The easy-care plant from the African sun is considered very resilient. However, unfavorable factors can make them sick or weaken them. An overview helps to avoid this. Effective means intervene effectively in an emergency.
What diseases occur in the baobab tree and how can they be prevented?
Diseases in the baobab tree are usually caused by overwatering, fungus gnats, spider mites or lice. In order to avoid pests and diseases, good care, the right humidity and, if necessary, the use of natural enemies or oily agents are recommended.
Main reason for discomfort: overwatering
The roots of the baobab tree often begin to rot immediately if the soil is too moist. The tree usually dies completely. Using a coaster can prevent this situation.
Sad gnats
This animal species particularly likes to grow on the baobab tree. If the mosquitoes are already fully grown, yellow panels quickly provide relief. Beneficial insects like to destroy the larvae of these pests.
Spider mites
Spider mites are among the most famous troublemakers worldwide. They like to mess with houseplants, especially during the winter heating season.
If your baobab tree has these pests, three effective measures can be taken:
Shower off the tree:
Wash the African plant completely in the shower one to three times.
Moisten leaves:
Use a water sprayer to spray two to three times a day.
Plastic bag trick:
A transparent plastic bag is placed over the baobab tree. Tie it to the bottom of the trunk. After about 8 to 10 days, the spider mites literally run out of air. They die off. During this time you can water and fertilize as usual.
Mealybugs or root lice
Unfavorable locations attract lice. For example, if the tree is on the window sill directly above the heater, the humidity drops enormously.
Lice feel very comfortable on the plant under these conditions. With targeted methods you can deny these uninvited guests the feast:
Offer in the specialist store:
- Spirit: Apply this directly to the pests with a cotton swab.
- oily agents (e.g. neem oil): These suffocate the lice very quickly when applied specifically.
Farm animals as an environmentally friendly option
You can specifically destroy pests by using beneficial insects. For example, the cute ladybugs love aphids. They prove their worth in stubborn cases.
Prevention:
- Increasing air humidity (protects against mealybugs)
- Use of an evaporator to humidify rooms
- direct spraying of the plant itself
Tips & Tricks
The importance remains on avoiding pests and diseases. Before you buy, find out about the special requirements of your baobab tree.
