Norfolk Island Pine

Not at all a pine, the Norfolk Island Pine is a unique conifer, relative of the Monkey Puzzle Tree, and comes from just one place on the planet – yes, that’s right, Norfolk Island, in the Pacific Ocean off Australia. A beautiful symmetrical tree to 50 feet when grown outdoors – and capable of reaching 200 feet in ideal conditions, it is a good garden plant wherever you have no frost, and also makes a great houseplant for a bright window. Its unique character comes from the wedge-shaped needles that cover the branches, giving it a charming look that brings the outdoors in to your home. You can also grow it outdoors when night temperatures are above 40 degrees, keeping it indoors when they are lower than that – basically through the winter months. Be careful when you first move it outdoors, keeping it away from hot sun, as the needles may scorch after its ‘soft life’ indoors. Train it to have a central, upright trunk, which is the natural way it grows, with layers of horizontal branches, but often indoor plants don’t conform to this pattern, which is fine.

• A charming houseplant tree that can spend summer outdoors
• If you don’t have frost, it’s an impressive garden tree to 50 feet or more
• Curious wedge-shaped needles along the branches give it a unique look
• Very salt tolerant and will grow right on the beach
• Grow indoors in a bright, cool room that isn’t too dry, and mist often

Grow the Norfolk Island Pine in full sun, or as much light as possible as a houseplant. It prefers acidic, sandy soil that is well-drained, and once established it is very drought tolerant. It will grow right on the beach, and is completely salt tolerant. As a houseplant, grow it in azalea mix, and use a foliage-plant fertilizer regularly through spring and summer. Keep indoors when night temperatures are below 40, and be careful of scorching in spring when you first move it outside again. Water when the top inch is dry, and don’t stand in a saucer of water. Stake as needed to develop and maintain a single central leading stem, and layered branches. Avoid hot, dry rooms, which encourages pests, and mist frequently.