Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla) are a festive favorite, often spontaneously making their way into our homes during the holidays. But these lovely trees also make for an elegant house plant for rest of the year too – so if you're recently found yourself with one, here’s how to keep your Norfolk pine happy and healthy for years to come.
Light and Placement
Norfolk pines love bright, indirect light, so place yours where it can soak up the sun without getting scorched. Next to north-facing windows (assuming no obstructions) is a great option, or a few feet away from east, west, or south-facing windows. Rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure even growth.
Watering
Consistency is key! Norfolk pines prefer their soil to be evenly moist but never soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure the pot has proper drainage. These trees dislike dry air, so mist the foliage weekly or use a humidifier to mimic their native tropical environment. This plant is also a good contender for using a soil moisture sensor with to get to know it's watering needs.
Temperature
I don't normally mentioned temperature when it's comes to indoor plant care, but it is especially important to keep your Norfolk pine in a cool, stable environment—ideally between 60-75°F. Avoid placing it near drafts, heaters, radiators, or air vents, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress.
Fertilizing
During the spring and summer, feed your Norfolk pine with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every month. Pause fertilizing in the fall and winter when the tree naturally slows its growth. I use this Espoma organic indoor plant food which is easily mixed with water.
Bonus Notes:
Norfolk pines aren’t true pines, so don’t expect them to survive outdoor winters in colder climates.
While yours may have arrived as a small tabletop plant, these trees can get quite large, so keep an eye on it's pot size as you notice it growing and be sure to size up.
Keep pets away—while not highly toxic, these trees can upset your furry friends’ tummies, but don't worry about it if you don't typically have an issue with them nibbling on your indoor plants.
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