Araucarias are bizarre trees that develop a strange growth habit. The exotic plants are popular ornamental trees in front gardens. They do not require any complex care. What is much more important is the suitable location so that the plants can grow unhindered.
What are the special features of araucaria?
Araucarias are evergreen trees from the southern hemisphere with bizarre growth forms that are popular as ornamental trees. They have spirally arranged, scale-like leaves, develop male and female cone-shaped flowers and can grow up to 50 meters high.
Origin
Araucarias are a genus of plants within the Araucaria family. They occur naturally in the southern hemisphere. Some species grow on the South American continent in Chile, Brazil and Argentina. There are additional representatives in New Caledonia, Australia, the Norfolk Islands and New Guinea.
The Chilean araucaria (Araucaria araucana) has become very popular as an ornamental tree in Central European gardens. In the 80s it developed into a trendy plant that was planted in front gardens. This species is mainly found in the Andes, where it reaches altitudes between 600 and 1,800 meters.
leaves
The evergreen trees develop spirally arranged leaves that completely cover the branches. On young trees they appear needle-shaped, while the leaves of mature specimens take on a triangular shape with a scale-like shape. They grow between 2.5 and five centimeters long and have an entire leaf edge. The dark green leaves last up to 15 years before they weather on the branch and fall off along with it.
Bloom
Araucaria are dioecious or monoecious. They develop purely male and female flowers that arise on one plant or on different specimens. The male floral organs are formed in cones that grow singly or in small groups at the ends of the shoots. Numerous stamens sit spirally next to each other in the brownish cones. The shape of the female cones is reminiscent of a ball. The floral organs are covered by thin cone scales with a pointed end. They are yellow-green in color. It can take 30 to 40 years for a tree to bloom for the first time.read more
Fruit
It takes two to three years for seeds to develop in the cones after successful pollination. They are winged and fused with the cone scales. The Chilean Araucaria develops seeds that are three to five centimeters long. They can be consumed.
Growth
The crown of young trees appears conical. As it gets older it spreads out like an umbrella. The araucarias used as ornamental trees reach heights of between 15 and 50 meters, with the females being taller than the males. A height of 25 meters is not unusual for a plant cultivated in the garden. Araucarias can reach extreme heights and ages in their natural distribution areas. The tallest trees reach 89 meters high. There are representatives of the species that live up to 1,000 years.
The trunk is surrounded by a scaly bark that can be up to 15 centimeters thick. It is initially gray and later black-brown in color. Araucarias form sparse branches. There are five or seven of them in whorls on the trunk. The branches grow horizontally, while the shoot tips bend slightly upwards. It is a special property of araucarias because the shoots do not follow the growth direction of the trunk.
This growth habit gives the trees a high ornamental value. Their appearance is described as prehistoric or reptilian. When a branch falls off, a visible scar remains.
Usage
Araucarias are suitable as solitary trees. They are preferably planted in themed gardens where they add an aesthetic accent. The exotic plants cope well with the city climate, which is why they are also suitable for beautifying small front gardens. The plants can be cultivated in pots and in this way beautify balconies, house entrances and courtyard entrances.
In its natural distribution areas, the Chilean araucaria, also known as the Andean fir, is used commercially. The seeds are rich in proteins and oils. They are boiled or roasted and can be eaten raw. The wood is further processed and used as building material.
Edible
The Indian tribes of South America use the seeds of the Andean fir as food. They are very nutritious and were used by the indigenous people as a source of energy, especially in the winter months. The seeds are eaten raw or prepared. The cones contain a milky sap from which the Indians obtained milk. In Spanish, the seeds are called piñones, which translates to pine nuts. This name comes from the shape, which is reminiscent of oversized pine seeds.
Cut araucaria correctly
Araucarias do not need to be cut. This care measure causes the plant to lose its shape. Scars appear at the interfaces, which look unsightly. Only cut the tree if individual branches have dried up or broken through.
The ideal time for pruning is a dry day. Excessive humidity can affect the tree's vitality. If too much moisture has penetrated the interfaces, the spread of fungal diseases is encouraged. Use sharp saws to create a clean cut. Clean the blade thoroughly to prevent pathogens from being transferred.
Branches should be cut off directly at the trunk. Branch stubs left standing look unsightly and rob the tree of energy, causing growth to slow down. If a branch has become too long, you can shorten it. Cut the branch above a branch. It should be the same length as the branch underneath it. This means that the cutting measure will no longer be noticeable later.
Watering Araucaria
Water supply is the most important care measure. Araucarias react sensitively to waterlogging and dryness. They need a lot of water in hot summer months. In summer, check the moisture level in the morning and evening. The top layer of soil should be well dried before watering. This will prevent the roots from growing in soil that is too moist. If necessary, water the tree several times a day.
Fertilize araucaria properly
If the araucaria grows on nutrient-poor soil, regular fertilization is recommended. Give the tree nutrients via irrigation water every eight weeks. Liquid fertilizers are suitable for supplying nutrients. If you cultivate the plant in a container, it enjoys fertilization at smaller intervals.
Wintering
Araucarias are conditionally hardy. Adult specimens survive the winter months in temperate latitudes without any major problems. Young plants need additional winter protection. In areas with temperatures below -15 degrees Celsius, trees are at risk from frost damage.
If the ground is frozen for a long time, the roots cannot absorb water from the substrate. As evergreen trees, the plants require sufficient fluids for a functioning metabolism, even in winter. If water absorption stops, the leaves and branches dry out. The winter sun increases evaporation on the leaf surface, which further increases drought stress.
Protect the branches from the direct winter sun with a shade net. Spread a thick layer of straw and dry leaves around the trunk to prevent the ground from freezing. Alternatively, you can use spruce branches, reeds or jute bags, fleece and mats as an insulation layer.
How do I transplant correctly?
The older the trees are, the more difficult it is to transplant. This measure destroys roots, which robs the plant of additional energy for regeneration. Only replant the tree if the current location no longer offers enough space or the site conditions are not right.
Dig a new planting hole and mix sand or gravel into the soil to improve permeability. If the soil is sandy and loose, you can skip this step. Cut out as large a root ball as possible from the araucaria. Try to damage as few roots as possible. Lift the root ball out of the hole. If the plant is very large, you can slide boards and battens under the root ball and use them as leverage.
Place the araucaria in the new planting hole and fill in any gaps with the excavated soil. Gently press down the soil and water the plant thoroughly. Ensure regular watering for the first few weeks. The roots need some time until they penetrate the fresh substrate.
Diseases
Araucarias are considered robust against pathogens and pests. If the leaves of the trees turn brown, incorrect care measures or unfavorable location conditions are the cause.
Brown leaves
If the leaves suddenly turn brown, rotten roots may be the cause. Araucarias do not tolerate waterlogging. A substrate that is too moist will cause the roots to rot. This means that fungal spores have optimal growth conditions. They settle in the rotten areas and promote further rotting processes.
How to help the plant:
- Dig up root balls and cut off rotten roots
- Let the rootstock dry and place it in fresh substrate
- Incorporate drainage into the soil
Brown leaves also result from drought stress, which can occur in both winter and summer. If the roots are dry for a long time or can no longer absorb water from the frozen ground, the leaves will no longer receive sufficient fluids. They dry out and after a while fall off along with the dried branch. Water the plant thoroughly over several days.
Which location is suitable?
A bright and sunny location is ideal for the araucaria. Be aware that direct winter sun can cause plants to dry out. Therefore, you should choose a location that offers shady conditions at least part of the day. A sheltered location on a north or west facing house wall is recommended.
Also pay attention to the space available at the location, because the trees grow very tall and develop a sprawling crown. Since the trees should not be pruned, the place of growth must be free of obstacles.
What soil does the plant need?
Araucarias prefer to grow in a moist substrate that offers permeable conditions. It should be moderately nutrient-rich and have a pH in the slightly acidic range. If the soil is too dry and warm, the leaves may turn yellow or brownish. Excessive lime content in the soil also leads to leaf discoloration.
Propagate Araucaria
Araucarias multiply via their seeds. Since it takes 30 to 40 years for a tree to develop flowers for the first time, collecting seeds yourself is rarely possible. Even when the plant flowers, seed production is not a given as not all plants develop male and female flowers.
You can easily propagate araucarias with commercial seeds. Sow the seeds directly outdoors in early autumn or grow the plant in winter. It takes about four months for a seed to germinate. In spring you can plant the young plant in the garden.
Make sure that the seeds are as fresh as possible. Araucaria seeds are not able to germinate for long. They should be sown and provided with moisture immediately after ripening. If this is not possible, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator.read more
Sowing
Place the seeds halfway into a planter filled with cocohum. Make sure the tip of the seed is facing downwards. Moisten the substrate and place a clear plastic sheet over the planter. Place the pot in a cool place for the first three to four weeks. This exposure to cold promotes germination. Then change location. The ideal germination temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
The ideal substrate for cultivation:
- Mix potting soil with a third of sand
- alternatively use perlite or vermiculite
- Mix in coconut fibers
Seeds can be sown all year round, although only fresh seeds germinate reliably. As soon as the seedlings are easy to hold, they are moved individually into a larger planter and further cultivated at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius or planted directly in the garden.
Araucaria in a pot
Araucaria can be cultivated in a bucket. Due to the limited space, the trees grow less tall. As soon as the roots have grown through the substrate, araucarias need a larger planter. Make sure you have suitable protection in winter, as the soil freezes faster than the substrate in the garden.
How to overwinter potted plants:
- cool and bright interior with temperatures around five degrees Celsius
- water with small amounts of water
- Place the pot outdoors on a polystyrene plate and wrap the pot with fleece
Tip
The branches can quickly break under the weight of the snow. In regions with large amounts of snow, you should wrap the branches with string. This reduces the surface area and prevents snow from settling between the scale-like leaves. Remove the cords in time for the new year once the snow season is over.
Varieties
- Compacta: Dense growth.
- Glauca: Slow growing. Needles colored blue-green. Rarity.
- Gracilis: Slow growing. Needles thinner and light green in color. Branches hang down. Rarity.
- Leopoldii: Compact growth. Needles colored blue-green.
- Silver Star: Fresh shoots initially spotted silver, later turning green. Rarity.
- Virgata: Stronger branching, longer internodes between leaves. Rarity, cultivated in Palermo.
