How fast does it grow?

It is a very slow growing tree, often adding only a few inches per year.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It can be kept in a large container for many years, but it will eventually outgrow it.

Plant guide

Monkey puzzle tree.

Araucaria araucana

Pronounced ar-aw-KAIR-ee-uh ar-aw-KAY-nuh

Also known as Chile pine, Chilean pine, Chilean-pine, Monkey Puzzle, Monkey-Puzzle

The monkey puzzle is a striking evergreen conifer known for its unique, architectural appearance. It grows quite slowly and makes a bold statement in large landscapes. You will love its prehistoric look and sharp, spiraling leaves.

Another photo of Monkey puzzle tree — Photo by Nelson Atencio (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Coniferous evergreen tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 7 to 10
Bloom time: Rarely flowers in cultivation.

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of space to accommodate its wide spread. Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing needles, which often signal that the soil is too dry or poorly drained.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the root zone hydrated.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Only prune to remove dead or damaged branches since it maintains a natural shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the tree is young and clearly outgrowing its container.
Soil: Deep, fertile, well drained soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature: -15 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for over 1,000 years.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The tree appears stunted despite good care.

Safety

People: The plant is not toxic, but the sharp, rigid leaves can cause significant physical injury.
Children: Keep children away from the base of the tree as the fallen leaves are extremely sharp and dangerous.
Contact allergens: The stiff, pointed leaves can cause skin punctures and irritation upon contact.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The large seeds are edible when cooked but should not be consumed raw.

How to identify it

Sharp, triangular, dark green leaves
Thick, snake like branches
Rough, greyish brown bark
Symmetrical, pyramidal growth habit
Large, woody, spherical cones

Height: 10 to 25m
Spread: 3 to 8m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, brown, 5 to 15cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Common problems

Scale insects — Small sap sucking insects that can cause yellowing and needle drop.
Root rot — Fungal infection caused by poorly drained soil.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Young trees may need protection from severe frost with burlap wraps. Ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root damage during wet winters.
In containers: It grows well in large containers for many years, but ensure the pot is heavy enough to prevent tipping.

Seed

1. Harvest fresh seeds in autumn.
2. Sow immediately in well drained potting mix.
3. Keep the pot in a cool, bright location.
4. Germination can take several months.

Plant low growing woodland perennials beneath the tree to utilize the space without competing for deep root resources.

Grows well with

Hosta — These shade tolerant plants thrive under the canopy of the tree.
Ferns — Ferns appreciate the cool, moist environment created by the tree's shade.

Similar species

Norfolk Island Pine — It has a similar structural appearance but is not cold hardy.

Science

Family: Araucariaceae
Genus: Araucaria
Order: Pinales
Class: Pinopsida
Native range: Central and southern Chile and western Argentina.
Conservation: This species is listed as endangered in its native range due to habitat loss and overharvesting.

It grows in volcanic soils in the Andes mountains where it survives cold winters and heavy snow.

Value to wildlife: provides seeds for birds
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, edible seeds

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a very slow growing tree, often adding only a few inches per year.
Can I grow it in a pot?: It can be kept in a large container for many years, but it will eventually outgrow it.

Where the name comes from

The scientific name refers to the Araucano people of Chile, who rely on the tree for food.

Good to know

It is commonly called the monkey puzzle tree because it is said to puzzle a monkey to climb it.
The tree can live for over 1,000 years in the wild.
It is the national tree of Chile.
The leaves are arranged in a unique spiral pattern around the branches.

Also in

Deer-resistant plants

Is your monkey puzzle tree looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.