About

Araucaria heterophylla is a coniferous tree characterized by its conical shape and unique whorled branches. The juvenile leaves are flat and arranged in a fan-like pattern, while the mature foliage features a spiral arrangement. Young specimens are frequently cultivated as indoor plants.

About the genus

Araucaria comprises evergreen trees native to the Southern Hemisphere. These trees feature whorled branching and leaves that can be needle-like, triangular, or scale-like in appearance. They produce small male cones and larger female cones, typically found on different specimens.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Conifers, Trees

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

Higher than 12 metres

Spread

wider than 8 metres

Time to full height

More than 50 years

Suggested uses

Architectural

Native to

Norfolk Island

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow as a containerised tree under glass in areas liable to frost. The plant may be placed outside in a sheltered, sunny position during the summer and brought under glass once more in the autumn. In containers, use a well drained, peat-free, loam-based potting soil with extra grit. Water freely during the growing season, March to September and keep the compost just moist during the winter. Apply a balanced fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season, but withhold fertiliser during the winter months

Pruning

Pruning group 1; little or no pruning is required, as this can permanently spoil the shape of the tree

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in seedbed as soon as ripe; take cuttings of vertical shoot tips in midsummer and root in a cold frame; cuttings of horizontal side branches will not form an upright tree

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus