Araucaria columnaris, the columnar pine
Araucaria columnaris
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araucariaceae
- Genus
- Araucaria
- Species
- Columnar pine Araucaria columnaris
Other names:Araucaria cookii, Eutacta cookii, Eutassa columnaris, Cupressus columnaris, Araucaria excelsa
In 1774, the British explorer James Cook landed on an island southeast of what was to become New Caledonia. There, he discovered an army of columnar pines (Araucaria columnaris) and decided to name the place Pine Island. 300 years later, the conifers still populate the island, but are also found in the rest of the world. Except they've had to adapt to their new environment.
How to recognize the columnar pine, Araucaria columnaris?
The Araucaria columnaris is a tree that can reach heights of over 60 meters. In New Caledonia, it has a straight, conical habit. Elsewhere in the world, however, the trunk leans towards the equator. In the northern hemisphere, conifers grow facing south, and in the southern hemisphere, their trunks face north. Another peculiarity: the further away from the tropics, the steeper the inclination.
Rough, resinous gray bark covers the trunk and branches.
Foliage persists all year round. The green, curved leaves are spirally intertwined directly on the branch. They start out needle-like, then widen to form triangular scales.
The columnar pine gives rise to female cones, round pine cones ten to fifteen centimetres long, and male cones, which can be recognized by their elongated shape.
Like araucaria bidwillii, Araucaria columnaris is not considered a toxic plant. You can grow it without risk even if you share your garden with curious, greedy pets.
Our care tips
Araucaria columnaris need space. Plant them in the ground, away from other crops, so they can flourish. Once established, they'll be virtually maintenance-free.
Watering
Araucaria columnaris likes humidity, but not at root level. Water only when the rootball has dried to a depth of two or three centimeters.
Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature. If you've placed your houseplant on a dish, empty the stagnant water each time it appears.
Repotting
Get a pierced pot. Its size depends on your situation. If you've just bought your Columnar pine, the container should be twice the size of the root ball. If you've already repotted the plant, one size larger than the previous pot will suffice.
Place a layer of universal potting soil on the bottom. Plant your Columnar pine in the center. The rootball should be three centimetres below the rim of the pot to form a watering trough. Add substrate and tamp gently.
Water to expel air bubbles and encourage rooting.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Fertilize your Columnar pine with a conifer fertilizer once a month. Follow the dosage and manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the foliage.
Put compost at the foot of your Columnar pine to stimulate its growth.
Prune
Your Columnar pine does not need pruning. On the contrary, pruning could be detrimental to its growth.
You can, however, remove dead branches in early summer using a clean, sharp tool, such as pruning shears.
Planting
Soak your Araucaria columnaris. Meanwhile, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. You can place gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.
Plant your Araucaria columnaris. The collar should reach ground level. Fill the hole with garden soil. But you can also add sand if your soil is heavy, or potting soil if it's poor.
Water generously to encourage rooting and remove air bubbles.
Sowing
Once the risk of frost has passed, you can sow your Araucaria columnaris seeds.
Your seeds are more likely to germinate if you cold stratify them. Do this in winter so you can sow in spring.
Fill an airtight bag (e.g. A freezer bag) with potting soil for sowing and planting. Moisten the substrate. Bury your seeds in the potting soil, seal the bag and place it in the fridge for two months.
Check your mixture regularly to make sure it doesn't rot and remains moist. If any seeds germinate, you can remove them for planting.
Check your mixture regularly to make sure it doesn't rot and remains moist. If any seeds germinate, you can remove them for planting.
Pour seedling soil into pots. Plant two to three seeds per pot.
Keep the substrate moist by spraying regularly.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Category
- Tree
- Tags
- Edible fruitBeginner
- Origin
- Oceania
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower color
- Brown
- Fruit color
- Brown
Discover plants from the same family
Monkey's Despair
Araucaria araucana
Norfolk pine
Araucaria heterophylla
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
