The effects of magnesium stress on the growth and photosynthetic character of cucumber seedlings are studied at various temperatures using artificial climate box. This is done to investigate the functional mechanism of magnesium in cucumbers. The results show that at low temperature, magnesium stress evidently inhibits plant growth, while at suitable temperatures it decreases the plant diameter, total number of leaves, leaf area, and dry weight of the aboveground parts, and increases the plant height and root/shoot ratio. Excessive magnesium promotes belowground cucumber growth. The value of chlorphyl A/chlorophyl B (Chla/Chlb) increases more under conditions of magnesium deficiency than under magnesium excess. The Chla, Chlb and Cxc content decreases when magnesium is deficient, increase when excessive magnesium exists at suitable temperatures, but decreases if excessive magnesium exists at low temperatures. Pn and Gs decrease under magnesium stress, and are at the lowest level when excessive magnesium exists at low temperatures. The effects of magnesium stress on Ci, WUE, Tr and Ls vary at different magnesium concentrations and temperatures. The main factor limiting photosynthesis of cucumber seedlings is nonstomata factor when magnesium is deficient, but is a stomata factor if there is excessive magnesium.