Baobab Plant Care

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Adansonia genus. Baobab is native to the African continent and the southern Arabian Peninsula. Baobab is also known as African Baobab, Cream of Tartar Tree, Monkey Bread Tree.

Baobab displays a massive, thick-trunked tree growth habit, reaching up to 60 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Baobab produces large white nocturnal blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Baobab every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Baobab thrives in full sun.

Adansonia digitata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Baobab prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Baobab to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Baobab every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Baobab is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Baobab can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 60 ft (18 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Baobab while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Baobab is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Baobab can be propagated through seeds, grafting. Similar propagation techniques also apply to grandidier's baobab plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Baobab is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Baobab grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Baobab is native to the African continent and the southern Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Baobab as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.