If the foliage of a plant changes color or even falls off, this is usually not a good sign. With the baobab tree, however, this process is not always an indication of diseases or pests. In most cases, this is a completely natural process. However, caution is advised, because these symptoms are not always harmless! We tell you when and how best to act on these signs.
The baobab tree is losing its foliage
If the African exotic loses its leaves, this is not immediately a cause for panic. This is often a natural protective mechanism of the tree. However, the sapling also drops its foliage when it is sick. Therefore, in order to find out why the baobab tree is losing its foliage, the cause must first be found.
causes
Natural protection mechanism
The most common cause of leaf drop is a completely natural protective mechanism of the tree. Because the Adansonia is able to recognize the change between rainy and dry season. To be successful hibernate, the African exotic drops its leaves at the beginning of the dry season. This can also be recognized by the discoloration of the foliage, because first yellow and then brown leaves are noticeable. In order for the tree to overwinter successfully in local regions, the following points must be taken into account:
- It is best to bring the plant indoors
- place in a sunny, warm spot
- protect from the weather outdoors
- do not water, otherwise roots could rot
- don't fertilize either
- Temperature around 10 degrees
diseased roots
If the baobab tree loses its leaves before the dry period, caution is advised. Then this can be damaged or diseased root to be responsible. If the root system is damaged, for example when repotting, the root ball will no longer develop. However, this subsequently impairs the absorption of nutrients and water, or even completely prevents it. Once the plant is no longer adequately supplied, it eventually dies. In this case, the following procedure is advisable:
- Check roots for damage
- if roots are damaged: discard plant
- if roots are not damaged: search for another cause
tip: Even if the root system is damaged, the baobab tree is not completely lost. Because with a little skill, a new plant can be grown from leaves or shoots.
pests
Although the baobab tree is largely resistant to diseases, certain pests can certainly cause problems. Especially from the fungus gnat the African exotic is often haunted. However, it is not the fungus gnats themselves, but theirs larva especially dangerous. Because these feel particularly comfortable in the ground and feed on the root system there. If the infestation is not recognized in time, the larvae damage the root system permanently. This affects the water and nutrient uptake of the sapling, eventually causing it to lose its foliage. However, an infestation with fungus gnats can usually be successfully combated:
- Repot Adansonia
- Use pesticides
- alternatively lemon juice or coffee grounds
Discolored leaves on the baobab tree
Yellow or brown leaves are usually a sign of the upcoming leaf drop. However, the foliage of the baobab tree discolours even if it is not cared for properly. Therefore, if the sapling bears yellow or brown leaves, the first thing to do is maintenance to adjust.
care mistakes
Wrong location
The African exotic not only needs a warm spot, but also one that is as sunny as possible. When the sapling too little sunlight preserved, this is first noticeable in the yellowing of the foliage. However, the wrong location also affects growth, as it slows it down significantly. To ensure that the baobab tree receives sufficient sunlight, the following requirements should be met:
- sunny, bright place
- as much sun as possible
- at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
tip: Yellow or brown leaves can also indicate temperatures that are too low!
Wrong watering behaviour
Due to its origin, the Adansonia can store water and accordingly only has to little be cast. However, if the tree is overwatered, yellow and brown leaves will appear relatively quickly. This is often the case when the baobab tree is cultivated outdoors and it is exposed to a long rainy season. Therefore, to ensure that the plant is not overwatered, consider the following:
- water only in summer
- but only when it is completely dry
- water less during rainy periods
tip: The sapling can be cultivated in a pot without any problems. It is important that the container has drainage holes on the underside. Because this avoids waterlogging and thus overwatering.
