The genus Adansonia, commonly known as baobabs, comprises medium-to-large deciduous trees native to Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. These trees are renowned for their longevity, distinctive appearance, and cultural significance. Baobabs are increasingly popular as bonsai specimens, offering a unique and captivating alternative to traditional bonsai species.
Characteristics of Baobab Trees
Baobabs are long-lived deciduous trees, ranging in height from 5 to 30 meters (20 to 100 feet). Young trees typically have slender, tapering trunks, often with a swollen base, while mature trees boast massive, bottle-shaped or cylindrical trunks that taper from bottom to top.
The trunk is composed of fibrous wood arranged in concentric rings, although these rings are not always formed annually, making it difficult to determine the exact age of individual trees. Tree diameter fluctuates with rainfall, suggesting that water may be stored within the trunk.
Baobab trees produce two types of shoots: long, green vegetative shoots and stout, woody reproductive shoots. Leaves are palmately compound in mature trees, with 5-11 leaflets. The flowers are large, showy, strongly scented, and open near dusk. The fruit is large, oval-to-round, with a dry, hard outer shell.
All occur in seasonally arid areas, and are deciduous, shedding their leaves during the dry season. Baobabs store water in the trunk (up to 120,000 litres or 32,000 US gallons) to endure harsh drought conditions.
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Accepted Species of Adansonia
As of July 2020, there are eight recognized species of Adansonia:
- Adansonia digitata L. (native to mainland Africa and the Arabian Peninsula)
- Adansonia gregorii F.Muell. (native to Australia)
- Adansonia rubrostipa Jum. & H.Perrier (endemic to Madagascar)
The mainland African species (Adansonia digitata) also occurs on Madagascar, but it is not native to that island. Baobabs were introduced in ancient times to south Asia and during the colonial era to the Caribbean.
Cultivating Baobab as Bonsai
Baobab trees are an unusual but very interesting species for bonsai, and they are not difficult to care for if their basic needs are met. As a pot plant or bonsai tree, the baobab grows very slowly, and it can take many years to make good progress.
Environmental Needs
- Light: African Bonsai requires abundant, bright, and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive.
- Temperature: The Baobab always needs a warm environment and is very sensitive to cold temperatures. It must be taken into the house as soon as the temperatures fall below 12° C / 54° F.
African Baobab Bonsai Care And Repotting | Adansoniya Digitata Bonsai | Sani Bonsai Zone
Watering and Fertilizing
- Watering: African Bonsai thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Baobabs can store water in their trunks and only need to be watered about once a month during the growing season. When they are dormant, don't water them at all. Too much watering can cause root rot and kill the tree.
- Fertilizing: Feed the baobab with liquid fertilizer every month in half concentration when it is time to water.
Pruning and Styling
- Pruning: The branches of the baobab can be pruned at any time. Cut the ramification back in shape before the new leaves appear. New shoots can be trimmed when they grow too long.
- Wiring: Younger branches and twigs can be wired if necessary, but most styling should be done with scissors.
Repotting
- Repot the baobab every two years in spring.
- Prune the roots by one third and remove all damaged or dead roots.
- Use a well-draining soil mix with some humus.
Propagation
- The baobab Bonsai is easily propagated from seed, but can also be grown from cuttings.
Potential Problems
- Pests: Aphids and spider mites can attack the baobab, especially when it is kept in the house. Use a specific pesticide as soon as you discover these pests.
- Overwatering: Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with African Bonsai. Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil.
Interesting Facts
- The grey-brown bark is between five and ten centimeters thick and can protect the tree from minor bush fires.
- Without leaves, the crown looks like a root system which has contributed to the legend that the devil has planted the baobab tree upside down.
- Baobabs drop their leaves periodically and produce new foliage shortly before the start of the rainy season.
Other Species for Bonsai
While baobabs offer a unique aesthetic, many other species are well-suited for bonsai cultivation. Here are a few examples:
| Species | Description | Care Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ficus (Ficus Retusa / Ginseng / Benjamina) | Tropical tree with shiny green leaves and smooth grey bark. | Easy to care for and thrives indoors. |
| Carmona (Fukien Tea) | Shrub or small tree from southeastern Asia with dark green shiny leaves. | Needs constant warm temperatures and must not be exposed to frost. |
| Azalea (Rhododendron) | Shrub with small shiny green leaves. | Needs special soil and fertilizer and lime-free water. |
| Portulacaria afra (Elephant Bush) | Succulent shrub or small tree with thick shiny leaves and thick trunks. | Needs a lot of light and likes to be exposed to the sun; cannot endure frost. |
By understanding the specific needs of each species, bonsai enthusiasts can create stunning and long-lasting miniature trees.
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