Araucaria araucana, sometimes known as the monkey puzzle tree, is an evergreen conifer that thrives in South American mountains. Zones 7 through 10 of the United States can support its growth, but it cannot withstand temperatures below freezing. It is a long-lived species that has survived since the time of the dinosaurs and is frequently referred to as a living fossil; nonetheless, it is currently endangered by climate change. It can live for over 1,000 years.
The monkey puzzle tree stands apart from the majority of conifers by having unusual-looking spikey protrusions. Its distinctive 2-inch triangular leaves cluster around upward-facing branches and have a pyramidal form. These plate-like leaves may even cover the stem. The leaves does not resemble the usual needle-shaped variety. Instead, they resemble daggers and are leathery, wide, and can hang on the tree for ten to fifteen years. The tree takes on the appearance of an umbrella as it ages by losing lower limbs. The huge, six-inch female cones take up to three years to mature and release their delicious seeds, which resemble pine nuts in flavor.
Light
Monkey puzzle trees prefer full sun, but they can also take little shade, particularly in hotter climates. Deep shade is intolerable to them. If the plant is being grown indoors in a container, put it close to a window that receives a lot of direct sunlight.
Soil
Growing the monkey puzzle tree has a lot of benefits, including the fact that it can endure a variety of soil types as long as they are deep and have good drainage. The drainage in a container’s potting mix may be improved by adding some perlite.
Water
Watering your monkey puzzle tree is easy care if the tree has established itself and you have watered it well for the first year or two, as advised above. The naturally occurring precipitation can typically sustain the medium-moist soil that the tree prefers. In the event of a dry spell, hydrate as necessary. In addition to keeping the soil moist, a plant in a container will require regular watering.
Fertilizer
The monkey puzzle tree thrives well on the nutrients offered by any type of soil, therefore it doesn’t require any additional feeding.
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