Looking for a whimsy plant that makes you relaxed simply by looking at it? Okay–I don’t exactly know how proven that last one is but I DO know that the Norfolk Island Pine is one of my new favorite plants for whimsy vibes in your home.
Also known as the Araucaria heterophylla, the Norfolk Island Pine is commonly sold in supermarkets around the holiday season. But just because it’s a seasonal plant associated with Christmas doesn’t mean that you can’t keep yours living (and thriving) all year long. Here’s how to care for a Norfolk Island Pine Trees indoors.
Trick #1 For Norfolk Island Pine Care: Recognize That It’s Not A True Pine Tree
Though Norfolk trees are technically classified as “pines,” it’s important to realize that they aren’t TECHNICALLY pine trees at all. In fact, they are more closely related to a gardenia plant, so they really aren’t cold-hardy at all and are actually classified as a tropical plant because they grow along the coast in the Pacific Northwest. Pretty crazy, right?
Because it’s not a true pine tree, you’ll need to approach all aspects of care a little differently than you would a normal pine tree. Basically, it’s not cold hardy at all and will die in temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Though, these trees prefer 75 degrees all year long.
Trick #2 For Norfolk Island Pine Care: High Humidity Is Crucial
Because Norfolk Island Pines are technically a tropical plant–they absolutely LOVE humidity! Norfolk Island Pines need at least 50 percent humidity–which is just above what homes usually sit at. Keep your Norfolk Pine looking lush by running a humidifier near the plant or placing a pebble tray under your planter (learn how to make your own pebble tree here!).
If your pine needles are looking brown, crispy, or curling, an issue with adequate humidity is likely the reason the plant is struggling. Cut off the damaged ends and supplement humidity ASAP–you should start to see an improvement!
Trick #3 For Norfolk Island Pine Care: Full Sun Is Best
Norfolk pines prefer full sun and mine really enjoys its spot by my southern-facing window. If your Norfolk Pine is growing leggy, a reason for such growth could be inadequate sunlight. Move it to a place with more sunshine and make sure that you rotate the planter every few days so that the tree grows evenly.
Trick #4 For Norfolk Island Pine Care: They LOVE Acidic Soil
If your plant is growing slowly, isn’t a dark vibrant green, or is in general just kind of lackluster, try replacing the potting soil ASAP. When you replace your soil, opt for an acidic mixture with peat moss included. The peat moss will gradually break down over time and your soil will become more acidic, which is perfect for the acidic-loving Norfolk island trees.
Additionally, they love fertilizer, but growers should use it sparingly. Feed your Norfolk Island every spring with a weak liquid fertilizer (use at least half strength that you normally would). Throughout the growing season, fertilize with the same mixture through the end of September-do not fertilize again until Spring.
Trick #5 For Norfolk Island Pine Care: Prune Dead Branches Frequently
It’s common for the bottom branches of the Norfolk Island Pine trees to die off and dry up–to keep your plant healthy, prune these as soon as they die off. Pruning dead branches will not poorly affect the health of the tree, and it will help the tree regain that classic evergreen look that is so sought after.
