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Can A Magnolia Tree Grow Inside In A Pot?
If you want to plant a small magnolia tree indoors, you've come to the right place. Here we will cover how to choose the best pot for your magnolia tree, common dwarf varieties to choose from, and other factors to help maintain your plant.
Continue reading to learn how to grow your magnolia tree indoors.
Choosing The Right Magnolia Variety

Remember, all magnolia varieties cannot be grown indoors. A few varieties that can be grown indoors include Dwarf Southern Magnolia, Chinese Magnolia, Magnolia Red Lucky, Ann Magnolias, and Star Magnolias.
You may even be able to grow a Jane Magnolia variety if you have enough space and large enough containers.
The most important thing to remember is that magnolia trees have very large and complex root systems that require frequent watering and feeding. This leads us to our next point.
Choosing The Right Container

Another notable tip is that the size of the pot should be manageable. Remember that you will have to move this pot at some point, and if it is too heavy once the tree and soil are planted, it can create an issue. The pot should be well-draining so that water can drain quickly, not to develop root rot. It should also be sturdy enough to house a large indoor plant. Ideally, you want your pot to be about eight to ten times the size of the trunk of the magnolia tree at its expected maturity size.
Soil Requirements
You can also fill the bottom of the pot with any stones, rocks, or other hard and solid aerating materials that you have available in your home. You want the pot's soil to be as free-flowing as possible, as root rot can be very difficult to eradicate once it develops. It's also a good idea to check the soil every week or so, just to ensure that it's in a healthy state. Ensure that it's moist and free of foul smells, which can indicate root rot.
Water Requirements
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Where to Place The Pot
Magnolia trees love light, and indoor magnolias are no different. It's best to plant your magnolia tree in an area that has full sun or partial shade. You may need to experiment with this a little to find the perfect spot, but remember, more light is better than minimal light. If you find that your magnolia tree has started to display wilted or lowering leaves, light could be a factor. Magnolia trees prefer warm climates, so ideally, temperatures that average around 65 degrees to 88 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal.
Bets Pots For Indoor Magnolia Trees
The pot that you grow your indoor magnolia tree can help your plant thrive or hinder it from reaching its full potential. Indoor magnolia trees need pots that are sturdy, durable, and well-draining. We've looked into a few pots that meet these criteria.
Indoor Round Modern Fiberglass Resin Planter Pot
These modern planters are sturdy and have just enough weight to support indoor magnolia plants. They have a simple cylinder shape that can easily fit into a small corner of a room or office. They come in sizes of 8 to 12 inches and have easily removable drainage holes as well as a drainage plug to help prevent over-watering and allow easy air circulation. If you are looking for a temporary pot for your indoor magnolia plant, these may be worth checking out.
Click here to see this pot on Amazon.
Full Depth Round Cylinder Pot
These 12-inch multi-purpose pots are also worth mentioning. They work well on the floor, out on the deck, or in a sunroom. They are a great alternative to expensive, heavy, and fragile ceramic pots. These pots have sufficient drainage layers on the bottom and allow for easy plant transfers.
While they are fairly lightweight, they are sturdy and have a sophisticated look that's guaranteed to match well with any contemporary decor. These pots are ideal for magnolia trees as their light build will make it easier to move your tree around your space to find the best lighting. They also have an easily accessible snap-on tray to allow for more water drainage if necessary.
Click here to see this pot on Amazon.
Seagrass Planter Basket Indoor
If you are looking for something a bit different, check out these natural seagrass planter pots. Seagrass is a natural eco-friendly substitute for your typical plastic or ceramic planter pots. Not only are they beautifully unique, but they are lightweight and as sturdy as they come.
They are also chemical-free and available in sizes of 8-12 inches for your Magnolia plant. These pots also come with a built-in interior plastic coating to prevent water leakage and a tray for sufficient water drainage. If you are looking for a different planter that offers more of a rustic feel, these pots may be the perfect look.
Click here to see these pots on Amazon.
Bloem SP1423 Saturn Planter & Saucer
One of the bigger indoor pots available, this planter pot is extremely durable and offers excellent water drainage. It has a scratch-resistant matte surface, which also hides fingerprints and dirt marks. It includes a matching plant saucer and has five drainage holes on the bottom. The pot is also UV ray-stabilized, which means that it is essentially fade-resistant, perfect for your sun-loving magnolia tree. This pot looks good in any setting, and it comes in several sizes and colors to match a variety of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Click here to see this pot on Amazon.
How Do You Keep An Indoor Magnolia Tree Healthy?
The best way to keep an indoor magnolia tree healthy is to provide it with full sunlight or partial shade daily so that it continues to produce new foliage and grow. You also need to water it throughout the week so that the soil stays moist and healthy. It's best to check the soil before watering to ensure that a watering session is needed. Lastly, be sure to maintain the right temperature and humidity for the indoor magnolia tree.
Do Magnolias Need More Water In A Container?
Magnolia trees grown indoors don't necessarily need more water. However, their soil should be monitored throughout the week to ensure that it stays adequately moisturized.
How Tall Will An Indoor Magnolia Tree Get?
Dwarf Magnolia tree varieties grown indoors usually reach about four to six feet in height, on average.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope that this post has provided you with enough information to get started on your indoor magnolia tree journey. Remember, the first step to a successful indoor magnolia grow is choosing the right variety, as all varieties cannot successfully be grown indoors.
Before you go, be sure to check out other posts:
How Much Do Magnolia Trees Cost?
Can Magnolia Trees Bloom Twice A Year? [Including In Florida, Texas, And California]
My magnolia tree in a pot produces new leaves but they turn brown, then fall off. What might I be doing wrong? I check to make sure soil is moist. Thank you.