The Norfolk Island pine ( Araucaria heterophylla ) is aspecies of conifernative to Norfolk Island , located near Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific . A popular living Christmas tree to give as a natural endowment in the United States during the holiday season , it is not a true pine but rather an evergreen plant in the house Araucariaceae that is find only in the Southern Hemisphere .
Norfolk Island pine tree are only wintertime hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture industrial plant hardiness zone 9 to 11 . In colder climates outdoors of this mountain range , they are grown as houseplants .
The Norfolk Pine Tree Indoors
While they are nottrue pine treeslike those in the genusPinus , Norfolk Island pines get their name in part because they resemble pine tree diagram with their tiered branches as well as their narrow-minded , evergreen leaf and pyramidal riding 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 useable for leverage as tabletop Christmas trees during the holiday season and can be decorated with igniter and ornaments .
Indoor Norfolk Pine Growing Conditions
When growing a Norfolk Island true pine tree indoors , choose a potting mass 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 offer some afternoon shade to prevent the leaf from turning yellow . turn out the plant on a regular basis to advance even , harmonious growth . These tropic plants are * * best hold open at temperatures between 55 and 65 ° F . * *
Tip
Norfolk pine tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree indoors should be kept in a room with gamy humidity and temperature above 50 ° farad .
Norfolk Island pines * * also need mellow humidity , * * so regard position them in a room with a humidifier . A lack of humidness can cause the low limb to turn brown and drop curtain , which is a common progeny with this plant .
you could also place the pot Norfolk Island pine tree on a wet pebble tray , though this alone is usually not enough to render the humidness these flora crave .
Norfolk Pine Indoor Care
have ’s go over how to care for a Norfolk Island pine indoors .
Fertilizer
During the develop time of year from spring to shine , fertilize your Norfolk pine with a diluted swimming fertilizer once a week or every two weeks . Avoid fertilise these flora excessively , however , as it can leave in offshoot drop .
Restrained fertilizing will also preclude these trees from growing so heavy that it becomes indefensible to keep them in spite of appearance .
Too much fertilizer can cause Norfolk yearn tree to pretermit subdivision .
Watering
Norfolk true pine should be water regularly during the produce time of year to keep the soil moist . However , overwatering can cause root bunkum .
Therefore , make certain any pot you utilise has drain holes . Reduce tearing in the wintertime months .
Pruning and Repotting
Pruning Norfolk Island pine tree is generally not advisable , as it will not grow new growth . However , you’re able to trim off dead branches as require to keep the industrial plant ’s appearing .
Repot Norfolk pine trees every three or four years once you’re able to see the plant ’s root on the soil surface .
