The baobab tree can be kept as a houseplant, but also in a bucket. In our latitudes, however, this exotic species needs a minimum of care.
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) - an exotic plant that is difficult to cultivate in our latitudes? Far from it, the exotic does not make any great demands on its care and has therefore become a popular houseplant. Even inexperienced hobby gardeners will not be disappointed by the Adansonia. In the tub, as in the pot, the baobab tree tolerates heat and longer periods of drought, because the plant can store considerable amounts of water. With good care, it is even possible to get the baobab tree to bloom and bear fruit. We will now tell you what to look out for when caring for this fast-growing exotic species.
Money tree - Attention, risk of confusion!
Because of its ability to store water in its thick trunk, the baobab tree is often referred to in the trade as the bottle tree. Names like Pfennigbaum or Geldbaum are also common. These plants are therefore also popular gift ideas. Botanically, however, the money tree is a plant with the botanical name Crassula ovata. The baobab tree (Adansonia) is not related to these thick-leaved little trees.
» Tip: The carob tree and the umbrella acacia are also similar to the baobab tree, although they are not related.
Water the baobab tree correctly
Rain rarely falls in the savannahs of Africa, which is why you need to be careful when watering the houseplant. You should only water the baobab tree when the substrate appears slightly dried and no longer feels damp even a few centimeters below the surface. The finger test provides certainty.
If the plant spends the summer on the balcony or terrace, make sure you choose a sheltered location. If rainwater can penetrate unhindered, this quickly leads to overwatering. In the bucket, the water can also drain badly. If the plant is too wet, the roots are attacked and the baobab rots and is then usually no longer closedrescue. A covered stand would be ideal for the plant, because even a downpour can cause lasting damage to the baobab tree.
» Tip: In case of overwatering, the plant should be freed from the wet and clumpy soil immediately and repotted in new substrate.
In the case of potted plants, ensure that there are sufficient drainage holes in the bottom of the container. The water balance can be better controlled if the plant is placed in a saucer. Excess water that accumulates there must be removed regularly.
Fertilize the baobab properly
In order to promote the growth of the plant, the baobab tree can receive monthly fertilizer doses during the growing season. Use a commercially available liquid fertiliser, this can be easily dosed and added to the irrigation water.
» Tip: From October the baobab tree should no longer receive fertilizer.
Growth and flowering can also be promoted by the administration of mineral s alts. However, the plant does not flower until it is five to six years old.
Does the baobab tree have to be cut?
Don't worry, the plants in our latitudes lag far behind the growth heights of 20 meters and more. If you don't cut back the baobab tree, it will grow about two meters tall. If the growth habit is to appear rather small and compact, the tree can be pruned all year round if necessary.
» Tip: Individual branches are preferably shortened in winter, the leaves can be trimmed in summer.
Remove the shoots located under the main crown. If possible, cut close to the buds. Pruning the plants is advisable if the typical growth habit is to develop. In our latitudes, trees that have not been pruned have difficulty developing the characteristic thick trunk - bushy crown.
Baobab Tree - Diseases and Pests
While the robust exotics hardly show any diseases, pest infestation occasionally occurs. The baobab tree is particularly
- Mourning Gnats
- spider mites
- or Mealybugs
affected. Fungus gnat larvae are very voracious. The hobby gardener can easily identify an infestation, because the leaves then appear to be eaten away. If the leaves of the baobab tree are covered with a silvery coating, spider mites or mealybugs are up to mischief.
When fighting these pests, it is not necessary to resort to chemical pesticides.The following home remedies help reliably and protect the environment:
| Pest | Home remedies |
|---|---|
| Mourning Gnats | • Spray the plant with a mixture of water, oil, s alt and baking soda. • Stick match heads into the substrate. The sulfur contained kills the larvae. • Put a bulb of garlic in the soil. • Sprinkle cinnamon on the substrate. • Add 20 drops of tea tree to one liter of irrigation water - or lavender oil. |
| Mealy lice | • Spray the plant with soap solution. • Spray the plant with nettle decoction. • Spray the plant with decoction of tansy. |
| spider mites | • Make a spray from 1 liter of water, 15 ml of potash soap and 15 ml of spirits. • Spray the plant with a decoction of water and lavender oil. • Set Make a decoction of wormwood and spray the plant. |
For a nettle brew you need half a kilogram of fresh nettle herb. This is poured over with five liters of boiling water. The container is sealed and should steep for a few days. Don't forget to stir the brew daily. After the brewing time, the brew is passed through a sieve and filled into a spray bottle.
Rainfarn Brew is faster to craft. 200 grams of tansy leaves are crushed and poured with six liters of boiling water. After ten minutes, the mixture can already be strained and you can spray the plant with it.
Overwintering the baobab tree
The baobab tree uses the summer months to store water in its trunk. This is consumed in the winter months. The ideal winter quarters are bright and cool. However, the temperatures must not drop below ten degrees. During the winter months, just make sure the roots don't dry out completely. The plant should be checked about every four weeks and watered slightly if necessary.
» Tip: If the baobab dries out too much in winter, the budding in spring will be delayed.
Soft branches in winter - why?
This is an indication of a winter stand that is too wet. Repot the plant, check the root ball and repot the baobab if necessary. Rotten root sections are to be removed. Even if the winter is too warm, the plant can react with soft and brittle branches.