Species New Caledonian pine
dark-green foliage on a brown trunk

New Caledonian pine

Araucaria columnaris

The New Caledonian pine, also known as Araucaria columnaris, is an incredibly unique plant species. It has a unique, towering columnar form and produces pine cones that are almost entirely exposed. This gives it an amazing and unmistakable look. It also has a high drought and winter cold tolerance, allowing it to thrive in harsh climates. New Caledonian pines also have a fast growth rate, making them a popular choice for landscaping projects. Rich in history, these pines are also known as "Nut Pines" in reference to their edible nuts, which have been part of the local culture for centuries. A truly stunning species, the New Caledonian pine is a great choice for anyone looking for an interesting, durable and resilient ornamental tree.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 11

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

New Caledonian pine should be watered at least once every 7-10 days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter, depending on soil moisture levels. The soil should be allowed to dry just slightly between watering. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every 3-4 months with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Make sure to water immediately after fertilizing; otherwise, the fertilizer may burn the roots.

sunlight

New Caledonian pine (Araucaria columnaris) is a plant species native to New Caledonia, a French suberb located in the South Pacific. It requires a warm climate with plenty of sunlight to thrive. In New Caledonia, it is typical to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. During the summer months, when the sun is highest in the sky and most intense, the plant's exposure to sunlight can reach up to 8 or 9 hours a day. During the winter months, the sunlight exposure is typically between 4 to 6 hours, due to the sun being lower in the sky. To ensure that the New Caledonian pine receives adequate sunlight, consider planting it in a spot with full sun exposure, such as a south-facing window or in an area that receives direct sunlight for the majority of the day. During periods of extreme heat or intense sunlight, it is important to provide the plant some shade to prevent it from burning or becoming too stressed.

pruning

New Caledonian pine is a type of conifer that requires minimal pruning and is best done during the growing season. To keep the tree in shape, pruning should take place in the early spring when new growth begins. Find branches that may be interfering with the structure of the tree or any dead or diseased branches and cut them off. This type of pruning is relatively low maintenance as only light pruning is typically necessary. Pruning should never exceed 1-third of the total tree's live branches. It is also important to avoid topping the tree as this can cause serious damage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Araucaria columnaris typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map