Norfolk Island Pine Plant Care

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) belongs to the Araucariaceae family within the Araucaria genus. Norfolk Island Pine is native to Norfolk Island, situated in the South Pacific Ocean between New Caledonia and New Zealand. Norfolk Island Pine is also known as Star Pine, Australian Pine. House Pine. Living Christmas Tree.

Norfolk Island Pine displays a columnar, evergreen growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Norfolk Island Pine produces rarely flowers, small cones.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Norfolk Island Pine every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Norfolk Island Pine thrives in bright indirect light. The optimal light range is 1,000–5,000 lux. Avoid placing Norfolk Island Pine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Araucaria heterophylla tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Norfolk Island Pine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Norfolk Island Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Norfolk Island Pine every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Norfolk Island Pine is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Norfolk Island Pine can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Norfolk Island Pine while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Norfolk Island Pine is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Norfolk Island Pine can be propagated through by seed or stem cuttings.

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Norfolk Island Pine is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Norfolk Island Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Norfolk Island Pine is native to Norfolk Island, situated in the South Pacific Ocean between New Caledonia and New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Norfolk Island Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.