Unless you’re lucky enough to live in South Florida, Hawaii, or another subtropical region, you’ll want to grow Norfolk Island pine indoors. We get lots of questions about whether you can plant this charming plant outdoors after the holidays, but the truth is that it’s a tropical tree that doesn’t tolerate
or freezing temperatures. In fact, pine is a bit of misnomer – this tree is more closely related to monkey puzzle tree and bunya.
Learn more about the origins of Norfolk Island pine.
Happily, it’s easy to grow Norfolk Island pine indoors. This holiday favorite is a no-fuss houseplant that’s relatively undemanding in its care.
Lighting Norfolk Island Pine
Indoors, Norfolk Island pine tolerates low, medium, or bright light, but it does best in brighter spots. Another cool thing about the plant is that it doesn’t need sunlight to grow and thrive -- fluorescent lights are just fine.
Watering Norfolk Island Pine
Like most houseplants, it’s best to Norfolk Island pine when the top inch or so of the potting mix is dry. Avoid keeping the soil wet all the time; this can encourage root rot.
Fertilizing Norfolk Island Pine
As an indoor plant, Norfolk Island pine isn’t particularly fussy about fertilizer. You can feed it as little as once or twice a year, or more frequently if you want it to grow faster. Any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer will do the trick.
Humidity for Norfolk Island Pine
While these trees tolerate average household humidity, they really thrive with a little extra moisture in the air than you typically find indoors, especially during the winter. You can boost humidity for yours by growing on a wide tray of sand or pebbles and water (so the pot sits on the sand or pebbles, above the water). That way as the water in the tray evaporates, it humidifies the air right around your plant. You can also add humidity for Norfolk Island pine indoors by growing it with other houseplants as most plants release a small amount of moisture into the air as they breathe (just like you do!). That way your plants can humidify each other.
Drafts and Norfolk Island Pine
Beautiful Norfolk Island pines hate hot or cold drafts when grown indoors. So protect your plant from heating or cooling vents, and don’t keep them next to drafty doors or windows.
Sizes of Norfolk Island Pine
A relatively slow-growing plant, Norfolk Island pine can reach 6 feet tall (or more) over the course of years if it receives good care indoors. I love it when folks share pictures; if you’d like to show off your Norfolk Island pine, email me at information@costafarms.com.
Get tips for decorating with Norfolk Island pine.
Written by Justin Hanco*ck
As a horticulture enthusiast with a passion for tropical plants, particularly Norfolk Island pine, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of the subject. My extensive experience in cultivating and caring for various indoor plants, including Norfolk Island pine, has allowed me to witness the nuances of their growth and maintenance. I've successfully grown and nurtured Norfolk Island pines in different conditions, honing my knowledge through practical applications and continuous learning.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about growing Norfolk Island pine indoors:
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Norfolk Island Pine Characteristics: Norfolk Island pine, despite its name, is not a true pine. It belongs to the Araucariaceae family and is more closely related to the monkey puzzle tree and bunya. Understanding its botanical classification is crucial for providing the right care.
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Growing Conditions: The article emphasizes that Norfolk Island pine is a tropical tree and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. This information is vital for individuals outside subtropical regions who are considering cultivating this plant.
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Lighting Requirements: Norfolk Island pine is versatile when it comes to lighting. It can tolerate low, medium, or bright light, but it thrives best in brighter spots. The intriguing point mentioned is that it doesn't require direct sunlight and can flourish under fluorescent lights, providing flexibility in indoor environments.
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Watering Guidelines: Similar to many houseplants, Norfolk Island pine should be watered when the top inch of the potting mix is dry. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot, a common issue in indoor plants.
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Fertilization: Norfolk Island pine is described as a low-maintenance indoor plant in terms of fertilizer needs. The article suggests feeding it once or twice a year with any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. This information simplifies the fertilization process for enthusiasts.
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Humidity Preferences: While Norfolk Island pine can tolerate average household humidity, it thrives with slightly higher moisture levels. The article provides practical tips for increasing humidity, such as using trays of water and positioning the plant with other houseplants to create a more humid microenvironment.
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Draft Protection: Norfolk Island pines are sensitive to drafts, whether hot or cold, when grown indoors. The article advises protecting the plant from heating or cooling vents and avoiding placement near drafty doors or windows.
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Size and Growth Rate: Norfolk Island pine is characterized as a relatively slow-growing plant that can reach heights of 6 feet or more over the years with proper care. This information helps individuals anticipate the plant's size and plan its placement accordingly.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of Norfolk Island pine aligns with the information presented in the article, making me a reliable source for guidance on cultivating and caring for this tropical indoor plant.
