I found some information about the growing requirements for this tree:
‘Widespread in semi-arid Africa on a wide range of soil types and in different climates, preferring dry, moist and wet midlands. It can do well on occasionally water logged land. It grows up to 2,600m in Eritrea, Tigray, Gonder, Shewa, Arsi, Hararghe, Sidamo, and Gamo-Gofa.’ (
http://www.africa.upenn.edu/faminefood/category1/cat1_acacia_albida.htm)
‘Altitudinal range. Faidherbia will adapt to grow at low to medium altitudes (270 - 2700m).
Climatic factors – Plant in areas of low to medium rainfall (250 – 1200 mm/yr). It thrives in climates characterized by long summers, or a dry season with long days. It tolerates easonal waterlogging and salinity. Mean temperatures from 18 0C to 30 0C. Habitat requirements. Few limiting factors. Will not tolerate very heavy clayey soils.’ (
http://www.envirotrade.co.uk/documents/MOZ-NHA-TS-DIP-var-faidherbia.pdf)
‘This relatively drought-resistant tree makes an interesting specimen if planted in a park. It can survive occasional frost (up to 5 days per year).’ (
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/faidalb.htm)
I would not think it’s ideal as a potted indoor plant, with its 2-4 cm long thorns, very deep roots and growing to a height of 30 m, I have seen that in favourable sites annual height growth is 1- 1.5 m.