The monkey tree or araucaria is one of the conifers that are relatively robust if they are in a good location and cared for properly. If the needles turn brown or the tree has completely brown branches, it is almost always due to incorrect care.
Why is my monkey tree turning brown and what can I do about it?
A monkey tree usually turns brown due to a location that is too moist, inappropriate nutrient supply, extreme temperatures, fungal diseases or frostbite. As a solution, brown branches should be removed, the location adjusted and care optimized.
Reasons for brown branches of the monkey tree
If needles or entire branches of the monkey tree turn brown, various causes can be responsible:
- location too humid
- too much or too little nutrients
- location too cool or too warm
- Fungal diseases
- Frostbite
Too much moisture is most often responsible for brown branches or needles of the Araucaria. Waterlogging causes the roots to rot and can no longer absorb moisture. You should therefore no longer water a brown monkey tree.
Fungal diseases also occur when there is too much moisture. If the infestation is severe, the monkey tree can no longer be saved.
Protect monkey tree from frost
Most varieties of the monkey tree are only partially hardy. It's not just the cold that bothers the conifer, but also the dryness in the root area when the ground is frozen over.
Protect a monkey tree growing outdoors in winter with a thick layer of mulch that you place around the trunk. It prevents the soil from freezing too hard and ensures that sufficient moisture remains in the soil.
Cut off brown branches
Cut off brown branches of the Araucaria directly at the trunk. Do not leave any stubs behind. The appearance of the tree suffers greatly from this measure.
Transplanting monkey tree
If the monkey tree is in a location that is too wet, you should consider replanting it. This is best done in spring or early summer.
Find a favorable location where it receives enough light, including sun. Loosen the soil with sand and gravel so that the soil is well permeable and waterlogging cannot form.
Tip
If the monkey tree in the pot turns brown, you probably meant too much watering. Allow the root ball to almost dry out to allow the tree to recover. Sometimes it also makes sense to repot it in new substrate.