Also known as Monkey Puzzle Tree · 16 saves
Araucaria
Araucaria, the genus most gardeners know as monkey puzzle tree. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Araucaria varieties
Species of Araucaria
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Araucaria in Sow
Save the Araucaria you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Araucaria
Whats common across all Araucaria varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Araucaria year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Mature trees rarely need pruning.
- FertilizeApril100% of varieties
Fertilize only young trees with a balanced slow-release formula if growth is slow.
- Check for PestsJune–August67% of varieties
Inspect for scale insects and mealybugs, especially on stressed trees.
Do
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead branches in late winter
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Water during dry periods to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t transplant mature trees frequently
- Refrain from fertilizing excessively
- Avoid overwatering in rainy seasons ❌
What goes wrong with Araucaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Caterpillars | Defoliation of branches | Use Bacillus thuringiensis or organic insecticidal soap |
| Mealybugs | Cottony white masses in the crevices of the branch tiers. | Treat with horticultural oil or wipe away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing needles | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Araucaria
Seed sowing
- Extract seeds from cones and clean thoroughly.
- Stratify seeds in moist medium for 6 weeks at 40°F (4°C).
- Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist.
- Maintain temperature at 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-drained soil
- Keep in partial shade for 8 weeks
Araucaria questions
How many types of Araucaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Araucaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 16 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Araucaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Araucaria covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Araucaria bloom?
Most Araucaria varieties bloom in summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Araucaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.