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Several indoor plants are popular during the winter holidays. Besides the usual assortment of flowers, holiday cacti and poinsettias, one that is undervalued is the Norfolk Island pine. It is not a true pine but distantly related. It is named after and native to a Pacific island between New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, it is an ancient species, having been around since the dinosaurs.
Norfolk Island pine is often found as a cute, miniature tree in stores. It's usually under a foot tall, in a decorative pot and sometimes even with Christmas ornaments. After the holidays, it is often disposed of. This is unfortunate because, as they grow, they turn into quite nice, easy-to-grow houseplants.
Outdoors, Norfolk Island pine is grown in the warmest areas of the continental U.S. and in Hawaii. It grows higher than 50 feet and is quite beautiful. Indoors, they do not get this tall. Their growth is restricted by their pot and lower light levels. However, they will still grow to between 6 and 10 feet high, and so they need some room.
Norfolk Island pine grows well in bright light and actually likes a few hours of sunlight when possible but tolerates cooler temperatures. It is happy in cooler areas, tolerating nighttime temperatures as low as the mid-fifties. Transplant every two to three years into standard potting soil. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with any balanced indoor fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter. As with most houseplants, allow the soil in the pot to dry out moderately between irrigations.
When in doubt, probe the soil with a finger to determine soil moisture content. During the summer, all but the smallest plants may require irrigation every five or six days. During the winter, this rate can be reduced to every seven or eight days, unless they are in a very warm area.
Pruning is not very practical with this plant. No new growth occurs where a cut has been made. Never cut the leader out. When in doubt concerning this, contact your local USU Extension Office.
