- How do you water an araucaria correctly?
- Does the araucaria need fertilizer?
- Need to cut the monkey tree?
- What should be considered when transplanting?
- What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- Why do the needles turn brown?
- How must monkey trees be overwintered?
The araucaria, also known as the monkey tree, originally comes from Chile and is therefore often offered as Chilean araucaria. The conifer is comparatively high-maintenance. What you have to consider when caring for an araucaria.

How do you water an araucaria correctly?
In the first few years, you should water an araucaria growing outdoors more frequently, always avoiding waterlogging.
When caring for in the bucket, pour as soon as the top layer of the substrate has dried.
Use lime-free water, as too much lime will turn the monkey tree needles brown.
Does the araucaria need fertilizer?
Fertilizing is not necessary outdoors. Pull the monkey tree in the bucket, fertilize with a little liquid fertilizer at fortnightly intervals.
Need to cut the monkey tree?
If possible, you should not cut an araucaria at all. Pruning destroys the shape and prevents new shoots from developing.
If you absolutely have to cut, always cut branches directly at the trunk and do not leave stubs. Pruning is only done in warm, dry weather.
What should be considered when transplanting?
Transplanting is also not necessarily advisable. If it is absolutely necessary to transplant the araucaria, the best time to do so is spring or early summer.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Diseases and pests occur almost exclusively if the ornamental fir is not properly cared for. Waterlogging is the biggest problem. As a result, the roots rot and the tree dies.
Too much moisture in the soil also promotes the appearance of fungi. An araucaria with fungus can almost never be saved.
Why do the needles turn brown?
- Too cool / warm location
- too much wet
- drought in winter
- draft
How must monkey trees be overwintered?
Outdoors, you need to winterize young trees in particular. Apply a layer of mulch to prevent the soil from drying out. Cover the araucaria with fleece or jute to protect the needles from frost or too much winter sun.
Araucarias in tubs are overwintered in a bright, frost-free place. Water sparingly and do not fertilize during winter.
tips
In contrast to other conifers, the araucaria prefers bright locations that can be sunny. However, the strong winter sun makes things difficult for the needles.