How to Care for an Indoor Norfolk Pine Tree

The popular Norfolk pine tree is a living indoor Christmas tree that can be enjoyed as a elegant houseplant year-round. Unlike many other evergreen trees, the Norfolk pine does not drop its needles, is a slow grower and is resistant to disease.



The Norfolk pine's lush green branches, pliable needles and deep rich coloration provide a verdant backdrop for colorful holiday decorations.



Available as tiny desktop plants or majestic floor plants, Norfolk pines make a dramatic houseplant after the holiday season. They can be planted outdoors in tropical climates or grown indoors.

Things You'll Need

• Potting soil
• Garden trowel
• Organic compost
• Organic mulch
• Water can
• Water spray mister

Instructions

Caring For An Indoor Norfolk Pine Tree

1. Choose a planting container and place in a permanent location. Norfolk pines do not like to be transplanted or relocated in their containers indoors.

2. Choose to locate your tree in a spot with bright, filtered morning sunshine. When Norfolk pine trees are grown indoors, they should be placed close to a window where they will receive natural light. Norfolk pines can survive with artificial light, but will not thrive.

3. If the light is coming from only one direction, rotate the tree a quarter turn weekly to keep it from tilting toward one side and growing in an irregular form.

4. Plant Norfolk pine in a mixture of equal parts of potting soil, sand and peat moss.

5. Water as required. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Provide adequate drainage.

   Do not allow the pine tree to sit in standing water because this will rot the roots.

6. Regulate the temperature. Norfolk pines prefer daytime temperatures from 50 to 70 degrees and are happy if somewhat cooler at night.

7. Protect from temperatures below 40 degrees. Norfolk pines are subtropical plants and will not tolerate cold rooms or a chilly draft.

8. During the tree's active growing cycle, feed with an organic fertilizer formulated for indoor house plants. Norfolk pine trees go through a dormant period during the cool winter months, at which time there is no need to fertilize.

9. Trim off any dead or broken branches as they appear.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to practice a green lifestyle and are looking for the ideal potted Christmas tree, the Norfolk pine tree is a perfect choice. Your Norfolk pine tree will continue to grow indoors as a lovely houseplant and can used each year for the holidays as a treasured part of your holiday traditions.

• Norfolk pine trees crave moisture. On dry, winter days your Norfolk pine tree will benefit from a misting of water daily to prevent browning of the needles. Consider using a humidifier if air is especially dry.

• If used for holiday decor, do not leave ornaments on the tree for more than a few days to prevent damage. Use lightweight ornaments that will not pull down the branches.

References

• Araucaria heterophylla - Norfolk Pine
• Norfolk Island Pine Needs TLC
• Norfolk Pine Indoor Care

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish