Caroline Sundberg | Yard Kidz

One of those charming little houseplant Christmas trees you may buy over the holidays is the Norfolk Island pine tree (Araucaria heterophylla). Still, you are left with a live, seasonally out-of-date plant when the holidays are over. You do not necessarily have to toss your Norfolk pine in the garbage just because it is no longer required as a holiday plant. These plants make excellent indoor plants. This prompts inquiries on how to care for a Norfolk Island pine houseplant. Taking Care of a Norfolk Island Pine To grow a Norfolk Island pine as a houseplant, one must first understand a few crucial facts regarding Norfolk pines. Although they may have the same name as a pine tree and even resemble one, they are neither real pines nor as resilient as the common pine tree. Regarding correct maintenance, Norfolk pine trees are more similar to gardenias or orchids than pine trees. The Norfolk pines are not cold-hardy, which should be kept in mind while caring for them. Since they are tropical plants, they cannot withstand temperatures below 35 °F (1 C.). In many regions of the United States, the Norfolk Island pine cannot be planted outside year-round. It must also be protected from chilly draughts. An interval of 0 seconds. Zero volume It will be the 19th year of this advertisement. The second thing to know about caring for Norfolk pines indoors is that tropical plants need a lot of humidity. When indoor humidity often drops dramatically in the winter, it is crucial to pay close attention to humidity levels. The tree will grow if the surrounding air humidity is kept high. A humidifier in the space, a pebble tray filled with water, or monthly misting of the tree may all be used to achieve this. Ensuring the plant receives adequate light is another aspect of caring for a Norfolk Island pine plant. The light from a south-facing window is the kind of direct, bright light that Norfolk pine trees love, but they will also handle full indirect, bright light. When the top of the soil seems dry to the touch, water your Norfolk Island pine, a water-soluble balanced fertilizer may be used to fertilize your Norfolk pine in the spring and summer, but you do not need to fertilize it in the autumn or winter. The lowest branches of Norfolk Island pine trees often exhibit some browning. Brown branches, on the other hand, may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of humidity if they seem to be high on the plant or if they are present throughout the tree.