The Chilean araucaria (Araucaria araucana), often referred to as the Andean fir due to its South American origins, is actually a very robust plant. Even lower winter temperatures do not harm the ancient tree, but both excessive moisture and winter dryness can lead to browning of branches and needles. The best way to prevent this is to take the right precautions when planting.
Why is my Andean fir turning brown and what can I do about it?
An Andean fir turns brown when exposed to waterlogging or winter drought. To prevent this, ensure good drainage, plant the araucaria on the north side and mulch the root area with leaves to retain moisture in the soil.
Andean fir does not tolerate waterlogging
In its homeland, the tree grows on mostly volcanic soils, which dry out quickly, especially in summer. For this reason, araucaria is more adapted to dryness than wetness, even though it basically needs constant humidity. However, excessive moisture - for example due to heavy and persistent rain - or even waterlogging quickly leads to needles and branches turning brown and the tree dying if no countermeasures are taken. Quite often, the moisture can also lead to an infestation with putrefactive fungi and root rot.
Ensure good drainage
You can only counteract such a scenario by implementing drainage when planting. Make sure the soil consists of loose, well-drained substrate. This can also be mixed with lava soil (€18.00 at Amazon) (or crushed lava stones) to imitate the conditions in the Chilean homeland.
Winter dryness leads to brown needles
Especially in cold but sunny winters, it is not too much moisture that is to blame for the Andean fir's brown color, but rather, on the contrary, excessive dryness. However, cold frost damages the tree not because of the low temperatures, but because the roots can no longer absorb moisture in the frozen ground. Additional, intense sunlight also leads to higher evaporation, which the plant cannot absorb again. As a result, the Andean fir dries up.
Pay attention to the location when planting
You can counteract winter drying out by planting the araucaria on the north side if possible - it is bright enough there, but not too sunny in dry winters. You can also mulch the root area of the tree heavily with leaves to retain moisture in the soil.
Tip
If in doubt, you can also cultivate the araucaria in a pot instead of planting the tree in the garden. In this way you can best meet the required living conditions of the Andean fir.
