AusBonsai

One of my mothers neighbours has a deciduous magnolia of some kind that I would like to take cuttings from as well as do an air layer. Just wondering when the best time would be to do these.

May be able to avoid the cuttings, as a quick look today seemed to uncover a few suckers or seedlings around the base of the tree. Need to have a closer look tomorrow.

Cheers

You can take cuttings of all plants at any time of the year but strike rate is better if they are not trying to flower.
Winter cuttings are easier to look after because there are no leaves to draw moisture out of the cutting but it's slow to root.
Cuttings of active growth are quicker to root but need high humidity to stop them dehydrating - automatic misting is best but a plastic bag or cut down plastic bottle can be effective.

Layers are quickest when done in spring or early summer but can be successful at any time of year.

Suckers, even with just a very few miserable roots, will be even better.