Content
- Successfully multiply Andentanne
- Vegetative reproduction not possible
- Sow the Andean fir
- Stratify seeds of Andean fir
- Sow Andean fir
- Tips
Andean fir is best multiplied by seeds
Successfully multiply Andentanne
The Andean fir, also known as jewelery fir or Araucaria, is one of the oldest and rarest plant species worldwide - in its Chilean homeland, the primeval-looking conifer is threatened with extinction. So local araucaria should be propagated as much as possible, which is not that easy.
Vegetative reproduction not possible
This also means that a vegetative propagation is basically not possible - cut cuttings may sometimes set roots, but after a while no longer develop and die off. The same applies to offshoots that grow directly from the roots of the main trunk, because these too are generally not viable on their own after removal. The reason for the unsuccessful vegetative propagation lies in the inadequate cut tolerance of the Andean fir - where the plant was pruned, basically no longer drives itself out.
Sow the Andean fir
Relatively promising, however, is the propagation of the Andes fir seeds that ripen in the fall, provided that you observe some basic rules. It is especially important not to use dried seeds for sowing - these germinate very difficult or not at all. For this reason, it makes little sense to buy seeds of the Araukarie over the Internet - get yourself in the fall a fresh cones with seeds.
Stratify seeds of Andean fir
The reddish-brown seed kernels have a strong germ inhibition, which can be lifted only by a stratification. For this purpose, you can sow the seeds directly into the open air in autumn or instead store them in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, packed well in moist sand, for a few weeks or months.Optimal temperatures are around five degrees Celsius. The main thing is that the seeds do not dry out and thus become incapable of germination.
Sow Andean fir
Basically, you can sow the seeds of Andean fir throughout the year. When sowing the stratified seeds, you can proceed as follows:
The seeds germinate after about 12 weeks - depending on the weather, however, it can also go faster or last longer.
Tips
The young Araucaria should be cultivated in the pot for another three years and overwinter frost-free - the young plants are very sensitive to cold, but get used to it with increasing age.