Not everyone is lucky enough to have a sprawling backyard, which is why so many plant lovers try their hand at growing magnolias right on their balconies. If you’re planning to do the same, just a heads-up: these beauties are a bit high-maintenance when they’re living in containers, so they’ll need some extra TLC from you.
Even in a pot, magnolias need room to breathe
Magnolias are shallow-rooted plants, meaning their root systems love to spread out wide. Even when space is tight, those roots will try to push downward if they can’t go outward. Because of this, you’ll want to pick out a nice, large pot for your balcony or patio. You also need to consider the size of your outdoor space itself—magnolias crave sunlight and naturally want to grow wide, not just tall.
Pick a dwarf variety
Given the space constraints, your best bet is to choose a dwarf variety or even try your hand at growing a magnolia bonsai. Even the “smaller” standard varieties can easily reach heights of ten feet or more. If you have a tiny or narrow balcony, a full-sized magnolia might be a bit too much for the space.
Caring for your potted magnolia
The secret to a happy potted magnolia is getting the moisture levels just right. Since the roots sit just below the surface, they rely entirely on you to keep the soil consistently damp. However, there’s a catch: if the soil stays soggy, the roots won’t be able to absorb nutrients properly. You’re aiming for that “Goldilocks” zone—not too dry, not soaking wet, but consistently moist. You should also mix some liquid fertilizer into your watering can regularly and keep an eye on the soil’s acidity. They thrive best with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.8.
To sum it up, here’s what your balcony magnolia needs to thrive:
- Plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day
- Lots of room in the pot and enough physical space on the balcony
- Consistently moist (but not swampy!) soil
- A regular feeding schedule with liquid fertilizer
