Your “baobab adventure” starts with the successful germination of the baobab seeds you planted. It is crucial for the little saplings to survive the first three months – until they are big and stable enough to continue on their own. One of the important factors to make it easy for them is watering them correctly. The little plants do not like “wet feet” at all. That means they should not be over-watered otherwise their roots will rot away since they are prone to root rot. Nevertheless, they need water on a regular basis.
The baobab tree, with its massive trunk and unique appearance, is an iconic part of the landscape in Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. These majestic trees are adapted to survive in arid climates, but they still require water to grow and thrive. Learning how to properly hydrate your baobab is key to keeping it healthy. Read on to find out the signs that indicate your baobab needs water and tips for watering it correctly.
Understanding the Baobab’s Water Needs
Baobabs have the ability to store water in their thick fire-resistant trunks allowing them to withstand harsh droughts. However, they cannot survive solely on reserved water indefinitely. Baobabs require regular moisture to support new growth, flowering, and fruit production.
The specific watering needs of a baobab depend on factors like climate, soil type tree age and time of year. For example, baobabs planted in sandy soil may need more frequent watering than those in loam. Young trees generally require more water than mature specimens. And during the hot dry season, baobabs need more hydration than in cooler rainy periods.
Signs Your Baobab Needs Water
Learning to spot symptoms of thirst in your baobab will help you maintain its health. Signs that your tree needs water include:
-
Wilting leaves: Drooping or limp foliage indicates the branches are stressed from lack of water.
-
Dry soil: Check the moisture level around the base of the tree. If the soil is completely dry, it’s time to water.
-
Cracking bark: As the trunk dries out, the bark can split or peel. Monitor for damage.
-
Slowed growth Inadequate hydration inhibits new growth and development.
-
Leaf drop: Severe dehydration may cause the tree to shed leaves to conserve water.
-
Yellow leaves: While baobab leaves are naturally deciduous, yellowing leaves can mean under or overwatering.
Tips for Watering Your Baobab
When you determine your baobab needs water, follow these tips:
-
Water deeply so moisture penetrates to the roots. Avoid shallow watering.
-
Water infrequently but thoroughly. Let the soil partially dry out between sessions.
-
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
-
Avoid overwatering, only water when the soil is partially dry. Check soil before watering.
-
Water in the morning so excess moisture can evaporate during the day.
Additionally, use rainwater or allow tap water to sit out overnight before using it on your baobab. Baobabs are sensitive to chemicals in treated tap water.
Responding to Wilting Leaves
If you notice the leaves of your baobab tree starting to wilt, droop, or turn yellow, it likely needs water. Take these steps:
-
Check the soil moisture level by digging down 2-3 inches near the base of the tree. Is it bone dry?
-
Water slowly and deeply until the soil is fully saturated. Apply approximately 15-20 gallons for a mature tree.
-
Monitor the leaves over the next few days. Do they perk back up? If not, your tree may be stressed by other factors like pests, disease, or unsuitable conditions.
-
Always check the soil before watering again. Wait until the top few inches are partially dry before adding more moisture.
-
Make sure your tree gets 1-2 deep waterings per month during warm seasons depending on climate.
Causes of Underwatering
There are a few key reasons why your baobab might not be getting sufficient water:
-
Infrequent watering: Baobabs require regular hydration, especially when young. Don’t wait until the leaves start drooping to water.
-
Shallow watering: Water needs to penetrate deep in the soil to reach the baobab’s extensive root system.
-
Poor drainage: Wet, compacted soil deprives roots of oxygen. Improve drainage before watering.
-
Small container: Potted baobabs need more frequent watering than in-ground ones. Re-pot in a larger container if rootbound.
-
Hot microclimate: Trees in full sun, low humidity, or wind require more moisture. Adjust conditions or water more often.
-
Root problems: Damaged, diseased, or restricted roots cannot take up water. Address issues promptly.
Consequences of Underwatering
If an underwatered baobab is not given adequate water soon, it can have severe effects:
-
Declining health – Lack of water inhibits growth and vital processes like photosynthesis. The tree becomes weak and stressed.
-
Leaf and fruit drop – In an effort to conserve moisture, the baobab sheds leaves and fruit prematurely.
-
Wilting and defoliation – Drooping, yellowed foliage eventually turns brown and falls from branches.
-
Dieback – Extreme dehydration causes entire branches or sections of the trunk to die.
-
Increased risk of pests/disease – Weakened trees are more susceptible to infestations and infections.
-
Eventual death – Without intervention, severe underwatering can kill the baobab. Take prompt action at the first signs of thirst.
In Summary
Baobab trees require occasional deep watering to thrive. Check for visual cues like wilting leaves, cracked bark, and dry soil to determine when your tree needs hydration. When watering, saturate the soil thoroughly but infrequently. With proper irrigation, your baobab will flourish for centuries to come.
Video: “Baobabs – why they look the way they do…”
A short video with an attempt to explain why they look the way they do… To watch click on the photo, please.
Video: Grow Baobabs from seeds
To listen klick on photograph and follow the menu 🙂
Ask an Arborist: How do I Know if my Trees Need Water?
FAQ
How often should I water a baobab tree?
Why are the leaves on my baobab tree turning yellow?
How to get water from a baobab tree?
When should you water a baobab tree?
Watering: only when plants are in leaf and growing over summer; withhold water from April–December. The baobab has a bottle-shaped trunk (known as a caudex) that, unlike “normal” trees, is filled with soft fibrous wood that allows it to store water. The tree may reach to 10–12m with a spread of branches at its top.
How to care for a baobab plant?
Watering requirement of baobab is moderate to low as it is native to arid areas of Africa and it should be done carefully. If you’re growing baobab in container, choose one with good drainage holes, so that the excess water can seep out from bottom. Overwatering should be avoided. Before watering the plant again, always check if the soil is dry.
How much water do baobabs need?
Baobabs that have just germinated need to get water regularly because they cannot yet store it in their trunk, branches and roots as large baobabs do. The amount of water is crucial: the pot should not get dripping wet – pour a fair amount of water. Usually I use between 100 and 200 ml per pot for small pots that are about 10 centimeters deep.
Are baobab seeds too wet?
Baobab Seeds on “Turf-Muffins”, different perspective, definitely too wet! Baobabs that have just germinated need to get water regularly because they cannot yet store it in their trunk, branches and roots as large baobabs do. The amount of water is crucial: the pot should not get dripping wet – pour a fair amount of water.