Adansonia digitata
Adansonia digitata
African baobab
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Description
Adansonia digitata, the African baobab, is a charismatic, long-lived succulent tree with a swollen “bottle” trunk and sparse, graceful canopy. It loves intense sun, tolerates drought with ease, and makes a striking conversation piece in warm gardens or as a bonsai-style container plant. Its flowers open at dusk, and its nutritious fruit and leaves are valued across Africa.
Common Names
African baobabBaobabUpside-down treeMonkey-bread tree
Context
nativeRegion
Sub-Saharan Africa across the Sahel and savanna regions.
usdaZones
10–12 outdoors (frost-free); otherwise grow in containers.
companionPlants
Aloe spp., Agave spp., Euphorbia spp., Portulacaria afra, Bougainvillea
culturalUses
Fruit pulp is nutrient-dense (rich in vitamin C) for food and beverages; leaves used as a vegetable and in traditional medicine; bark fiber for rope and baskets; culturally significant as a shade and meeting tree and a symbol of resilience.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–10+ hours). Indoors: brightest south-facing window or strong grow lights.
WateringDuring warm growth, water deeply then let the mix dry completely; in winter/dormancy keep almost dry. Avoid waterlogged soil.
SoilVery fast-draining gritty mix (cactus/succulent blend with 50–70% mineral like pumice/perlite/grit). Neutral to slightly alkaline.
FertilizerLight feeding in spring–mid-summer: balanced or low-n at 1/4–1/2 strength monthly. No fertilizer in dormancy.
HumidityLow to average (30–50%). Prefers good airflow; avoid persistently high humidity when cool.
TemperatureWarm: 68–95°F (20–35°C). Minimum 50–55°F (10–13°C). Protect from frost.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous succulent tree with a massive, bottle-shaped trunk and sparse, spreading branches.
Mature SizeIn habitat 16–80+ ft (5–25+ m) tall with huge girth; in containers kept much smaller (bonsai-friendly).
Growth RateSlow to moderate, faster with heat, full sun, and excellent drainage.
BloomingLarge pendulous white flowers open at dusk, late spring to summer; bat-pollinated. Rarely blooms indoors.
DormancyDry-season/winter dormancy; sheds leaves and largely stops growth.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (scarify and soak before sowing), Semi-hardwood cuttings, Grafting
DifficultyEasy from seed; moderate from cuttings/grafting.
Best SeasonLate spring to summer when warm and bright.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningLight structural pruning late winter to early spring. Remove dead or crossing branches; avoid heavy trunk cuts. For bonsai, pinch and shape new growth.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in spring before active growth. Use wide, shallow pots; refresh gritty mix and lightly trim circling roots.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally tough; may get mealybugs, scale, spider mites. Biggest risk is root rot from overwatering or cold, wet soil. Ensure drainage and airflow.
ToxicityConsidered non-toxic; fruit and leaves are edible. Supervise pets to avoid choking on seeds or pods.
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