Norfolk Island Pine Araucaria Heterophylla

CARE SHEET

The Norfolk Island Pine is a conifer generally grown as a house plant. It is a slow-growing tree bearing stiff, flat branches that are covered with soft, flowing needles. Growing up to 5’ tall, it makes an excellent specimen plant and is often used during the holidays as an accent tree. Give special care when using it as Christmas tree. Use small, light-weight ornaments and cool burning bulbs on the tree for just a few days, and maintain moisture levels.

PLANTING & FERTILIZING

Norfolk Island pines grow well in a mixture of equal parts potting soil, sand and peat moss. Use a fast-draining mix that lets water drain freely. Also, carefully choose the tree's location, as it doesn't like to be moved. They also have a fragile root system, so it’s best to keep the plant stable – even staking it to prevent unintentional movement. While Norfolk Island pines don't respond well to frequent re-potting, it is recommended every 3-4 years in spring.

Fertilize your tree every two to three weeks from spring through fall with a soluble house plant food. You do not need to fertilize in winter when the plant is dormant.

WATERING

Norfolk Island Pines require consistent watering. Water them thoroughly each week during the growing season to keep the soil slightly moist. Do not allow them to dry out, particularly during summer. During winter months, let the soil dry out completely and then water lightly. Overwatering can cause root rot and the needles turn yellow or brown and fall off easily. If the tree is too dry, the lower branches turn brown and die, and the needles drop off.

Mist your tree daily with cool water to increase humidity. If winter heat dries out indoor air, set pot in a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles. Lack of humidity causes branch tips to turn brown, needles to drop off and can even cause the loss of lower branches.

LIGHTING & TEMPERATURE

Place Norfolk Island pines in bright, filtered sunshine. Keep them out of direct, full sun. While they can survive solely with incandescent or fluorescent light, they won't thrive. Turn the plant regularly to keep growth symmetrical. Give a quarter turn at a time so as not to shock the plant. They grow best in daytime temperatures of about 65o F and cooler temperatures at night. Avoid temperature extremes, drafts and sudden changes.

PRUNING & PESTS

Norfolk Island Pines should not be pruned except for cutting back any brown tips and dead branches. Growth stops at the point of pruning. Mealy bugs can harm the pine and may require spraying. Scale infestations can be controlled by applying rubbing alcohol or horticultural oil onto affected areas.