check my baobabs

[LittleDingus]

I got one but the problem i occur is the lack of sun from october to march

Can't you let it go dormant? Mine sat bare root in a cardboard box last winter without any light at all. I won't go that extreme again but they don't need light when dormant.

 

[jason biggs]

@Arnold here is a branch cutting that is really taking off. The dead branch in the front is how most of them end up...

 

[jason biggs]

from 5 nov till 31 dec - strong growth for just under 2 months...

 

[jason biggs]

I am trying to get the branches into the typical african umbrella shape - this tree is probably 30 years old
and the branches are still heavily flexible (can easily bend them 360 degrees)...

 

[Stella]

would love to see some updates on your trees. I got my 1st baobab and reading up as much as I can for now.
mine is starting to show signs of new buds.

question - if I remove an unwanted root/tuber, will it sprout? will a root cutting work with these?

 

[just.wing.it]

Very cool stuff here!

 

[jason biggs]

Hi Stella
I am in Nelspruit, so my growing conditions are near perfect for them...
no signs of life yet - they only really get going middle October...
I wouldn't waste my time with root cuttings, or any cuttings really...
There are some very nice baobabs (bit expensive) at the nursery in Midrand that sells orchids .,..
sawasdee i think??
If your tree is smallish, plant it in a plastic basin, full sun, and let it grow...

 

[Stella]

So my tree is over 1m tall. I do not like the exposed roots, so I want to fill it up to the green line hoping it makes new roots. I was wondering if I cut the little root at the purple line if that wout sprout.
It is in a huge pot, not sure if I should repot and find something bigger to get it thicker. Or is I can just build up something and add more growing mix.
My idea is also to cut is above the 1st few branches then the trunk would be about 30cm.
My current advice was to let it grow 1st before the trunk chop. I've read a lot of conflicting articles on this.
When would you say is a good time to do the trunk chop?

 

[Stella]

Here is the photo

 

[jason biggs]

check post 21 (september 2019) i cut 90% of the roots off and that tree is booming...
you can do all the work right now -cut the tree above the 1st 4 small branches and cut the whole rootbase off (around the purple line)
baobabs need very little root tissue to grow strong...
my potting mix is potting soil and stone for drainage ...
You can try and plant the top section after you cut it off but i wouldn't put too much hope in it

 

[Stella]

thank you so much. will then tackle this tree over the weekend

 

[jason biggs]

@Stella just to show you how much root you can comfortably remove

 

[jason biggs]

check out this legend base

 

[jason biggs]

 

[jason biggs]

here's one i am trying to grow out like a normal tree - easily 30 years old - the base has stayed thin...

 

[jason biggs]

didn't repot too many this year - letting them stretch their legs and arms...

 

[jason biggs]

the roots will always be ugly here so amputation is necessary -
the tree will look much better in a few years

 

[Stella]

is potting soil and stone for drainage

What is more or less your ration of soil to stones?

 

[jason biggs]

This tree has looked a bit sluggish so i did a mid season repot, only to find
that a portion of the root had rotted... the yellow spongy material is rot,
so you have to cut the entire area away till you get to the hard white root...
It will be 100%.

 

[jason biggs]

cut this big one as it was going to take forever to thicken up top....
in October i will cut 90% of the roots off and try find a nice pot...
i give the top cutting a 30%chance of making it...