. For some varieties, late softwood or early greenwood cuttings, collected from mid-June to mid-July, are also ideal.
While softwood cuttings are preferred, semi-hardwood cuttings can also be used, especially for evergreen types like Magnolia grandiflora, with collection times extending from August to November. Select non-flowering, vigorous shoots for cuttings, as these root more readily than older, woody material.
How to Take and Prepare Cuttings
Begin by gathering sterilized sharp pruners or a knife to prevent disease transmission. Select healthy, newly developing shoots from the parent magnolia plant, aiming for cuttings 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this area contains concentrated hormones that promote root development. Immediately place freshly cut stems into water to prevent them from drying out while collecting more.
Once collected, prepare each cutting by removing all but the top one or two leaves. If remaining leaves are excessively large, trim a portion of their surface to reduce moisture loss. To enhance the rooting surface, make a 2-inch vertical slice or a 1-inch score on one side of the stem end. Dip the prepared end into a rooting hormone, such as Indol-3-buteric acid (IBA). Higher concentrations (8000-10000 ppm IBA) are often recommended for improved rooting success.
Rooting Your Magnolia Cuttings
Magnolia cuttings thrive in high humidity and indirect light. Achieve this by covering planted cuttings with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome, which helps trap moisture around the foliage. Misting cuttings frequently, even daily, also helps maintain necessary humidity levels.
A well-drained rooting medium is essential to prevent rot. Effective mixes include:
One-third coarse sand, one-third peat, and one-third vermiculite
A blend of peat and vermiculite
Coarse sand
Perlite combined with peat moss (3:1 ratio)
Use a container at least 10 to 12 inches deep with drainage holes, or smaller individual pots (3-4 inches in diameter). Make small holes in the prepared medium before inserting hormone-treated cuttings to avoid scraping off the rooting compound. Planting multiple cuttings together in one container can increase success, as not all cuttings may root.
Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 75-78°F (24-26°C) for optimal root development, with the overall ambient temperature remaining above 70°F (21°C). Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks to 6-8 weeks, though it can sometimes take several months. A gentle tug will indicate if the cutting has rooted.
Aftercare and Permanent Planting
Once magnolia cuttings have successfully rooted and show signs of new growth, they require careful aftercare before permanent planting. Gradually harden off the young plants by incrementally exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days or weeks. This acclimates them to fluctuating temperatures and lower humidity levels outside their rooting environment.
After hardening off, transplant the rooted cuttings into larger, individual pots, such as 1-gallon nursery containers, filled with a standard potting mix. Allow them to grow in these pots for at least one full growing season to establish a robust root system. When ready for their permanent location, choose a spot in full sun or partial sun in warmer climates, ensuring the soil is well-drained. Deciduous magnolias are best planted in early spring, while evergreen varieties like Southern magnolias can be planted in early autumn. Provide ample space, as magnolias do not transplant well once established and need room to grow.