Norfolk Island pine Araucaria heterophylla
ABOUT
Norfolk Island pine is a tree that has an elegant pyramidal shape with widely spaced branches arranged symmetrically in fancy horizontal tiers around a single straight trunk.
In its native habitat, it reaches a height of 200 feet. Cultivated trees grown in subtropical or Mediterranean climates usually grow to 60-100 feet with a spread of 12-60 feet.
It grows best in an open, sunny location with enough room for its large size in any well-drained soil.
As an indoor plant, it is a small evergreen plant with saber-like leaves that face inward and are arranged in an overlapping herringbone shape on tiered branches. In the home, the plant can reach 3-6 feet.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araucariaceae
Synonyms
Norfolk pine, Star pine, Triangle tree, Living Christmas tree, Polynesian pine, House pine
Common names
Araucaria excelsa var. glauca, Eutacta excelsa var. aurea-variegata, Eutacta excelsa var. glauca, Eutacta excelsa var. monstrosa, Eutacta excelsa var. variegata-alba, Eutassa heterophylla
ToxicityTo humans
Norfolk Island pine is mostely safe for humans. However, some people may experience personal reactions suh as skin irritation after working with the plant.
To pets
This plant is mildly toxic to pets when ingested. Sometimes it causes abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish white
Height
Up to 200 feet
Spread
60 feet
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Norfolk Island
Benefits
General BenefitsNorfolk Island pine is much easier to handle than other conifers such as pines, firs or spruces;
It is possible to grow as an indoor plant;
These pines are quite inexpensive;
When grown indoors, they do not grow quickly.
Air-purifying QualitiesNorfolk Island pine is capable of purifying the air quite well. It creates a healthier indoor atmosphere by absorbing common toxins such as acetone, ammonia, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, formaldehyde, methyl alcohol, toluene and xylene.
Other UsesThe Norfolk Island pine is usually grown indoors as an ornamental plant or cut down for use as a Christmas tree;
Mature wood is used for commercial purposes;
The image of the Norfolk Island pine is used on the flag of the Norfolk Island and is its symbol;
This plant is awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThis plant can become your friend because it promotes good feng shui. It brings bright and vibrant energy to your home.
However, this plant is not so widespread among fans of feng shui.
WaterAn outdoor plant does not need additional watering.
If the Norfolk Island pine is an indoor plant, it will need watering after the soil has slightly dried out. This is usually once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Needs abundant watering, so it is recommended to water until the excess starts to pour out of the drainage holes of the pot.
LightNeeds bright light with direct sunlight.
If the Norfolk pine is an indoor plant, turn the pot fron time to time toward a light source to ensure even growth on all sides.
TemperatureIt is a tropical plant, so it needs heat. The ideal temperature is 65 to 70 °F.
Can survive short drops in temperature, but not below 35 °F.
If you live in a cool climate, it is not recommended to plant this pine in the open ground.
SoilA hardy plant that can survive any soil. The main thing it prefers a well-drained soil.
When planted in the open ground in the garden, this tree prefers sandy but rich soil, preferably with the addition of peat.
Humidity & MistingNorfolk Island pine's natural habitat is a humid subtropical climate. Therefore, you need to increase the humidity, as dry air causes the pine to dry out and fall off. Keep the plant away from heating appliances.
This pines like to be sprayed with room temperature water. Or you can use a room humidifier to increase humidity.
Keep the humidity in the room above 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
All year round
Outdoor
If the temperature in your climate zone is above 35 - 40 °F, you can leave Norfolk Island pine outside. However, it is better to put it away in a warm room from fall to spring.
If you live in a hardiness zones of 10-12, you can safely plant the pine outdoors permanently.Hardiness zone
10 - 12 USDA
Life cycleNorfolk Island pine has been growing uninterrupted outdoors for more than 200 years.
The fruits of the pine are cones from which seeds can be collecte. These seeds you can use to grow more Norfolk Island pines.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Norfolk Island pine can be grown from seed, although it will take several years to reach the size of a purchased plant.
To propagate, you need to plant the seeds in the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Then, place the container in a warm and bright place. The temperature should be about 75 to 85 ⁰F.
Keep the soil moist throughout the propagation. It will take about 2 to 4 weeks before the plants emerge.
As they grow, transplant the pine seedlings first into individual small containers and then transplant into larger containers as the root system grows.
Transplanting with cuttings is also possible, but the chance of success is extremely low.
PestsWhitefly, Mealybug, Aphid
DiseasesAvocado sunblotch viroid