- Reasons for brown branches of the monkey tree
- Protect monkey tree from frost
- Cut off brown branches
- Transplant monkey tree
The monkey tree or araucaria is one of the conifers that are relatively hardy if they are in a good location and cared for properly. If the needles turn brown or if the tree gets completely brown branches, it is almost always due to incorrect care.

Reasons for brown branches of the monkey tree
If the needles or entire branches of the monkey tree turn brown, there can be various reasons:
- too humid location
- too much or too little nutrients
- too cool or too warm location
- fungal diseases
- frostbite
Most often, too much moisture is responsible for brown branches or needles on the Araucaria. Waterlogging causes the roots to rot and can no longer absorb moisture. You should therefore never water a brown monkey tree.
Fungal diseases also occur when there is too much moisture. If the infestation is severe, the monkey tree can no longer be saved.
Protect monkey tree from frost
Most varieties of the monkey tree are only partially hardy. The conifers are not only affected by the cold, but also by the dryness in the root area when the ground is frozen.
Therefore, protect a monkey tree growing outdoors in winter with a thick layer of mulch that you lay around the trunk. It prevents the soil from freezing too much and ensures that sufficient moisture remains in the soil.
Cut off brown branches
Cut off brown branches of the Araucaria directly at the trunk. Don't leave any butts behind. The appearance of the tree suffers greatly from this measure.
Transplant monkey tree
If the monkey tree is in a too damp location, you should consider transplanting it. This is best done in spring or early summer.
Find a good location where it gets enough light, preferably sun. Loosen the soil with sand and gravel so that the soil is well drained and no waterlogging can form.
tips
If the monkey tree turns brown in the bucket, you probably meant too well with the watering. Allow the root ball to almost dry out to allow the tree to recover. Sometimes it makes sense to repot it in new substrate.