Araucaria, also known as the Norfolk Island Pine or Araucaria heterophylla, can be planted outdoors in suitable climates or kept as an indoor plant. Here are some guidelines for planting and caring for Araucaria:
Outdoor Planting:
- Climate: Araucaria is native to subtropical regions, so it thrives in mild to warm climates. It is not suitable for extremely cold or hot areas.
- Location: Choose a well-draining location with partial to full sun exposure. Araucaria prefers bright, indirect light outdoors.
- Soil: Plant Araucaria in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the Araucaria. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that it sits at the same depth as it was in its nursery container. Backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
Indoor Care:
- Light: Place the Araucaria near a bright window where it can receive indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be protected from intense, hot afternoon sun.
- Temperature: Araucaria prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts.
- Humidity: Araucaria appreciates moderate humidity levels. Mist the foliage occasionally or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
- Watering: Water the Araucaria thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain out from the pot’s drainage holes. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Feed the Araucaria with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) according to the package instructions. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period in winter.
- Pruning: Prune the Araucaria to maintain its desired shape or remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning is best done in spring or early summer.
It’s important to note that Araucaria can grow quite large over time, both outdoors and indoors, so make sure to provide enough space for its growth. Regular monitoring and care, including checking for pests and diseases, are essential for the health and well-being of your Araucaria.
Araucaria is a genus of evergreen conifers from the family of Araucarias. The species is found in Australia and on the islands of New Guinea, New Caledonia and Norfolk. In natural conditions grows up to 50-60 m in height. Araucaria or indoor spruce is an evergreen conifer that can also be cultivated in the flat. Like many conifers, the indoor spruce purifies the air. How tall can Araucaria grow? It can grow to a height up to 2 m indoors. Araucaria grows slowly and can be kept indoors for up to 8-10 years. It grows well in conservatories. As an indoor plant, it can also be planted outdoors.
How is the Araucaria tree more commonly known? commonly called the monkey puzzle tree, monkey tail tree, piñonero, pewen or Chilean pine. What is scientific name of Araucaria plant? Araucaria is an ornamental plant known as Heterophylla. Its English name is called “Hall Pine”.
Information about Araucaria araucana
The tall bipedal trees with regular whorled branches, sessile, stiff, sharp needles, almost in a triangular shape, arranged spirally on the branches. The cones are ovoid or globular. The large seeds become fully mature in the second year, after the bud has decayed. Araucarias have a characteristic feature that includes the tendency to shed all of the foliated shoots. Araucaria is difficult to cultivate in rooms with central heating and dry air. Araucaria grow best in a greenhouse. The plant needs fresh air and a cool environment. In summer the room temperature can be kept at an optimum level of 20 °C. In winter, the temperature in the room should preferably not rise above +14 … +15 °C, with an optimum temperature of about 10 °C.
How to care for Araucaria araucana (hall pine) tree?
Frequent repotting of the araucaria is not recommended. Repot young plants every 2-4 years in spring or early summer in a larger pot. If you want to curb the growth of the spruce, change the soil and transplant into a pot of the same size. The plant needs a good layer of drainage (approx. 1/3 to ¼ of the pot). Repotting soil: 1 part sod soil, 2 parts foliage, 2 parts peat, 1 part sand. Store-bought “For coniferous plants ” can be used. A spruce does not need to be pruned.
How to water Hall Pine (Araucaria)? Water the plant generously so that the clump of soil in the pot is completely soaked. The rest of the water in the tray should be drained. In summer, water the plant approximately once a week. The top layer of the soil in the pot should have just dried out a little by the next watering. The watering frequency also depends on the living conditions – in hotter and drier areas it should be watered more frequently. In winter, especially in cooler rooms, water less.
Does Hall Pine like light? Araucaria grows well in a place with bright, diffused light, but it also grows in a little shade. Like most indoor plants, it does not like the direct sunlight. In summer the spruce should preferably be planted in an open area such as a balcony, patio or garden. Remember to keep the plant out of the direct sunlight.
Hall Pine potting soil preparation The soil for growing araucaria is slightly acidic, as is the case for many coniferous plants. For example, a mixture of equal parts of deciduous, sod and coniferous soil, humus, peat and sand is suitable. Fertilize your indoor araucaria every 2 weeks in spring and summer.
Does araucaria like moist soil? It is advisable to spray the plant, especially in rooms with dry air. To increase humidity, the room spruce can be placed in a tray with damp expanded clay (but do not place the pot on the expanded clay). A dry atmosphere can cause the branches of the araucaria to dry out and turn yellow.
Does the araucaria tree like the sun? Araucaria prefer a cool and well-ventilated environment. The optimum temperature is 15- 22°C in summer and no higher than 15°C in winter. Do not place the plant near the radiators or heaters. What is the more common name for the tree Araucaria araucana? Where are Araucaria trees found? Why are Monkey Puzzle trees so called? Which tree is known as Monkey Puzzle?
Can Araucaria grow from cuttings?
How do you plant Araucaria? How do you germinate Araucaria seeds? How do you grow a monkey tree? Araucaria can be propagated mainly in two ways: by cuttings and by sowing seeds. Only mature plants that are more than 10 years old are suitable for propagation purposes. In mid-summer, cut a semi-dormant cuttings (not the top!) 3-4 cm below the whorl (a group of ring-shaped branches on a stem at the same height). Dry for a day, clean off the resin, charcoal the cuttings and plant them in a mixture of equal parts sand and peat. Cover with a transparent plastic cup to retain moisture and place in a warm place (18-20°C). Rooting takes 2-5 months. The rooted cuttings can be planted in conifer substrate.
What are Araucaria tree diseases (pests)? Araucaria can be attacked by the powdery mildew. Excessively dry air and high temperatures can make the plant sick. It is also dangerous if the root ball becomes too dry.
Which tree is known as Monkey Puzzle?