Magnolia leaf browning.

[MOHAN SINGH]

Since a lot was written and read about magnolias I decided to add them to my collection of fragrant plants. I got to purchase an alba when asked for champaca due to sheer ignorance and excitement at the same time. The first alba was purchased on 05.06.16 with three blooms and a bud and potted on 12.06.16.

Mix - The potting mix consisted of bhal, sand, coir majorily (washed), banana peels and some compost.

Location - On terrace under the shade of a neem tree south east.

Watering - I read its root sensitive and therefore I have been very careful with watering. The only excess water if any it got, is from rains. The mix is moist to touch since the mix majorily consists coir.

Since potting, the alba is not showing any promising signs.

The plant is shedding its top leaves, a leaf in 7-10 days for ex. The existing top leaves are also brown and crispy but still tough. The lower leaves are almost perfect.
Should I expect it to grow this summer in terms of foliage or buds? As you may see the plant seems stressed, the only bud it had also dropped.
What can be done to improve its health since its aleady in shade, watered sparingly, not fertilised.
Since it has been purchased in a prompt, what can be done about its vertical height since I dont see any growth from the center upwards?

The other two recent purchases of alba and a champaca are awaiting potting please advise.

[MOHAN SINGH]

The affected area

[MOHAN SINGH]

The new purchases are so far in perky condition.

[Izhar]

Sorry for the late reply... how is the condition now??

[MOHAN SINGH]

recuperating after recent rains... growing some new leaves..