Araucaria heterophylla
Origin
Native to Norfolk Island (near Australia) in the South Pacific Ocean
Air purifying
Toxic to pets/people
General Care
Light
Bright. Avoid medium to low light. Benefits from daily direct sun (2-3 hrs).
Temperature
18-24°C. Above 24°C, humidity is essential. Protect from hot or cold drafts.
Humidity
Average to higher. For extra humidity: mist 1-2 times per week, place pot on moist pebbles in a tray, group with other plants, or, introduce a humidifier.
Water
Weekly. Water moderately and allow thoroughly moist potting mix to dry within top 1-2”. Do not stand pot in water. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Once a month (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, give your plant a tepid shower: gently spray leaf tops/undersides to free them of dust, and soak mix to leach accumulated salts. Trim spent stems at their base with sterile shears.
Potting and Repotting
Soil-based potting mix. Transplant once pot-bound. Every 2-3 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- Droopy branches and tips may suggest underwatering, overwatering or heat exposure.
- Drying, yellowing and falling needles often suggest the plant requires additional light or a cooler spot.
- Slow growing, with new growth emerging bright green in spring and darkening in fall. To stimulate growth, move plant outdoors (summer) to a shaded or partly shaded spot. Before doing so, ensure all danger of spring frost has passed. Return indoors before first fall frost.