The baobab tree is exotic in our latitudes, but can be kept in the room or on the terrace if a few planting tips are followed.
Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata), majestic plants, at home in the vast expanses of Africa. Actually, one could assume that hardly anyone is toying with the idea of cultivating these trees on the terrace or on the windowsill. The thought is by no means far-fetched, because baobabs are frugal and undemanding. Garden newcomers should be particularly happy about this, because care mistakes are hardly taken amiss. And even globetrotters can put a baobab tree in their room, because the plant stores water and can therefore do without watering for a while. Find out below what you need to consider when planting the baobab tree.The baobab tree - a description of the plant
The African baobab tree belongs to the mallow family. In its natural home, the plant, also known as African breadfruit tree, can reach heights of growth of between 20 and 30 meters. The plant was discovered by Michel Adanson in 1749. The generic name Andansonia also refers to the French naturalist. Today the baobab tree has almost become a symbol of tropical Africa. The plant is characterized by a short, thickened stem. Bottle-shaped stem forms are also typical, which occur frequently in East Africa in particular. Baobabs have a spreading crown of thick, fleshy leaves that are said to bear a vague resemblance to the fingers of the human hand.
Without leaves, the baobab tree appears as if planted upside down. Legend has it that the devil did just that.
Baobab trees have always been considered very old, perhaps not least because of their growth habit. David Livingstone already estimated a specimen in the Zambezi to be 4,000 years old. However, scientific studies in Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia have come to the conclusion that baobab trees hardly ever get older than 400 years.
Distribution of the baobab tree
The main distribution area of the baobab trees is south of theSahara, in the arid African lowlands. Since the trees are sensitive to frost, they do not occur south of the 15th degree of latitude. Occurrences are also absent in the rain forests of Central Africa. The trees grow on the coasts as well as at altitudes of more than 1,000 meters. The trees were probably planted on the coasts, so that the natural range is more inland.
Baobab tree as a houseplant
The baobab tree is popular as a house and container plant. Nevertheless, the trees in our latitudes have so far hardly been traded. This means that the hobby gardener is in demand and has to grow his own baobab tree. But beware: baobab trees can reach a height of about two meters as a houseplant.
Is the baobab in bloom?
Also as a houseplant, the baobab tree is in no way inferior to its wild relatives and impresses with small white flowers that appear in groups and characteristically hang downwards. The filigree-looking flowers appear five years after planting at the earliest. In order for the flowers to develop into fruit, you will have to become active yourself and can try to pollinate with a brush.
Tip: In Africa, fruit bats are usually responsible for pollinating the plant.
Planting the baobab tree: finding a suitable location
A bright and sunny location should be found for the baobab tree. It also copes well with the blazing midday sun. A south-facing flower window is the ideal location for the heat-loving exotics. The baobab tree can spend the summer on the balcony or terrace.
If the sun is too intense and there is a lack of watering at the same time, the baobab tree may react with leaf fall. This is a natural protective action of the plant to keep itself from drying out. On the other hand, if the plant is too dark, the shoots will wilt. This can be recognized by irregular growth and yellowing of the shoots.
The plants grow quite fast, a corresponding space should be given. A place directly above the heating is not optimal for the plant. In winter, however, the baobab tree should not be below ten degrees room temperature.
Selecting the ideal substrate
When choosing the substrate, the desert plant should be largely matched. Conventional potting soil can be used as a basis. This is mixed with sand or perlite in 2/3 proportions. Commercial cactus soil can also be used.
It is important that the soil is well drained. Although the baobab tree forgives a lot, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. If the irrigation water does not drain off, the roots will quickly rot and the baobab tree can then usually no longer be saved. To provide the plant with sufficient nutrients, some mulch can be added to the substrate.
Planting the baobab tree - step by step
- Select planter
- Prepare substrate
- Water plant
- Put drainage
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water plant
When choosing the planter, bear in mind that the baobab tree develops quickly and small planters will be rooted within a few weeks. Choose a planter of sufficient size so that you don't have to replant in the first year.
The plant does very well if watered before planting. If you place the tree in a container with warm water for about a week in advance, the first shoots will appear soon after planting. Drainage is helpful to ensure good permeability of the substrate. For this purpose, a layer of potsherds or gravel is placed in the bottom of the vessel before the substrate is filled in.
The baobab tree is placed in the middle of the planter. Then fill the container completely with substrate and press down the soil well before watering the plant and placing it in its location.
Repot the baobab tree
The baobab tree grows quickly, which means the roots spread out in the planter. If this is not considered, the little tree will not get enough air and nutrients in its narrow plant pot. In order for the plant to develop in a species-appropriate manner, the baobab tree should be given new soil and a larger planter at least once a year.
Note: If the roots cannot develop further because the planter has become too narrow, the leaves may fall off and literally dry up.