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Norfolk Island Pine

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Araucaria heterophylla

KNOWN AS: Norfolk Island Pine, Star Pine, Norfolk Pine

CLIMATE (LOCATION): South Pacific (Norfolk Island) | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: The Norfolk Island Pine is a popular houseplant known for its elegant, symmetrical shape and soft, needle-like foliage that grows on horizontal branches. Its classic, layered appearance makes it a favorite for indoor holiday decorations, and its graceful form adds a touch of natural beauty to any room.

Norfolk Island Pine Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The Norfolk Island Pine thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun, too much direct light can scorch its needles. Insufficient light can cause the lower branches to yellow and droop.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

The Norfolk Island Pine prefers to have its soil kept consistently moist but not soggy. It is sensitive to both overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering, which can cause its needles to turn brown. Water thoroughly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in the fall and winter.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 75º

The Norfolk Island Pine prefers moderate temperatures. The ideal range is between 65-75°F. It is sensitive to cold and should be kept away from drafts and temperatures below 50°F, which can damage the plant.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 80%; Moderate/High Humidity

As a tropical plant, the Norfolk Island Pine loves high humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting its foliage, using a humidifier, or placing its pot on a tray of pebbles with water.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Norfolk Island Pine is very difficult to propagate indoors. Propagation is typically done from seeds. While you can take cuttings, cuttings from a side branch will not grow into a symmetrical, upright tree.
Toxicity
The Norfolk Island Pine is toxic to pets. This plant can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats and dogs if ingested. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets.
Repotting
The Norfolk Island Pine is a slow-growing plant that does not need to be repotted often. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer, typically every 3-4 years. Select a new pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining soil and place the plant in the new pot. Water it thoroughly afterward.
Pruning
Pruning is a very specific task for the Norfolk Island Pine. Only prune away any dead, brown, or damaged branches. Use clean shears to cut the branch off at the trunk. Do not prune the top of the tree, as this can prevent it from growing taller. Also, a pruned branch will not regrow.
Fertilizer
Norfolk Island Pines benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilize during the fall and winter.
Soil
The right soil is crucial for a healthy Norfolk Island Pine. The plant prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix is potting soil amended with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. A pot with a drainage hole is essential to prevent root rot.

Hanging Heights

Norfolk Island Pine Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Norfolk Island Pine

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Norfolk Island Pine

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Norfolk Island Pine

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Norfolk Island Pine

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Norfolk Island Pine

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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