This petite tropical Christmas tree is a pretty houseplant year-round.
It is a pretty miniature Christmas tree with tiered branches of saber-like leaves arranged in a dense herringbone pattern.
Norfolk Island pines are slow-growing so they are unlikely to outgrow their dedicated indoor space.
Good locations off the ground are tabletops, mantels, and desks.
If you have forced-air heating, dont place the plant near the vents.
Norfolk Island Pine Care Tips
Norfolk Island pine makes a low-maintenance houseplant.
Light
Grow Norfolk Island pine in medium to bright light near a west- or south-facing window.
If it doesn’t get enough light, it will be weak, spindly, and unattractive.
To ensure even growth on all sides, rotate the plant weekly.
Soil and Water
Use potting mix combined with a small amount of sand and peat moss.
Norfolk Island pine grows well in soil that is moist but not wet.
Water Norfolk Island pine when the soil just begins to feel dry to the touch.
Temperature and Humidity
In their native habitat, the tree grows in warm, humid rainforests.
High humidity is important for the Norfolk Island pine tree.
A relative humidity of 50% is ideal.
Pruning
Over time, the lower branches might die back.
But other than removing dead branches or tips, it is not recommended to prune a Norfolk Island pine.
Unlike other trees, pruning does not encourage new growth.
Potting and Repotting Norfolk Island Pine
see to it to use a pot with large drainage holes.
The tree needs repotting when the roots appear above the soil surface.
Pests and Problems
Norfolk Island pine is not bothered by major pests or diseases.
It might be affected by common houseplant pests such asmealybugs,scale insects, and thrips.
Brown and crispy branch tips often indicate a lack of water.
Therefore it is not feasible for home gardeners to propagate a Norfolk Island pine.
Set the pot in a saucer and water the tree as needed.
The saucer will protect the surface below the plant and allow the pot to drain.
Dump the excess water from the saucer after watering.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Norfolk island pines.
November 17, 2021.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://extension.psu.edu/norfolk-island-pines.
