Blogs » Don's Expert Answers » Don’s Expert Answers: Half plant is sick, the other half looks well.

Don’s Expert Answers: Half plant is sick, the other half looks well.

© 2026 CTC Productions Pty Limited. All rights reserved. The material presented on this website, may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of CTC Productions.

Question From:
Cheryl Brockwell in Hughesdale, Hughesdale Victoria

Nature of problem:
Half plant is sick, the other half looks well.

Type of Plant (if known):
Magnolia

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
It looks burnt in one part and glossy and healthy on another

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
sandy loam

How often do you water the plant:
Natural rainfal in winter, weekly or daily in hot and windy weather

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
over 6

How long since you planted it:
4 years

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Seasol, worm casting, charlie carp

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
potash, mulch,mixture of manures

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:

Answer:
Hi Cheryl, I don’t know what your problem is. It could be root burn if you applied potash without watering it in really well. About all that I could say is prune off the dead bits and water it really well….and wait to see what happens. Don

Stay In Touch

Burke's Backyard Videos

Popular Posts