How do you care for a baobab tree?

Answer 1

Baobab trees are fairly simple to care for, but writing this answer I'll assume you are going to bonsai them.

Baobab trees like a semi loamy soil. Use 1/3 builder sand, 1/3 crushed clay, 1/3 Canadian peat moss.

I like a special mixture of 1/2 Turface and 1/2 Perlite for my "clay" mixture.

When you water it should appear out the bottom holes between 10 and 17 seconds. 13 or 14 seconds is best.

If the water never comes out the bottom, you need to repot. Check your drain holes for blockages. Also check the roots to see if they need to be trimmed.

If the water comes out in less than 9 seconds, your soil is too sandy/rocky.
Remix the soil with more peat moss. Over 17 seconds, remove some peat moss.

Keep the tree from getting too tall by 'pinching' new upward growth.

Keep the tree in a pot that is equal in width as the longest branch. Do not let the branch grow more than 1/2 of an inch beyond the edge of the pot. If you let it grow larger you will need a bigger pot.

I like the pots which are more like a tray for this tree. A tray like this should be no more than 2 inches in height. If you are going to shape the tree differently, then the pot height will vary.

Repot the tree every 2-3 years to prevent the roots from getting too thick. Cut the large thick woody roots but keep the small fine roots. These roots are needed for water and nutrients. Do not trim too many of the fine roots off. Keep as many fine roots as possible.

Do not allow this tree in temperatures less than 50 degrees. Take it inside if the weather is too cold.

During the winter months keep it indoor near a window with plenty of sun. If you are up north, remove it from the window at night. Some windows will allow too much cold air reach the tree.

I've seen people use heating pads at the lowest setting to warm the air around it. No need to put the tree directly on the pad.

DO NOT WATER FOR FOUR MONTHS. Let the soil dry out. The tree will not die.
When winter is over, water the heck out of the tree. Water it three times a day until the first new growth arrives, then water every day. Keep the soil moist.

There are some grasshoppers that eat the leaves. Pick them off and dispose of them. You can use some pesticides but the "locus" which eat the leaves are virtually immune to the pesticides I've tried. You basically need to squash them.

I've not seen root rot before, but if you have the proper mixture of soil and the water is properly draining then you won't have a problem.

You can fertilize twice a year in the spring with a tomato fertilizer. Once in April and once in May. I use a organic 8-8-8 version. Do not use too much nitrogen because it will cause extra leaf growth. If you want extra leaves, then go with a 24-8-16 or anything close to this.

• N -- nitrogen: promotes the growth of leaves and vegetation
• P -- phosphorus: promotes root and shoot growth
• K -- potassium: promotes flowering, fruiting and general hardiness

I prefer liquid mixed with water, but if you are unsure, use a slow release granular version. Please follow the instructions so you don't burn the tree.

If you do burn it, remove all soil. Rinse the roots really good. Repot and water heavy for three days.

Have fun!