How to Grow Araucaria - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Shrubs Category   /   2023

Araucaria, also known as monkey puzzle tree, is an evergreen tree that is native to Chile and Argentina. The tree grows to a height of 150 feet and has a trunk diameter of up to 5 feet. The leaves of the tree are scale-like and arranged in spirals. The tree produces cones that contain seeds that are edible. Araucaria trees are grown as ornamental plants in parks and gardens.

How to Grow Araucaria - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Araucaria plant? Although this species has some difficulties in growing, in general it is an easy to grow plant. Araucaria heterophylla, also known as the Norfolk Island Pine, is a member of the Araucariaceae family. It is an evergreen coniferous tree growing to a height of 200 feet (60 meters). The Araucaria plant is dioecious, meaning that male and female cones grow on separate trees. The female cones are much larger than the male cones, and they contain the seeds of the tree.

Plant Size

How big can it be? The Araucaria can reach a height of more than 2 m in a pot. The plant typically has a conical or columnar shape and can grow to between 15 and 30 m in height in the wild. The leaves are evergreen and can be either linear or lanceolate in shape with a length that can range from 5 to 25 cm. The Araucaria is native to South America, specifically Brazil, and can be found in the wild in temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? Because of the slow growth habit of Araucaria, many people think that this plant is difficult to cultivate. However, with regular pruning, Araucaria can be easily trained to grow in any desired shape. The plant grows best in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Araucaria can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged drought will cause the plant to drop its leaves.

Araucaria Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Shrub
Family Araucariaceae
Origin South America, Chile, Argentina, New Guinea, Australia

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? When grown in pots, Araucaria can live for up to 10 years, and sometimes even longer. They are relatively slow-growing, however, so don't expect them to reach their full potential size within that time frame. With proper care, Araucaria can thrive for many years to come.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? The araucaria is a hardy tree that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. In summer, the temperature should be warm, and in winter the minimum temperature should be 41 degrees Fahrenheit, not higher than 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

What about the humidity? The plant is quite unpretentious to the level of humidity in the room, but in summer it is still necessary to spray it with soft-boiled water every 2 days, and in winter at least once a week.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? known as the star pine, Araucaria heterophylla is a member of the conifer family. It is an evergreen tree that is native to Norfolk Island, an island in the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and New Caledonia. The Araucaria tree is characterized by its symmetrical pyramid shape, and its scale-like leaves. The Araucaria heterophylla prefers bright, diffused light, and can grow in partial shade if the plant is periodically placed in light.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Araucaria? The Araucaria plant is native to Brazil and likes acidic soil that is humus-rich. The plant does best in light, well-drained soil and needs a pot with a hole. You can make your own soil mix by taking 2 parts turf ground, 2 parts leaf earth, and 1 part coarse sand or perlite. You can also add spruce bark, peat, and ground coniferous.

Watering Time

How much I must water Araucaria? The tree is very drought resistant and does not require much water. In nature, it often grows in areas with high rainfall. But in the garden it is best to water moderately, in summer not more than 2 times a week, in winter – once a week.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. known as the Norfolk Island Pine, the Araucaria heterophylla is a popular houseplant. It is an evergreen with long, dark green leaves. The Araucaria is a slow grower, so be patient when waiting for it to reach its full potential height of 50 feet. When it comes to fertilizer, every 2 weeks during growth, apply a soluble fertilizer in a half dose.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Araucaria? The Araucaria tree is an evergreen tree that is native to Brazil. The tree grows to be about 50-60 feet tall and has a diameter of about 2-3 feet. The tree has a conical shape with a rounded top. The leaves of the tree are about 3-4 inches long and are arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The tree is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female trees. The male tree produces cones that are about 6-8 inches long and the female tree produces cones that are about 3-4 inches long. The cones contain the seeds of the tree. The Araucaria tree is propagated by seed. The seeds are extracted from the cones of the tree and are germinated at a temperature of 69.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bloom

Why Araucaria won't bloom? The Araucaria is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the family Araucariaceae. There are 19 species in this genus, with most being native to South America, Australasia, and one in Africa. The Araucaria heterophylla, also known as the Norfolk Island pine, is the most widely cultivated species and is popular as an ornamental tree in temperate climates. It does not bloom.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Araucaria? Unless you have a very large and deep pot, it is best to transplant your araucaria every 3-4 years to keep it from becoming potbound. If you have a young plant, you may need to transplant it every year. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix, as araucarias do not like to stay wet for long. Smaller pots will help keep the plant from getting too big.

Caring The Araucaria

How to care the plant? Because Araucaria is a slow-growing plant, it does not require much fertilizer. One should be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the roots and lead to plant problems such as yellowing of the leaves. The plant should be turned regularly to form a symmetrical crown. In the summer it is desirable to take out on the street. It can be used for bonsai. Requires a cool winter.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Araucaria plant? known that it is unpretentious, undemanding, but it is very susceptible to diseases and pests. The most common spider mite, which is very difficult to fight. Also, the plant is very susceptible to aphids and scab. If the growth of the plant slows down, it becomes pale, it means that it lacks nutrition and you need to feed it. If the needles of the plant turn yellow and dry, it is a sure sign that the plant is too hot and dry, and also poorly ventilated.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Araucaria poisonous? Sometimes, people who have pets may not be aware that the Araucaria plant is poisonous. Pets may be attracted to the plant because of its sweet smell or its shiny leaves. If a pet ingests the plant, it may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the pet may need to be hospitalized.