The Monkey Puzzle Tree

Discussion in 'Araucariaceae' started by ChristopherLennon, Nov 8, 2006.

  1. ChristopherLennon

    ChristopherLennon Member

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    Hello Everyone,
    I was wondering what is the optimal temperature range to grow araucaria araucana (The monkey puzzle tree) ?
    I am growing a collection of this genus of trees and want to make sure he is as happy as the wollemi and the northfolk island pines.
    Any advice as optimal growing techniques, soils, fertilizers etc.
    Thankyou for your assistance......
    Christopher........
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Cool climate species, grows pretty high up in Andes. If you are in a hot lowland area it may not persist there when planted. Grows big in places like Pacific Northwest USA, British Isles...tends to be seen in different areas than the tropical species.
     
  3. ChristopherLennon

    ChristopherLennon Member

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    Hello Ron,
    Would 10 degrees celsius to 24 degrees celsius be accurate in relation to optimal temperature .I live coastal in South Eastern Australia.
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    I don't know celsius. If you live in a large community chances would probably be pretty good there would be some around here and there if conditions suitable there.
     
  5. bcgift52

    bcgift52 Active Member

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    Lots of Monkey Puzzle trees here, our temperature range is similar except our lows dip to approximately -10 celsius.
     
  6. LPN

    LPN Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    10 celcius (50 fahrenheit)
    24 celcius (75 fahrenheit)

    Ron B... Don't feel bad about not knowing celcius, most of the world doesn't know fahrenheit.

    Cheers, LPN.
     
  7. Aussiebob

    Aussiebob Active Member

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    a real rough rule of thumb for c to f or f to c is
    Double and them add 30
    or minus 30 and then half

    it gets all whacky once you get around 30f though
     
  8. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    I don't feel bad.
     
  9. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Sounds just about ideal.
     
  10. ChristopherLennon

    ChristopherLennon Member

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    The Monkey Puzzle Tree questions ???

    Ok all thankyou for your assistance. Next Questions.
    1.In relation to fertilization which would be more appropriate ?
    2.At what time of year is it best to fertilize ? I have been advised to fertilize my wollemii in Spring does this stand true for the Monkey Puzzle ?
    3. what is the warmest area someone has seen these trees growing well ?

    Hope you are all having a great day.
    Christopher.........
     
  11. Aussiebob

    Aussiebob Active Member

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    do we get a photo or two of the Wollemi Pine...... (PLEASE !!!!!!!)


    Cheers
     
  12. ChristopherLennon

    ChristopherLennon Member

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    Hello Aussie Bob,
    Unfortunately not that computer savy yet. Old School in many ways.
    One day will rectify. As is the case, the growth of a tree to its full height takes many years.
    Christopher.......
     
  13. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Best not to use any fertiliser at all, unless a soil test indicates any particular nutrient is markedly deficient. In the wild, Araucaria araucana grows on pretty barren, infertile soils, or more accurately, rocks.

    No-one ever fertilised these . . .
    http://www.chilebosque.cl/tree/aarau_oda.html
     
  14. ChristopherLennon

    ChristopherLennon Member

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    Hello Michael,
    Therefore would i be best to use a soil which is low in phosphorus. Like our Australian native mix soils ?
    I will heed your advice and dont fertilize.
    Thanks....
     
  15. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Phosphorus could possibly be the one nutrient it might need adding - volcanic rock can be fairly phosphorus-rich, while commonly nitrogen-poor. Worth getting a soil test first, though.
     

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