Araucaria Heterophylla
Contents
Description
Araucaria Heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Pine, is a tall evergreen tree native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Ocean. It has a straight trunk and a conical shape, with upward-sweeping branches that resemble a Christmas tree. The tree can grow up to 200 feet tall in its native habitat, but typically reaches a height of 50-100 feet in cultivation. The leaves of the Araucaria Heterophylla are needle-like, measuring 1-2 inches long and arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Araucariaceae |
| Genus | Araucaria |
Appearance
The Araucaria Heterophylla is a tall, conical evergreen tree with a straight trunk and upward-sweeping branches. The needles are dark green and measure 1-2 inches long, arranged in a spiral pattern on the branches. The tree produces large cones that can measure up to 10 inches long and weigh up to 10 pounds.
Care Guide
The Araucaria Heterophylla requires bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. Water the tree thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the tree every two months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers a warm, humid environment and is not tolerant of frost. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Araucaria Heterophylla is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree is also prone to root rot if overwatered, and can develop fungal diseases such as canker and needle blight.
Habitat
The Araucaria Heterophylla is native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Ocean located between New Zealand and New Caledonia. It grows in subtropical and tropical climates, and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree in other parts of the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Araucaria Heterophylla be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect light and is not overwatered.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Araucaria Heterophylla?
A: Fertilize the tree every two months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the tree tolerate frost?
A: No, the Araucaria Heterophylla is not tolerant of frost and prefers a warm, humid environment.
Q: What is the maximum height the tree can reach?
A: In its native habitat, the tree can grow up to 200 feet tall, but typically reaches a height of 50-100 feet in cultivation.
Related Plants
- Araucaria Angustifolia
- Araucaria Araucana
- Araucaria Bidwillii
- Araucaria Columnaris
- Araucaria Cunninghamii
References
- “Araucaria heterophylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279238&isprofile=0&basic=Araucaria%20heterophylla
- “Araucaria heterophylla.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/1520/Araucaria-heterophylla/Details
- “Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla).” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST174
