How to grow Norfolk Pine

This plant is easy to grow yet is a slow grower. While it cannot survive outdoors in winter in Zones 9 and cooler, that’s no reason to throw it away at the end of the holiday season. Give it the right spot in your home and it will thrive, providing enjoyment year-round. It does best in bright, indirect light but will tolerate low and medium light. If you notice its branches drooping, that’s a sign that it needs more light. It will even thrive under fluorescent lights so it can be a good choice for offices. Norfolk Island pine prefers temperatures between 60 and 72 degrees F during the day and 50 to 65 degrees F at night. Keep Norfolk Island pine away from heating and cooling vents or any areas with drafts.

Because this plant is a slow grower, it typically does not need to be repotted often. If you buy a plant for yourself or receive one as a gift, remove any outer foil wrapping so that it doesn’t trap water near the plant’s roots. Instead of immediately repotting the plant, give it time to acclimate to its new environment. If preferred, place the plant (in its current pot) into a pretty container to complement your home décor. 

If you have a plant that needs to be repotted, which will be important if the plant has become root-bound, use a sandy peat that is slightly acidic such as a potting mix used for succulents. It does not like to have its roots disturbed so avoid repotting often. It may benefit from repotting every 3 or 4 years. 

Like many other houseplants, Norfolk pines prefer a relative humidity above 50 percent, yet most homes have a much lower humidity level, and it seems to do just fine without added humidity. If needed, to add humidity, use a humidifier or position the plant on a pebble tray that has water beneath the pebbles. On a pebble tray, the plant will benefit from the evaporating water if the container is not sitting in water. Another way to add humidity is to group several plants together.

Water when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch, and until water drains out the bottom of the container, then empty the water in the saucer. Avoid keeping the soil wet all the time, which can result in root rot. On the other hand, do not let it dry out completely, which will result in branch tips that are brown, crispy, and unsightly. 

Fertilizing

This plant is not a heavy feeder so it will not need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilize once or twice a year during the spring and summer using a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Follow label directions. If you want a tree that grows more quickly, fertilize it more often. Cease any fertilization during the winter months.

Controlling Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems

This plant typically does not have problems with insects, pests, or diseases. The most common are spider mites. Control by spraying off the foliage. It does not like soggy soil, which can cause root rot. It requires plenty of light and consistent watering to avoid problems with the shedding of lower limbs.

• When selecting a Norfolk Island pine, the needles should feel supple and not brittle. The color should be dark green. Avoid plants that have browned leaves.
• Plants often grow or bend toward the light so rotate your plant’s container every few days or weekly so that it won’t lean or bend noticeably. 
• While Norfolk Island pines make great holiday decorations and gifts, their soft branches cannot hold heavy ornaments. If decorating, use lightweight ornaments or bows. If adding lights, use lightweight strands of LED lights that do not produce heat. Small Norfolk pines are a great way to add both a playful and elegant touch of nature to any holiday décor.