African potato tree Plant Care

African potato tree (Anonidium letestui) belongs to the Annonaceae family within the Anonidium genus. African potato tree is native to Gabon and Congo in West Central Africa. African potato tree is also known as African baobab.

African potato tree displays a small tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. African potato tree produces fragrant yellow flowers with multiple petals.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African potato tree every 7–10 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.

African potato tree thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Anonidium letestui tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. African potato tree prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for African potato tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African potato tree every 6 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 partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African potato tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

African potato tree can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 African potato tree 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.

African potato tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African potato tree can be propagated through seeds, air-layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jackal berry plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

African potato tree is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites. 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.

African potato tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African potato tree is native to Gabon and Congo in West Central Africa. In cooler regions, grow African potato tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.