Genus · Araucariaceae
Araucaria
6 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Araucaria araucana
Monkey Puzzle
Araucaria araucana is a large evergreen conifer native to the cool, temperate mountain slopes of central and southern Chile and Argentina, where it endures bright light, fresh air, and well-drained ground. Indoors give it the brightest spot you can, ideally some direct morning sun, with cool conditions and good airflow; it resents stagnant heat. Water when the top inch or two of a gritty, free-draining mix has dried, keeping it just-moist in summer and leaning drier in winter, as soggy roots rot readily.
Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island Pine
An evergreen conifer endemic to Norfolk Island, where it grows as a tall tree in mild, breezy oceanic conditions. Indoors it wants a bright spot with even, moderate moisture; water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, and never let it sit in standing water, as the roots resent constant wetness. It tolerates average household humidity but appreciates good airflow and steady, not scorching, light.
Araucaria bidwillii
Bunya Bunya
Araucaria bidwillii is a large evergreen conifer from the subtropical forests of Queensland, grown indoors as a slow young tree. It wants bright light and well-drained mix, tolerating a brief approach to dryness better than soggy roots. Water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, and let excess drain fully.
Araucaria angustifolia
Parana Pine
Araucaria angustifolia is a large coniferous tree from the cool, humid subtropical highland forests of southern Brazil and neighbouring Argentina and Paraguay. Indoors it wants bright light and steady but moderate moisture; water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, and never leave the roots sitting wet. It prefers cooler temperatures and good airflow over heat and stagnant air.
Araucaria columnaris
New Caledonia Pine
Araucaria columnaris is a tall coniferous tree from New Caledonia, slow-growing and tolerant of bright, airy conditions; indoors it wants the brightest spot you can offer with some shelter from harsh midday glare. It prefers free-draining mix and steady but moderate moisture, resenting soggy roots. Water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, then water thoroughly and let it approach dryness again.
Araucaria cunninghamii
Moreton Bay Pine
Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine) is a large coniferous tree from the forests and slopes of eastern Australia and New Guinea, grown indoors as a young plant. It wants a bright spot near a sunny window and a coniferous mix that drains freely, since its roots resent staying wet. Water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, then water thoroughly and let it approach dry again before the next watering.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Araucaria keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 6 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.