If you want to propagate the baobab tree, you don't necessarily need a green thumb. Even inexperienced hobby gardeners can easily get it. Read here how it works in detail.
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) is one of the few exotic species that have proven to be extraordinarily adaptable. It thrives extremely well on the window sill and, in summer, on the balcony and patio, and it also requires little care. Nevertheless, the plants have so far hardly been available commercially and the hobby gardener is asked to grow his own baobab tree himself. But don't worry, the plant from the vastness of Africa also causes few problems here and can be grown quite easily from cuttings and seeds. Here you can find out what needs to be considered when propagating the baobab tree.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagating cuttings is uncomplicated and leads to visible success very quickly. This form of propagation is also possible if you do not know a baobab tree owner, because the cuttings can be purchased in specialist shops. Seedlings are usually available all year round.
❖ Cultivation of commercially available cuttings
So that there is no transport damage, the trunk is sealed with wax. In this way, the cuttings can survive for several months without water and can be transported over longer distances.
❶ Remove wax layer
❷ Water cutting
❸ Select planter
❹ Prepare substrate
❺ Plant cutting
After the wax seal has been removed, the cutting is watered. This promotes growth and budding can be accelerated. The cutting is placed in a vessel with lukewarm water for about ten days. Change the water as often as possible. When the first new shoots appear, the cutting can be placed in the planter.
» Tip: Make sure there are enough drainage holes for the irrigation water in the bottom of the container, because the baobab tree does not tolerate waterlogging.
❖ Cultivation of self-made cuttings
Anyone who already owns a baobab tree naturally has it easier andcan cut the cuttings fresh in spring. Do you know someone who owns a baobab tree? Then just ask him to take a cutting for you. This is preferably done in spring, when the baobab tree is being repotted anyway.
» Tip: Freshly cut cuttings should have at least three to four leaves.
❶ Cut the cutting
❷ Let the cutting dry
❸ Select a planter
❹ Prepare the substrate
❺ Plant the cutting
If the cutting was freshly cut, it should first dry for a few days. If no more sap escapes, the seedling can be planted. Choose a suitable planter of sufficient size and sufficient drainage holes in the bottom. A sand-peat mixture is suitable for cultivation. Alternatively, commercially available cactus soil can also be used. Plant the cutting and keep the soil well moist.
» Tip: Putting a glass or plastic bag over the cutting creates a microclimate and encourages growth.
Growing is also aided by dipping the cutting in rooting powder.
Growing from seeds
The hobby gardener will need a little more patience if the baobab tree is grown from seed. Seeds are available all year round. No time-consuming stratification needs to be carried out, since the seeds do not know dormancy. So you can grow a baobab tree all year round.
Help, my seeds aren't germinating!
This can happen, so build ahead and use multiple seeds. The germination rate of commercially purchased baobab seeds is around 20 percent. So you can expect to find success with about every fifth seed.
Growing from seeds - step by step
- Pre-soak seeds
- Prepare substrate
- Put seeds in the ground
- Keep seeds evenly moist
- Place the planter bright and warm
- Wait for root formation
Before putting the seeds in the ground, they should swell at room temperature. To do this, hot water is poured over the seeds and left in the water overnight.
» Tip: The seeds should only be slightly covered with water and not float in the liquid.
The substrate should be rather nutrient-poor, the seed brings all the necessary nutrients. It is important that the soil is well drained and that plenty of oxygen reaches the seeds. The earthis evenly moistened and the pre-swollen seeds are planted at a depth of about one centimeter in the ground. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient space between the individual seeds.
The seeds need sufficient light, oxygen and moisture to germinate. Place the jar in a bright and warm place. Temperatures around 25 degrees are ideal.
» Tip: If the planter is covered with foil, a greenhouse climate is created that promotes growth.
The covered planter should be aired briefly every day if possible. This exchange of oxygen is necessary to prevent mold from growing on the damp soil. It is also important to ensure that the soil is always well moistened, but does not appear too wet.
The seeds start to germinate after about 4.5 weeks. After germination, the small baobab tree does not seem to develop much further. But this is a fallacy, because roots are being diligently formed, which remains hidden from our eyes. If growth starts, it can be assumed that enough roots have formed. Small planters are probably already penetrated by the root system of the baobab tree.
What happens to the young plants?
The baobab tree is robust and hardy, but only when fully grown. Young plants should be handled with kid gloves. About two months after the first shoots, it is time to separate the young plants. Be careful not to damage the delicate roots.
The plants are placed in individual pots. A sand-loam mixture is suitable as a substrate. The plant pots get a bright and warm place. The plants are watered moderately, but the soil must not dry out, as the stems are not yet developed enough to store enough moisture there.
» Tip: Adult baobabs are allowed to dry out, young plants take offense and the soil should always be moist.
Regular pruning is necessary to ensure that the young plants achieve the desired growth habit. In our latitudes, the baobab tree tends to develop a long, thin trunk from which only a few leaves grow. Regularly trim long shoots to encourage branching.
Advantages and disadvantages of the propagation methods
| Propagation method | Advantages | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings | ✔ fastMethod ✔ high growth guarantee ✔ easy to perform | ✘ Plant must be available ✘ Purchased cuttings must be pre-soaked in water |
| Seeds | ✔ several plants can be grown ✔ available all year round | ✘ relatively low guarantee of success ✘ tedious |