Baobabs do not like “wet feet” – their roots do not tolerate standing water for too long. Therefore, the pot in which the Baobab lives should be well drained. Before you put a Baobab in a pot or repot it put pebbles at the bottom of the pot. They support quick water drainage. Place a mixture of cactus soil and sand on top of the pebbles – this will facilitate quick water drainage, too. The sand should not contain salt – using sand from the sea is not recommendable because Baobab roots do not like salt in the soil. Baobabs are frugal creatures and do normally not need fertilizer. Mine are happy with the cactus soil from the hardware store around the corner.
On average Baobabs in pots need water once a week – depending on the weather conditions and whether they live outside or indoors. If they sit outside in a sunny and hot spot they need water more often. Pour water latest when the leaves show signs of water shortage (seem limp). It does not harm the Baobabs if the pot dries out completely because the trees can save some water in their trunks and branches. However, not too much because they are limited to their pots and cannot expand with their roots like their „wild“ conspecifics.
During their time of rest which usually starts in fall – around October – they drop their leaves. The amount of water needs to be reduced. The Baobabs living under the roof top in my studio during the winter period get water every other week. They do not sleep like our leaveless trees in Europe but rather have a resting period with a reduced metabolism. Baobabs still need water but in much lesser amounts than during warmer periods and whilst they carry leaves.
The baobab tree with its massive trunk and sprawling canopy, makes for a majestic addition to any outdoor space. While baobab trees reach towering heights in their native African habitat they can also thrive in containers when properly cared for. Follow this guide to successfully grow your own baobab tree in a container.
Choosing the Right Container
Selecting an appropriate container is the first critical step for growing a baobab tree. As baobab trees have extensive root systems the container needs to accommodate the roots while also draining well.
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Opt for a large container, minimum 24 inches wide and deep This will provide enough room for several years of growth before repotting is needed
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Make sure the container has multiple drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
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Heavy-duty plastic, terra cotta, wood, and metal containers can support the weight and provide insulation.
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Match the container’s looks to your décor. Neutral colors blend in while brighter glazes stand out.
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Wheeled containers allow you to move the tree easily. Ensure wheels can lock to prevent accidental rolling.
The Right Soil Mix
Baobab trees need a very well-draining soil mix in containers.
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Use a mix specifically formulated for container trees and citrus plants.
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A good basic mix is half potting soil, quarter peat moss or compost, and quarter perlite or sand.
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Soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0-7.0.
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Add more sand or perlite if you have heavy clay soils to improve drainage.
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Test drainage by watering the mix and letting it drain completely. There should be no standing water.
Sun and Temperature Considerations
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Place container in full sun, ideally 8-10 hours per day. South facing locations are best.
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Bring tree indoors or protect from temps below 50°F. It cannot tolerate frost.
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Shelter from wind, which can dry out soil quickly.
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Consider using shade cloth to protect from intense afternoon sun in summer.
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Maintain indoor temps above 60°F in winter if keeping it inside.
Watering Needs
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Baobab trees are drought tolerant but need deep weekly watering in summer.
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Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Check moisture 2-3 inches below surface before watering.
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Reduce watering frequency in winter but don’t let roots dry out completely.
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If possible, collect and use rainwater which is naturally soft.
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Watch for leaves drooping or browning at edges as a sign of under watering.
Fertilizer and Maintenance
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Fertilize 3-4 times during active growth with a balanced 10-10-10 or citrus fertilizer.
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Apply fertilizer lightly every 2-3 months to prevent salt buildup.
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Prune dead branches or those growing into the canopy interior to improve airflow.
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Check frequently for pests like aphids or scale. Treat infestations early.
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Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Move to a container 2-4 inches wider.
Caring for Baobab Indoors
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Provide as much direct light as possible using south facing windows.
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Supplement natural light with grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
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Use pebble trays or humidifiers to maintain humidity around 40%.
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Ensure indoor temps stay 65-75°F throughout winter.
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Water whenever top few inches of soil are dry. Misting leaves also helps.
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Watch for pests like spider mites that can thrive indoors.
Transitions Between Indoors and Outdoors
When moving your baobab tree between indoor and outdoor environments, allow it to adjust gradually to prevent shock:
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Begin acclimating it to outdoors in spring after the last frost.
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Start by placing it outside in shade for a few hours at a time.
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Over two weeks, slowly increase the duration outside and introduce to more sun.
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For moving indoors, similarly acclimate it over a few weeks as temps drop in fall.
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Ensure lights and humidity are adjusted properly for the indoor environment.
With proper selection of the container, soil, and growing conditions, the baobab makes for a uniquely beautiful and low maintenance container plant. Just be sure to provide adequate sunlight, ventilation, room for the extensive root system, and well-drained soil. With a little attention to its basic needs, a baobab tree in a container can thrive for many years.
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.
“Baobabs – Icons of the Savannah”
Publication available in English and German. For more information click on the photo, please.
How to grow a Baobab tree from seed. Full tutorial. #gardening #baobab #tree
FAQ
How to use the baobab tree?
When to repot a baobab?
How to propagate a baobab tree?
What can you do with baobab leaves?
Do baobab trees need a lot of water?
With the proper care and attention, your baobab tree will become a beautiful addition to your landscape. Watering and fertilizing are essential for the health and growth of your baobab tree. Baobab trees are drought-tolerant, so they dont need a lot of water, and they dont need to be watered frequently.
Can a baobab tree be planted in a pot?
A large tree like a baobab will need to be potted into a pot before it can be planted. In most cases, this is not possible due to the size of the pot required. A large pot may require at least one metre of space which could make it impossible to keep an indoor tree in such a space. Can you transplant a baobab tree?
How to overwinter a baobab tree?
You’ll need to do a lot of care to overwinter it. Place it indoors, in a bright and warm position near a windowsill. Try to keep temperature around 10 C, lower than this will stunt baobab. In winter, baobab tree drops its leaves and goes to dormancy. During this time water sparingly, watering in winter can cause root rot. Also stop to fertilize.
How do you care for a baobab tree?
Place it indoors, in a bright and warm position near a windowsill. Try to keep temperature around 10 C, lower than this will stunt baobab. In winter, baobab tree drops its leaves and goes to dormancy. During this time water sparingly, watering in winter can cause root rot. Also stop to fertilize. In the spring, place it back at its usual location.