Norfolk Island Pine Makes A Wonderful Table-top Christmas Tree

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) has been a favorite houseplant for generations. It is an impressive plant with tiers of needlelike green branches that form a living Christmas-tree shape. 

These tropical evergreen conifers are named
after the Norfolk lsland in the South Pacific.

Although not a real pine tree, outdoors the trees grow up to 200 feet.

When given the right culture care, it can easily be grown indoors up to 20' tall.

Norfolk Island Pine houseplant

For decorative purposes the tree can sprinkled with glitter and used as a table-top Christmas tree; unfortunately, it lacks the blissful scent of a fresh cut holiday tree.  With proper care the tree will continue to grow well indoors long after the holidays.

These plants make a great addition to an outdoor patio, but they are not frost hardy. Always bring them inside before temperatures go below 45 degrees.

Buying Tip:  When purchasing your Norfolk Island Pine plant, be sure that it has multiple trunks; this will prevent the plant from looking bare and skinny as it grows taller.

Norfolk Island Pine Care Tips

Light:  Bright light will keep your plant dark green and full.
Will tolerate moderate to low light; however, if you notice
drooping branches, move plant into stronger light. Be sure to
turn your tree every week to keep it looking symmetrical.

Water:  When soil feels slightly dry to the touch, water
thoroughly being sure that the water goes into a saucer. After 15
minutes discard all excess water that the tree has not taken back
up. Water sparingly in winter.

Humidity:  Moderate to high.  Mist occasionally or use a room humidifier because  the plant will drop lower branches in dry air .

Temperature:  65-72 degrees and 50-55 degrees F at night. Drafts,
extremes in temperature, and sudden changes in temperatures
should be carefully avoided.

Potting Soil:  Use a rich organic soil that drains quickly. African Violet soil works well.

Fertilizer:  Feed monthly during the growing season (March
through September) with a water-soluble nitrogen rich fertilizer
for foliage houseplants.  Do not feed in fall and winter when plants become dormant.

Propagation: The easiest method to grow Araucaria heterophylla is
from seed.

Repotting:  Repot in standard potting mix when the branches show
through the drainage hole.  Plant has very small root systems and
rarely needs repotting.  Instead, topdress with fresh soil each year.

Pests:  Plant may be attacked with spider mites. Treat with
insecticidal soap.

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