How To Care For An Indoor Norfolk Pine Tree

The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a species of conifer native to Norfolk Island, located near Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific. A popular living Christmas tree to give as a gift in the United States during the holiday season, it is not a true pine but rather an evergreen in the family Araucariaceae that is found only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Norfolk Island pine trees are only winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. In colder climates outside of this range, they are grown as houseplants.

While they are not true pine trees like those in the genus Pinus, Norfolk Island pines get their name in part because they resemble pine trees with their tiered branches as well as their narrow, evergreen leaves and pyramidal habit.

Norfolk Island pine trees can reach a height of up to 200 feet in their native habitat. However, indoor Norfolk Island pine trees have a typical height between 8 and 10 feet.

These plants are usually available for purchase as tabletop Christmas trees during the holiday season and can be decorated with lights and ornaments.

When growing a Norfolk Island pine tree indoors, choose a potting medium that is slightly acidic and amended with sand and peat moss. Well-draining soil is also necessary.

Indoor Norfolk Island pines **grow best in full sun,** such as from a south-facing window. However, you should provide some afternoon shade to prevent the foliage from turning yellow. Rotate the plants regularly to promote even, symmetrical growth. These tropical plants are **best kept at temperatures between 55 and 65°F.**

Norfolk Island pines **also need high humidity,** so consider placing them in a room with a humidifier. A lack of humidity can cause the lower branches to turn brown and drop, which is a common issue with this plant.

You can also place the potted Norfolk Island pine on a wet pebble tray, though this alone is usually not enough to provide the humidity these plants crave.

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Let's go over how to care for a Norfolk Island pine indoors.

Fertilizer

During the growing season from spring to fall, fertilize your Norfolk pines with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week or every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing these plants excessively, however, as it can result in branch drop.

Restrained fertilizing will also prevent these trees from growing so large that it becomes untenable to keep them inside.

Watering

Norfolk pines should be watered regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, overwatering can cause root rot.

Therefore, make sure any pot you use has drainage holes. Reduce watering in the winter months.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning Norfolk Island pine trees is generally not advisable, as it will not produce new growth. However, you can trim off dead branches as needed to maintain the plant's appearance.

Repot Norfolk pine trees every three or four years once you can see the plant's roots on the soil surface.