A relative of the monkey puzzle tree, the Norfolk Island pine is not a true pine tree. In North America's subtropical climes (USDA zones 10 to 11), it is frequently grown as a landscaping tree and indoors in other regions. It has a straight trunk that can reach large heights and branches that are pleasingly symmetrical and covered in short, inward-curving needles. Outdoors, a Norfolk Island pine can reach heights of up to 200 feet. It may be trained to grow as a bonsai or tiny tree when grown indoors and can reach heights of 3 to 8 feet.

Overview

Norfolk Island pine is a popular houseplant that can also be grown outdoors in warm climates. It is not a true pine, but a relative of the monkey puzzle tree. Here are some basic facts about this plant:

Common Name

Norfolk pine, Norfolk Island pine, Australian pine

Botanical Name

Araucaria heterophylla

Plant Type

Tree

Sun Exposure

Full sun to partial shade

Mature Size

3 to 200 feet tall, 3 to 25 feet wide

Soil pH

Acidic (5.5 to 6.5)

Soil Type

Sandy, well-drained, slightly moist

Flower Color

None (gymnosperm)

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets
Norfolk Island pine is easy to care for indoors and outdoors, as long as it enjoys enough humidity and indirect sunlight. It can be used as a living Christmas tree, a bonsai, or a foliage plant. It is drought tolerant but does not like soggy soil or extreme temperatures. It can live up to 150 years if protected from frost.

Types of Norfolk Island Pines

Araucaria heterophylla is the only variety available on the market. There are no identified varieties or cultivars of this plant. Some other members of this family occasionally appear in the marketplace under false pretenses as the original plant. A. columnaris, A. araucana, and A. bidwillii are a few of these. It's doubtful that you'll come across one of them, but if you do, the cultural prerequisites are the same.

How to Care for Norfolk Island Pine

Norfolk Island pines may flourish both inside and outside. Although they have favored growing environments, they are highly tolerant and may prosper in a variety of environments. Plant this tree in a position with full light and soil that is moderately moist, porous, and sandy if you want it to flourish the best outdoors. Once established, it can withstand some degree of dryness.

Use a porous, sand-based, slightly acidic potting mixture if you're growing Norfolk Island pine inside. Standard potting soil can be made more acidic and porous by adding additional peat moss and sand to it. Give the plant as much light as you can, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Put it close to a south-facing window because it prefers direct sunlight or bright, indirect light to thrive.

As a gymnosperm, the Norfolk Island pine bears exposed seeds and lacks flowers. This tree reproduces from seeds, which germinate quickly (10 to 15 days) [1]. The majority of seeds come from the Pacific region. It is not advised to attempt to take a cutting because new growth does not regrow in its place like other plants do [2].

Temperature and Humidity

Norfolk Island pines, which are indigenous to the South Pacific, require warmer, wetter settings with temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit put them at risk of dying, however they can endure cooler and warmer conditions for a while. For indoor plants, spritz the plant frequently with a spray bottle or set it over a saucer of water (but avoid letting the roots of the plant sit in the water). Contrary to other subtropical plants, this one can tolerate dry indoor air better.

Soil

These plants thrive in acidic environments and prefer a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. For indoor plants, a peat-based potting combination works best because it progressively becomes more acidic as the peat decomposes.

This tree prefers a rich, sandy soil that has been preferably treated with peat when it is planted outside in a garden.

Water

Norfolk Island pines are forgiving when it comes to water because they can tolerate salt and various levels of drought. It's best to let the soil get a little bit dry in between waterings. If the plant is an indoor one, this will require weekly to biweekly watering. Water a houseplant until extra moisture begins to leak out of the pot's bottom.

Fertilizer

Throughout the growing season, treat your Norfolk pine with a light liquid fertilizer, but avoid fertilizing during times of low light.

Younger Norfolk Island pine trees are particularly prone to having frail root systems. Make sure you provide frequent fertilizer to grow their roots, and don't be afraid to stake your tree up if it requires support.

Light

A Norfolk Island pine needs sunlight, and wherever possible, prefers full sun. Norfolk Island pines can also endure relatively extended stretches of poor lighting (months at a time). So, you may keep your potted plant indoors during the winter and relocate it outside to a sunny location during the summer.

When growing indoors, if your plant starts to sag, it's likely that a mix of poor lighting and excessive fertilizer is to blame. If so, reduce the amount of fertilizer you use until the plant has more exposure to sunlight. It's helpful to turn it frequently, so every side gets equal light.

How to Grow for Norfolk Island Pine

Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a beautiful evergreen tree that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is often used as a living Christmas tree, but it can also be enjoyed as a houseplant or a landscape tree in warm climates. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for this conifer.

Choose the right soil

Norfolk Island pine prefers sandy and slightly acidic soil, so you may need to add some peat moss and sand to a standard potting mix. The soil should be well-drained and porous, as the tree does not like wet or soggy conditions.

Provide enough light

Norfolk Island pine needs bright, indirect light to thrive. It can tolerate full sun outdoors, but indoors it should be placed near a south-facing window or under artificial lights. Rotate the pot regularly to prevent the tree from leaning towards the light source.

Water moderately

Norfolk Island pine likes evenly moist soil, but not too wet. Water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and let the excess water drain out of the pot. Do not let the soil dry out completely or become waterlogged, as both can cause stress to the tree.

Fertilize occasionally

Norfolk Island pine does not need much fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer, when the tree is actively growing. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter, when the growth slows down.

Prune carefully

Norfolk Island pine does not need much pruning, but you can trim off any dead or damaged branches to keep the tree healthy and tidy. Do not cut off the top of the tree, as this will ruin its natural shape and prevent it from growing taller. You can also remove some of the lower branches if you want to expose more of the trunk.

Protect from pests and diseases

Norfolk Island pine is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and fungal infections. Check the tree regularly for any signs of infestation or disease, and treat them promptly with appropriate methods.

Potting and Repotting Norfolk Island Pine

Repotting a Norfolk Island pine only becomes necessary when the plant becomes root-bound or when the roots start to protrude from the drainage hole. Since young Norfolk Island pines don't grow all that quickly, you might be able to repot your tree every other year rather than annually. The plant will start to grow more quickly as it gets older.

Repot your Norfolk Island pine in the spring, and if it has grown to a greater size, use a pot made of any material that has a lot of heavy objects, such potting sand, to give the plant enough weight to maintain it upright. It will thrive in a peaty, sandy, slightly acidic potting mix. Make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes and that it is only a few inches larger than the one the plant is in now.

FAQs

How simple is it to take care of Norfolk Island pine trees?

As long as they receive appropriate humidity, Norfolk Island pine trees can be easily maintained either indoors or outdoors.

A Norfolk Island pine's lifespan is how long?

This plant is long-living and can live for 150 years if it is shielded from the cold.

Can you find cones on Norfolk Island pines?

Cones are produced by this plant, however they won't appear until the plant is fully grown. Males drop cones on trees over 50 years old, whereas females produce cones on trees older than 15 years.

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Norfolk Island pine. - University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

2. Norfolk Island pine. - PennState Extension.