Genus of 18 species of evergreen, coniferous trees from tropical rainforest with a pronounced dry season in New Guinea, Australia, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, and Brazil.Araucaria heterophylla is the only species sold as s house plant. It is a slow-growing tree. The leaves are spirally arranged and are usually broadly triangular to needle-like. Male and female cones are green, maturing to brown, and are normally produced on separate trees. The female cones are spherical, ovoid or ellipsoid. The male cone are conical or cylindrical.Araucaria will grow to about 5 ft. Keep it pot-bound to restrict growth.
Average warmth in summer.Keep cool in winter.Semi-shade or bright light - avoid summer sun. Grow in soil-based potting mix.
Water regularly from spring to autumn. Water sparingly in winter. Mist leaves occasionally, especially if room is heated in winter. Ventilate in summer.
Difficult - best to buy plants. Sow seed as soon as ripe. Take cuttings, 3-4 in (7-10 cm) long, of vertical shoot tips at midsummer and root in a cold frame. Cuttings of the horizontal side branches will never form an erect tree.
No comments:
Post a Comment