Adansonia grandidieri
Adansonia grandidieri
Grandidier’s Baobab
★
Description
Adansonia grandidieri, the famed Madagascar baobab, is a majestic, bottle-trunked tree prized by collectors. In warm, dry climates it becomes an unforgettable landmark; in containers it grows slowly, showing sculptural form and shedding leaves in the dry season.
Common Names
Grandidier’s BaobabMadagascar BaobabRenala
Context
nativeRegion
Western Madagascar dry deciduous forests (Avenue of the Baobabs region).
usdaZones
11–12 outdoors (possible in warm 10 with excellent protection); otherwise grow in containers.
companionPlants
Aloe spp., Euphorbia tirucalli, Pachypodium lamerei, Commiphora spp., Adenium obesum
culturalUses
Iconic landscape and sacred trees; fruit (“monkey bread”) edible, seeds yield oil, bark provides fiber; significant cultural and ecotourism value.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun; 6–10+ hours of direct light.
WateringWater deeply but infrequently in active growth; allow soil to dry fully between waterings. Keep almost dry during cool/dormant season.
SoilVery fast-draining, sandy/mineral mix (cactus mix with 30–50% pumice/perlite/grit).
FertilizerLight feeding only in warm, active growth (low-nitrogen, dilute 1/4–1/2 strength monthly). Do not fertilize when dormant.
HumidityLow to average; prefers dry air with good airflow.
TemperatureWarmth-loving: 70–95°F (21–35°C) ideal. Protect from cold; avoid <50°F (10°C) and absolutely frost-free.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous, succulent tree with massive bottle-shaped trunk and sparse crown.
Mature SizeIn habitat 60–100 ft tall (18–30 m) with huge girth; in containers typically 2–10 ft (0.6–3 m) over many years.
Growth RateSlow to moderate (faster in hot, frost-free ground; slow in pots).
BloomingLarge, night-opening white flowers in late dry to early rainy season; typically after many years and in suitable climates; woody oblong fruits follow.
DormancyDry-season deciduous; sheds leaves and rests cool and nearly dry.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds (scarify and soak before sowing), Cuttings (difficult, low success), Grafting (specialist)
DifficultyModerate from seed; advanced for cuttings/grafting.
Best SeasonLate spring to early summer when temperatures are consistently warm.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal; remove dead or crossing branches. Shape lightly when young; avoid heavy trunk cuts.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in late spring as growth resumes; use a wider, shallow pot with fresh fast-draining mix; disturb roots minimally.
Pests & DiseasesMealybugs and scale in containers; root rot from overwatering; fungal issues in cool, wet conditions.
ToxicityGenerally regarded as non-toxic; many parts are traditionally edible.
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