Plant guide
アローカリア
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
A coniferous tree native to New Zealand, Araucaria is known for its distinctive shape—delicate needles radiating outward in a unique silhouette. It's an easygoing plant perfect for beginners, growing slowly and steadily indoors while bringing a fresh, airy feel to any space. It tolerates low light reasonably well and doesn't demand much fussing.
Araucaria prefers bright, indirect light—keep it out of direct sun. Ideally, maintain room temperatures between 15–25°C (59–77°F), and avoid anything below 10°C (50°F). It appreciates moderate humidity but can suffer if the air feels stagnant, so good air circulation is your friend.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 5–6 days
Summer
Every 4–6 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 9–14 days
Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. A helpful trick: stick your finger 1–2 cm into the soil to gauge moisture before watering. Overwatering is the main culprit behind root rot, so err on the side of caution—especially during winter, when you should water even less frequently.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turn yellow and drop | Overwatering and root rot are the usual suspects, particularly when winter watering is too generous or the soil drains poorly. | Check that the soil isn't staying too wet, and dial back watering in winter. If needed, repot the plant and inspect the roots to see what's going on. |
| Leaf tips turn brown and crispy | Dry air and insufficient moisture at the roots are typically to blame—especially in heated indoor spaces where humidity can plummet. | Mist the leaves regularly to bump up humidity, and keep an eye on soil moisture to prevent the roots from drying out entirely. Aim for a balanced watering routine. |
| Leaves look thin and lackluster | Low light is the main issue. Without enough brightness, the plant can't photosynthesize properly, so growth stalls. | Move it to a brighter spot with indirect natural light—a windowsill or well-lit corner indoors works perfectly. |
| Unpleasant odor coming from the base | Root rot has set in, often from poor drainage combined with prolonged moisture around the roots. | Consider repotting soon. Gently remove any damaged roots and replant in fresh, clean soil. |
| Sticky residue and visible pests on the plant | Scale insects or spider mites have moved in, thriving in still air or very dry conditions. | Wipe the leaves gently with a soft cloth to remove the bugs. For heavier infestations, a diluted horticultural spray can help turn things around. |
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