How to Care for a Monkey Puzzle Tree, According to an Expert

One of nature's most unique plants, the monkey puzzle tree (also known as araucaria araucana) is a bit of a mystery. Due to their unusual, thorny branches, it's a great option for plant lovers looking to add a dose of flair to their space.

«There isn't a tree out there like the monkey puzzle, especially compared to native choices within the United States,» says Tamara Hogan, resident plant expert at Fast Growing Trees, an online nursery. «Its blade-like leaves and branch structure are unlike any other conifer trees. It's also an evergreen that can handle some cooler, humid environments since the southern areas of Chile is where this tree comes from.»

Another benefit of growing one? You can live with a monkey puzzle tree for a long time. It can grow up to 90 feet tall and survive for thousands of years if it isn't cut down. However, since a monkey puzzle tree is so rare, many people aren't sure how to make one thrive indoors or outdoors. To help you out, we've consulted with experts at Fast Growing Trees to share everything you need to know about caring for a monkey puzzle tree.

Since monkey puzzle trees can grow up to 90 feet tall, they can be a very messy plant for a backyard. If you plant one in the wrong spot, the roots can cause damage to everything from sidewalks to driveways. Keep in mind that they should be kept away from power lines, too. It's recommended to leave about 24 feet of space around it when planting. And once the tree fully matures, it'll litter the yard with cones that can hurt your feet if you happen to step on them.

While this tree is hardy and has good protection against pests, mealy bugs, spider mites, thrips and scale might creep up on them. These issues can be easily fixed with