Growing Norfolk Island Pine Trees - Norfolk Island Pine Care Tips

Norfolk pine trees prefer several hours of direct, bright light, such as the type of light that can be found in a south-facing window, but they will also tolerate full indirect, bright light as well. Water your Norfolk Island pine when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Can Norfolk pines be outside?

Norfolk Island pines are often grown as houseplants, but in your gardening region they can also be planted outdoors. Indoors, provide bright light and average to cool temperatures. Water regularly from spring through autumn, but sparingly during the winter months.

How do you keep a Norfolk Island pine alive?

Misting is the usual method for hydrating Norfolk pines, but a humidifier is more efficient and effective. Temperatures should range from 50 to 70 F during the day and 45 to 65 at night. Norfolk pines are dormant in winter, so don't fertilize until spring using any product for indoor plants.

How do you care for a potted Norfolk pine?

Always check the soil by hand before watering your plant. Let the soil dry slightly about an inch deep, and then water thoroughly, until water runs out the container's drainage holes. Always empty the saucer completely, so the tree never sits in water. Give the pot a quarter turn every time you water.

Can I put my Norfolk pine outside in the summer?

During the summer, Norfolk Island pine can enjoy a vacation outdoors. Place it in a protected spot where it isn't cooked by the direct sun and water at least once a week. If your plant gets too big for its container, summer is also a great time to transplant to a larger pot.

Are Norfolk pines toxic to dogs?

This plant is known to be mildly toxic to dogs when ingested, occasionally causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), is generally grown indoors as a decorative plant or cut down for use as a Christmas tree.

Do Norfolk pines need sun?

Your Norfolk Pine can adapt to different light situations, it prefers bright light. If possible, give your plant a few hours of direct bright sunlight each day. The less light your plant receives, the more it will stretch out and reach for the light.

Do Norfolk pines like to be root bound?

These trees don't tolerate soggy roots, so use a soil with vermiculite to promote drainage. Researchers have actually determined the ideal depth for repotting Norfolk Island pines.

How often should you water a Norfolk Island pine?

Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.

Can you put lights on a Norfolk pine?

Another part of the care for a Norfolk Island pine plant is to make sure that the plant gets enough light. Norfolk pine trees prefer several hours of direct, bright light, such as the type of light that can be found in a south-facing window, but they will also tolerate full indirect, bright light as well.

Should I mist my Norfolk pine?

Mist the Norfolk Island pine liberally each time you water using a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Spray the undersides of the foliage and the trunk until the water beads and begins to drip off. Mist it at least four times a week to keep the foliage healthy during the summer.

Why is my Norfolk pine losing branches?

Norfolk Dropping Branches

Widespread branch drop in Norfolk pines is usually caused by incorrect growing conditions. Low humidity, improper fertilization and improper watering are the typical culprits.

What soil is best for Norfolk pine?

For the soil, use a sandy, peaty, slightly acidic mix. The plant should be watered enough to keep the soil damp, but not soggy. In the winter let the soil dry out between waterings. Norfolk Island pine does not like its roots disturbed, so it should be re-potted as infrequently as possible.

How much light does a Norfolk Island pine need?

Generally, 16 hours of light will be effective in keeping the plant in good condition for several years. Turning plants weekly, especially if near bright windows, will help keep them growing straight and upright. Norfolk Island pines will be at home in most temperature ranges suitable for people.

Are Norfolk pines toxic to cats?

According to the ASPCA list of Plants Toxic to Cats, the Norfolk or Australian Pine IS toxic to cats. According to PullmanUSA it's toxic to both cats and dogs and its symptons are vomiting and depression.

Are Norfolk pine roots invasive?

Norfolk Island Pines have the growth potential of reaching 100' feet in height and 60' in width. The roots are not considered invasive, but there will be a large root mass on a large tree.

Do Norfolk pines have pine cones?

Common name. Norfolk Island Pine is not a 'pine' in the strict botanical sense, that is, it is not a member of the genus Pinus which we know through the needle-like leaves and 'pine cones' on trees like the plantation or Radiata Pine, Pinus radiata: the genus Pinus does not occur naturally in Australia.

Can you boil pine needles and drink it?

Never boil your pine needle tea. Boiling tends to break down vitamin C and release terpenes that make the tea more bitter. ... Let your pine needle tea steep for about 20 minutes, or until the needles sink to the bottom of your pot or cup. At this point, you can strain the needles out or leave them in while you drink.

Is Norfolk pine poisonous to humans?

Norfolk Island Pine

The plant may cause vomiting and depression when ingested by cats and dogs. Norfolk Island pine is believed to be safe for humans; however, some people may experience skin irritation after handling the plant.

Can I cut the top off my Norfolk pine?

First, decide how tall your want your tree to be. Then cut back the top to that height just above a complete whorl of branches. The tree will resume growing from that point. Now, shorten the side branches to restore the tree's symmetrical shape lost by shortening the top.

Why is my Norfolk pine turning brown?

Norfolk Island pines prefer full sun, but they tolerate partial shade. Foliage turns dark green when light levels stay too low, but left long enough, needles turn brown. Droopy branches also signal when Norfolk pines need more light. ... Sudden relocation also causes brown needles, and entire branches may drop.