This tiny tropical Christmas tree is a pretty houseplant year - round .
The petite works that has put Norfolk Island , a midget Australian island in the South Pacific Ocean , on the map for houseplant lovers is Norfolk Island pine . It is a middling miniature Christmas tree with tiered branches of saber - like leaves arranged in a heavy herringbone pattern . This midget tree is botanically not a true pine but a tropic pine - like conifer that grows up to 80 ft tall in the wild .
Unlike other vacation flora , after Norfolk Island true pine has served its purpose as a Christmas tree , it continues to render a bluff fit of greenery in your home yr - circular . Norfolk Island pine tree are slow - maturate so they are unlikely to outgrow their dedicated indoor space .
Where to Plant Norfolk Island Pine
Place pot Norfolk Island pines near a promising window , sooner east- , west- or south - facing so it gets the maximal amount of bright , lineal light . Good placement off the land are tabletops , mantels , and desk .
During the winter , when indoor melody is notoriously dry , room with higher humidity point ( kitchen and bathroom ) are secure . If you have forced - air heating , do n’t place the plant near the vents .
Norfolk Island Pine Care Tips
Norfolk Island pine makes a low - maintenance houseplant .
Light
Grow Norfolk Island true pine in metier to promising light near a west- or south - facing window . The less light Norfolk Island pine receives , the dull it will grow ; however , even if you need to inhibit growing , avoid low-down - light situations . If it does n’t get enough luminousness , it will be weak , lank , and unattractive .
To ensure even ontogeny on all sides , rotate the plant weekly .
Soil and Water
apply potting mix combined with a small amount of sand and peat moss .
Norfolk Island true pine grows well in soil that is moist but not blind drunk . Water Norfolk Island pine when the soil just begins to feel wry to the touch . verify not to overwater the plant — the tooth root will decompose if they are divulge to brook pee for an protracted geological period .
Temperature and Humidity
In their aboriginal habitat , the tree diagram grow in strong , humid rainforests . Moving your potted flora outside during the summer will speed up its growth but keep in judgement that it is extremely raw to stale and does not abide temperatures below 60 level F. Temperature drop cloth of more than 10 degrees F between day and night are also not conducive to the tree ’s health .
High humidity is important for the Norfolk Island pine tree diagram . A comparative humidness of 50 % is idealistic .
Fertilizer
Fertilize Norfolk Island pine with ahouseplant fertilizeronce or doubly in spring and summer , keep an eye on production label didactics .
Pruning
Over time , the lower branches might snuff it back . But other than remove utter branches or tips , it is not recommended to lop a Norfolk Island pine . Unlike other Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , pruning does not encourage Modern increase .
Potting and Repotting Norfolk Island Pine
Make trusted to use a pot with turgid drainage holes .
Because it is a slowly - growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , repot to a larger pot with fresh potting soil is only required every three to four years . The tree needs repotting when the roots appear above the stain Earth’s surface .
Pests and Problems
Norfolk Island pine is not disoblige by major cuss or disease . It might be affected by uncouth houseplant pests such asmealybugs , scale insect , and thrips .
Brown and crispy branch tips often indicate a want of water supply .
Frequently Asked Questions
It is possible to spread Norfolk Island Island pine from seeds but the seed are not commonly uncommitted and Norfolk Island pine tree houseplants do not produce strobilus . Therefore it is not feasible for home gardeners to propagate a Norfolk Island pine .
If your Norfolk Island pine is cloaked in a foil pot wrapper , take the wrapping as it tends to entrap water , preventing the dirt from draining completely . Set the pot in a dish and water the tree as needed . The disc will protect the open below the plant and allow the pot to debilitate . coldcock the excess water from the saucer after watering .
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Norfolk island pines . Penn State Extension . November 17 , 2021 . Accessed August 2 , 2024 . https://extension.psu.edu/norfolk-island-pines .
