Bernier's Araucaria
araucaria bernieri
Also known as: ["Bernier's Pine","New Caledonia Pine"]
Overview
A rare, coniferous tree native to New Caledonia, characterized by its symmetrical, pyramidal growth habit and dark green, needle-like leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Araucariaceae |
| Genus: | Araucaria |
| Botanical Name: | Araucaria bernieri |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor sheltered location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic mix with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix with added perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after significant growth spurts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from intense sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Protect from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care for seasonal changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; fertilize only when actively growing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; can also use pure sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy or active growth; remove dead/diseased parts; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out circling roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; may prefer to be slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots with mulch; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or dry leaf edges due to excessive heat and dry air.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from the seeds and nuts of Araucaria bernieri, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms due to the plant's toxic constituents.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of the seeds and nuts of Araucaria bernieri by dogs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects due to the presence of toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThe seeds and nuts of Araucaria bernieri contain toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. These compounds interfere with normal metabolic processes, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Araucaria bernieri suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation in temperate to subtropical climates.
Q: How fast does Araucaria bernieri grow?
A: It is a slow-growing tree, typically adding only a few inches in height per year.
Q: Does Araucaria bernieri require special soil conditions?
A: It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with good organic content.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araucariaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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