Maintenance Landscaping Design

Norfolk island pine is a unique looking plant that is sure to make a statement in any home or office. It is a member of the Araucariaceae family and is native to Norfolk Island, an Australian territory located in the South Pacific Ocean. The Norfolk Island pine is an evergreen that can grow up to 150 feet tall and 50 feet wide. It has a straight trunk with symmetrical branches that are covered in soft, green needles. The needles are arranged in pairs and can be up to 12 inches long. The Norfolk Island pine is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and does not require a lot of light or water.

Alternative name

• Araucaria heterophylla
  
• monkey puzzle tree
  
• Living Christmas tree
  
• star pine
  
• yew pine

Things to Know

• The Norfolk Island pine is an evergreen coniferous tree native to Norfolk Island, an island in the South Pacific located between Australia and New Zealand.
  
• It is the tallest tree in the South Pacific, reaching heights of up to 100 feet (30 meters).
  
• The tree has a pale yellow-green to bright green color, and its needles are arranged in whorls of 5-
  
• The Norfolk Island pine is an important source of timber and is used in construction, furniture making, and cabinetmaking.
  
• The tree is also popular as an ornamental plant and is grown in parks and gardens around the world.
  
• The Norfolk Island pine is a slow-growing tree and can live for hundreds of years.
  
• The tree is susceptible to damage from strong winds and salt spray, and it is often grown in sheltered locations.
  
• The wood of the Norfolk Island pine is lightweight, strong, and durable.
  
• The tree is named after Norfolk Island, which was named after Norfolk in England.
  
• The Norfolk Island pine is the official tree of Norfolk Island.

Planting Process

1. For norfolk island pine, first step is to choose a good location. The location should be in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
   
2. Next, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix.
   
3. Place your norfolk island pine seedling in the pot, and then water it thoroughly.
   
4. Allow the norfolk island pine seedling to drain, and then place it in a bright location.
   
5. Water your norfolk island pine seedling regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
6. As your norfolk island pine seedling grows, you may need to transplant it into a larger pot.
   
7. Once your norfolk island pine seedling has reached a height of 6-12 inches, you can begin to shape it by pruning.
   
8. To keep your norfolk island pine seedling healthy, fertilize it monthly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
   
9. As your norfolk island pine seedling grows, you may need to stake it to provide support.
   
10. Finally, enjoy your beautiful norfolk island pine seedling!

Related plant:
Norfolk Pine

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, norfolk island pine prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils. It is not tolerant of wet or boggy soils. When grown in good conditions, it has a deep, extensive root system that helps to stabilize the tree and keep it from being toppled over in strong winds.

Light condition

Like the other pines, Norfolk Island pines enjoy full sun. They prefer bright light for best growth, but will also do well in moderate light conditions. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to give your Norfolk Island pine extra light during the winter months by placing it near a south-facing window.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature on Norfolk Island is perfect for the Norfolk Island Pine. This tree loves warm weather and thrives in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Norfolk Island Pine is a native of the South Pacific and is commonly found on Norfolk Island, which is located off the coast of Australia. The tree is an evergreen and can grow to be over 100 feet tall. The Norfolk Island Pine is a popular tree for landscaping and is often used as a Christmas tree.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity is too low, the tips of the leaves will start to turn brown. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to drop off.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, this kind of plant loves plenty of nitrogen, so find a fertilizer that has a higher first number in the N-P-K ratio. More fertilizer isn't necessarily better, so be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package. When it comes to watering, the Norfolk Island Pine does best with lots of moisture. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated. Overly wet conditions can lead to problems with the plant's roots.

Light requirement

Pruning Norfolk Island pines is essential to maintaining their health and keeping them looking their best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the tree or to control its size. Just be sure not to cut off more than one-third of the tree's height at one time.

The Propagation

Propagation of Norfolk Island pine is typically done through seed, but can also be done through cuttings. Seedlings should be started in a seedling mix and kept moist. Cuttings can be taken from new growth and should be root in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Norfolk Island pines prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. These trees are relatively drought tolerant once established, but will need more water when young. Fertilize Norfolk Island pines monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 to 18 inches (30 – 45 cm) annually. However, some specimens have been know to grow as much as 24 inches (60 cm) in a year. The average tree height is between 40 and 60 feet (12 – 18 m). Norfolk island pines are relatively fast-growing evergreens. They can grow up to 2.5 feet (0.8 m) per year, reaching a height of 60 – 80 feet (18 – 24 m) in just 20 years. However, growth rate varies depending on growing conditions.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that it is not getting enough water or that it is getting too much water. If the leaves start to yellow and drop off, it is probably not getting enough water. If the leaves are wilted and the stems are soggy, it is getting too much water.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to keep the plant moist, but not soggy. Norfolk Island pines prefer evenly moist soil.
  
• Place your Norfolk Island pine in an area with bright, indirect light.
  
• Norfolk Island pines do not like drafts, so keep them away from windows, doors, and vents.
  
• These trees prefer warm temperatures, so place them in a room that stays between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• Keep your Norfolk Island pine away from any heat source, such as a fireplace or radiator.
  
• fertilizer your Norfolk Island pine every few months with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.
  
• To encourage new growth, pinch back the tips of the branches periodically.
  
• These trees are susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Inspect your plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
  
• Norfolk Island pines can be sensitive to fluoride and chloride, so use distilled

Similar Plants

• Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
  
• Cook's Pine (Araucaria columnaris)
  
• Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis)
  
• Monkey-puzzle Tree (Araucaria araucana)
  
• Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii)
  
• Klinkii Araucaria (Araucaria klinkii)
  
• Antarctic Pine (Fitzroya cupressoides)
  
• Livingstone's Pine (Araucaria livingstonii)
  
• Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii)
  
• Araucaria excelsa (Araucaria excelsa)

Source:
The Norfolk Island Pine - University of Illinois Extension
Norfolk Island Pine - ladybug.uconn.edu
Norfolk Island pine: a living Christmas tree | Extension | University ...