What are Araucaria and how are they cared for?

Origin and characteristics of the Araucaria

Our protagonist is a genus of conifers that arose during the Mesozoic age, about 251 million years ago. Although an origin as such has not been established, today it is found mainly in America, specifically in south-central Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil and eastern Paraguay; In Oceania there are also them: 13 species are endemic to New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, eastern Australia and New Guinea.

How are they characterized? These trees are columnar, and can reach incredible heights, from 30 to 80 meters. The branches are usually horizontal and separate, covered with leathery or acicular leaves, and can be lanceolate and narrow, or wide and flat.

They are dioecious plantsthat is, the male and female cones are on separate feet. The former are small and cylindrical in shape, 4 to 10 cm by 1,5 to 5 cm wide; the latter, on the other hand, have a diameter of 7 to 25cm, globose and contain 80 to 200 large, large and edible seeds that resemble the seeds of pines but larger.

They have a very slow growth rate, about 2-3cm per year.but they are some of the most ornamental conifers that we can find, since they are also one of those with the longest life expectancy: 2.000-year-old specimens have been found.

Main species

There are two sections in the genre, which are:

Araucaria Section

They have wide leaves and cones of more than 12cm. The most popular species are:

Araucaria angustifolia

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Known as the Paraná pine, Brazil pine, missionary araucaria or curý, it is native to Brazil and can also be found in Paraguay. It can grow to 50 metersand its trunk thicken to measure 1 meter in diameter.

araucaria auracana

Known as the Araucaria de Chile, araucaria pine, Chilean pine, arm pine, pewen or pehuén. It is native to Chile, and to the south-central and south-west of Argentina. Reaches a height of up to 50 meterswith a straight, cylindrical and very thick trunk (up to 3m). The crown begins to branch several meters from the ground, and is formed by hard needles (leaves), provided with a dark green mucron (thorn) at the tip.

Araucaria bidwillii

Known as the bunya pine, it is a species native to southeastern Queensland (Australia). It reaches impressive heights, although not as much as the previous species: 30-40 meters. It has a more or less pyramidal shape, branching a few meters from the ground.

Eutacta Section

Araucaria heterophylla (synonym of Araucaria excelsa)

Known as Araucaria excelsa, Araucaria or Norfolk Island Pine, it is an endemic plant of Norfolk Island that grows 50-80 meters. The branches are nearly horizontal or slightly oblique, which is why it is sometimes also called the storied pine.

Araucaria montana

It is an endemic conifer of New Caledonia that reaches a height of 10-40 meters. It has numerous and widespread branches. Adult leaves resemble scales, sharp to obtuse, ovate, dark green in color.

What care do you need?

Are you considering having one in your garden? If so, here is your care guide:

Location

Although it has a fairly slow growth, We recommend keeping the Araucaria outdoors, in full sun or in semi-shade. It can be indoors for a few years, but over time we will be forced to take it outside.

Soil or substrate

Not very demandingbut it is convenient that it has good drainage, since otherwise it will not only cost you to root but you could also have problems with excess moisture. You have more information on this topic here!.

Irrigation

Every 3-4 days in summer, and every 6-7 days the rest of the year. We must avoid waterlogging. If we have it in a pot with a plate underneath, we will remove the excess water ten minutes after watering.

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During spring and summer it must be paideither with Organic fertilizers as synthetics (chemicals). If it is on land, we can put a layer of manure or compost about 3cm thick once a month, but in the case of being in a pot it is much more advisable to use liquid fertilizers following the instructions specified on the container.

Pests

It is quite resistant, but can be attacked by mealybugswhich can be eliminated with an anti-cochineal insecticide or, if the plant is young, with a swab from the ears moistened in pharmacy alcohol.

Planting or transplanting time

The best time to transfer it to the garden or to a larger pot is in springwhen the risk of frost has passed. Transplantation to a larger recipient must be done every two years.

Rusticity

Araucaria can be grown outdoors all year round in temperate climates, with frosts of up to -10ºC.

Araucaria as a houseplant

During, especially, the Christmas holidays, it is common to get an Araucaria to use as a Christmas tree. But, how to have it beautiful inside the house? Well, if you are going to get one, apart from providing the care that we have mentioned before, it is very important that you keep it in a very bright room, away from the heating. Air currents affect it a lot, to such an extent that its leaves quickly turn brown.

On the other hand, although it is not essential, It will help a lot to make it look healthy if you put a humidifier nearby or glasses with water around it. Thus, it will surely grow strong and win every year.

What uses does it have?

A. heterophylla

All these:

• Ornamental: As an isolated specimen or in scattered groups, it looks great in a garden.
• Carpentry: Wood is used to build houses, drawers, containers, furniture, packaging, boards, plywood and veneers.
• Culinary: the seeds are edible, and they are also rich in carbohydrates.
• Medicinal: The resin from the trunk of some species, such as A. auracana, is used to treat skin ulcers.

What did you think of the Araucaria? You have someone?