Originally hailing from the rugged Andes mountains, the Monkey Puzzle tree (botanical name: *Araucaria*) is one of the most unique and decorative evergreens you can add to your landscape. You might also hear it called the Chilean Pine. If you’ve got a bit of a green thumb and a whole lot of patience, you can actually grow one of these prehistoric-looking beauties yourself!
Can you grow a Monkey Puzzle tree from cuttings?
The short answer is: probably not. Monkey Puzzle trees are a bit finicky—they don’t really need pruning, and they actually don’t handle it very well. Unlike many other plants, this tree won’t sprout new growth from a cut surface. Because of that, cuttings rarely take root. If you’re looking to propagate your own, skip the shears; cuttings just aren’t the way to go.
If you’re in a hurry to have a large tree in your yard, your best bet is to buy a pre-grown specimen from a nursery. Just a heads-up, though—depending on the size, these can get pretty pricey, sometimes costing several hundred dollars.
How do I grow a Monkey Puzzle tree from scratch?
If you want the satisfaction of growing your own, you’ll want to start with seeds. But fair warning: you’re going to need some serious patience. These trees are slow movers, typically growing only about 4 to 12 inches per year.
Getting seeds from your own tree is also a challenge. A Monkey Puzzle tree doesn’t even bloom until it’s about 30 years old! Plus, they are dioecious, meaning you need both a male and a female tree to get fertile seeds. Since the seeds also lose their ability to sprout very quickly, your best bet is to buy fresh seeds from a reputable specialty dealer.
What should I keep in mind when planting seeds?
Since the seeds don’t stay viable for long, don’t let them sit around—get them in the dirt as soon as possible. Cover them with just a thin layer of soil and keep them consistently moist while they’re germinating. This is where the waiting game really begins; it can take up to four months just for the first little sprouts to appear.
The Quick Facts:
- Growing from cuttings is rarely successful.
- Buying established trees can be very expensive.
- Growing from seed is a long-term project.
- Seeds lose viability quickly (plant them fast!).
- Germination time: about 4 months.
- Annual growth: roughly 4 to 12 inches.
- First blooms (and seeds) appear after about 30 years.
- Seeds take about a year to ripen on the tree.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to grow a Monkey Puzzle tree yourself, patience is your best friend!
