In its African homeland, the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) grows in dry regions and proves to be extremely adaptable there. The succulent plant also thrives on your home windowsill and can even be propagated yourself. This is how it works for you too.
How to propagate a baobab tree?
The baobab tree can be propagated both by cuttings and seeds. In the case of cuttings, these should first be cut off and dried before being planted in cactus soil. Propagation by seeds is done by letting the seeds swell and planting them in potting soil.
How to propagate the baobab tree?
The rustic-looking baobab tree can be propagated both by cuttings and seeds. You can cut the cuttings yourself or buy them commercially. Commercially available cuttings are sealed with wax on the trunk to prevent them from drying out during transport. You must carefully remove this seal before planting.
Germinable seeds can also be purchased commercially. But be careful: always plant several seeds, as not all of them always sprout and develop into a he althy tree. When buying cuttings and seeds, always pay attention to the correct Latin species name!
Can the baobab tree be propagated by cuttings?
Purchased cuttings should first be placed in a container with water for a few days after the wax seal has been removed and only then planted. If you cut cuttings yourself, proceed as follows:
- select he althy cuttings with around three to four leaves
- cut with a sharp and clean knife
- let it air dry for one to two days
- plant in cactus soil or sand-peat mixture
- Moisten the soil
- For better rooting, place a plastic bag or cut-off PET bottle over the cutting
The best time to propagate cuttings is spring. Be sure to use planters with multiple drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Can you also propagate the baobab tree through seeds?
The baobab tree gets its name because its nutritious fruits are often eaten by monkeys. These contain oily seeds which, in addition to propagating cuttings, can also be used for cultivation.
Proceed as follows:
- Pour hot (not boiling!) water over the seeds and let them soak overnight
- only cover lightly with water, you are not allowed to swim
- the next day plant approx. 1 cm deep in cactus soil or growing soil
- Keep the plant pot bright and warm
- Always keep the substrate slightly moist
- Be patient
It can take a few months for the seeds to germinate. Prior stratification is not necessary because there is no dormancy.
How do you properly care for young plants?
If possible, plant seeds and cuttings individually in plant pots to avoid later separation, which is stressful for the young plants. High-quality, loose cactus soil is best (€12.00 on Amazon). The substrate must not dry out in young plants, as the young trees cannot yet store water in their trunks.
Short long shoots regularly to encourage the small baobab tree to branch. The young plants in our latitudes tend to only develop long shoots with only a few leaves.
Tip
Are baobab trees and money trees the same thing?
Many thick-leaf plants are sold commercially under the name “Baobab tree”. In fact, it is often not a real baobab tree (Adansonia digitata), but a money tree or penny tree (Crassula ovata). This is also a succulent plant with very similar needs to the baobab tree and is also propagated.
