My tree is 40 years old and has always had very dark green leaves, about 4 years ago I had the ground beneath the tree covered with a membrane and gravel. The leaves are now a very light green and some lower braces are brown. Do you think it will help the tree to recover if I remove the gravel and the membrane as I think it may not be getting sufficient water. A. Cooper
If the membrane is not permeable then it is especially important to remove it. If it is permeable and water can penetrate, then try stepping up the watering in the entire root zone beneath the foliar canopy (dripline) and beyond. Apply a water soluble complete fertilizer.
But there is another possibility, that of a pest infestation. Araucaria species are subject to scale insects and mealybugs. They may become more susceptible if stressed from something like water deficit due to the change of conditions and soil covering.
For a 40 yo tree you may need to have an assessment and diagnosis from a certified arborist, plant health care specialist.
Pests and disorders of Araucaria spp:
Araucaria scale (similar to Cottony cushion scale)
Armored scales
Black araucaria scale
Dictyospermum scale
Mealybugs
Golden mealybug
Environmental disorders:
Mineral deficiencies
Nutrient and mineral excesses
Poor water management
My monkey tree is about 3 years old. The first set of branches ( lowest) look like they’re turning black. They droop. What is wrong. The soil is wet...I’ve never fertilized it. It sits near a morning window with low light. Please help! I don’t want to loose it..
It could be that the soil is too wet, or could have an infection. Apply dolomitic lime and wettable sulfur to the area, and try and let the soil dry out just a little in between waterings if possible.
Here is a collection articles for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/monkey-puzzle/
I have a central trunk and two additional trunks on the sides Lots of new growth at the base of the trunks love my tree but concerned I should be looking after it better.
Remove any suckers that have grown near the base of the tree. This is important for the overall health of the plant; a sucker will take valuable energy away from the healthier and more desirable branches.
Be careful not to damage the soft trunk with your pruning shears.
Shape the tree canopy to a desired form. A monkey tree naturally has a round shape that is easy to maintain with little effort.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/monkey-puzzle/growing-monkey-puzzle-outdoors.htm
Do you know any Monkey Puzzle Tree experts?
This is one of the main characteristics of the tree, and what made it so popular! They ooze a resin that can be turned into all sorts of things! This is also to protect the tree from harm.
This article will help you to care for these trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/monkey-puzzle/growing-monkey-puzzle-outdoors.htm
Once it is established, they can grow 1 or 2 feet per year. This depends on the care that it receives, though.
Here is an article that will help you to care for the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/monkey-puzzle/monkey-puzzle-indoors.htm
Young plant - outside in garden - in pot - in full sun (when out) - climate is that of Uk London area- watered every evening- when not all day rain - feed once a week - plant high is 12 - 18 inches - can not see any bugs etc .
This is a combination of overwatering, and overfeeding. Only water once the top inch of soil is almost completely dry. Soil below that will remain moist if you keep that balance.Feeding is best once a soil test reveals it is necessary, or usually once per month.
From here, you will need a fungicide, correct watering habits, and halt feeding unless necessary.
Here are some articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/monkey-puzzle/monkey-puzzle-indoors.htm
I have been consistent in the watering of the tree and the browning has occurred during the 90 to 95 Ga. heat. Should I be concerned? Thanks
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I cannot address the issue with certainty. I can take an educated guess, though.
If the top 2 or 3 inches of the soil is not completely dry when you water, then I suspect overwatering and infection has taken hold.
You will, likely, need a fungicide. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Make sure to test the soil and make sure that it has sufficient time to dry out between waterings. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
Here is an article for more information on the care of the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pachira-money-tree/growing-money-tree-houseplant.htm