Garden Care Guide

Monkey Puzzle Tree Care

Araucaria araucana

It prefers full-sun areas and very well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is a slow-growing tree used as a specimen (single) in parks and large gardens because of its unique symmetrical form.

Hardy · -20 °C / -4 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Pruning: Do not prune unless necessary, and avoid altering the natural form. Only cut broken or clearly diseased branches.
  • General care: If snow accumulates, shake the branches to protect them from the weight.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the trunk and branches.
  • Frost risk: It is very hardy; only mulch the roots of very young seedlings.
February
  • Pruning: It does not need formative pruning and its top should not be cut. Only remove dry, broken, and diseased branches. It does not need regular pruning. Only dead and harmful branches are cleaned out. On conifers, structural pruning leaves permanent damage; be content with minimal intervention.
  • General care: Remove the weeds in the root zone.
  • Pests & diseases: Continue checking the trunk.
March
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Fertilizing: If needed, apply a slow-release balanced NPK or an acidifying soil fertilizer (check the label for dose, and 'do not over-apply').
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: Yellowing of the leaves can be a sign of poor drainage.
  • Frost risk: Young shoots are theoretically at risk, but usually this is not a problem.
April
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Fertilizing: If it was not applied in March, apply it now.
  • Plant protection: Check for scale insects or mealybugs; use a suitable insecticide if necessary.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering begins.
  • Pests & diseases: Against the risk of root rot, make sure drainage is good.
May
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering continues. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
June
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: In hot weather, watering young trees is important.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
July
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • Fertilizing: Never apply fertilizer in this heat.
  • General care: In extreme temperatures, young seedlings may become stressed.
  • Pests & diseases: Can be checked for spider mites, but they are generally not a problem.
August
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • General care: Do not let the soil dry out completely.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch for signs of drought stress.
September
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: One of the most suitable months for new planting.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
October
  • Watering: 1-2 times a month may be sufficient; adjust to rainfall.
  • General care: Remove dead branches under the tree.
  • Pests & diseases: Take care that the root zone does not stay constantly wet.
November
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: General check.
December
  • Pruning: Only if really necessary, remove dry or damaged branches.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the trunk.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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