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Norfolk Island Pine

Plant care guide

How to care for Norfolk Island Pine

Araucaria heterophylla

Care level: ModerateNon-toxic to cats & dogs

The Norfolk Island pine looks like a soft, miniature Christmas tree with symmetrical tiers of feathery branches. It is a popular holiday gift, and with bright light and steady care it can live indoors for many years as a graceful green tree.

Also known as: Norfolk Island pine, Norfolk pine, living Christmas tree, star pine, house pine, Araucaria heterophylla

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox it right away and gently straighten any bent branches; hold it by the pot, not the trunk tip.
  2. Check the soil; water thoroughly if the top inch is dry, and wait if it is still damp.
  3. Place it in bright, indirect light, like near an east window or a few feet from a south window.
  4. A few dropped needles or a browned lower branch after shipping is normal and not cause for alarm.
  5. Keep it well away from heat vents, fireplaces, and cold drafts, which cause needle drop.
  6. Wait at least two weeks before repotting, and skip heavy decorations on its branches.

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Light

Bright light is essential, ideally near an east window or a few feet from a south or west window. A little gentle direct sun is fine. In low light the branches droop and lower branches drop off, and it will lean toward the window, so rotate it weekly.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil is dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks, watering thoroughly and letting it drain. Never let it sit in water. Drooping branches and soft yellow needles can mean overwatering, while crispy brown branch tips and dropping needles signal it got too dry.

Humidity

It prefers moderate to high humidity, around 50 percent. Dry heated winter air often causes brown branch tips and needle drop, so use a humidifier or pebble tray. Grouping it with other plants helps too.

Temperature

Keep it between 60 and 75 F, with slightly cooler winter nights welcome. Avoid drafts, heat vents, fireplaces, and temperatures below 50 F.

Soil & repotting

Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally slightly acidic with some peat or coir and perlite. It grows slowly indoors and dislikes root disturbance, so repot only every three to four years in spring, going up one size. A heavy pot helps prevent tipping as it grows taller.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Do not feed in fall and winter. Overfeeding can burn the roots and brown the needles.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Lower branches turning brown and droppinglow light, dry air, or uneven watering; brighten the spot and raise humidity. Lost branches do not regrow.
  • Drooping branchestoo little light or overwatering; move it to brighter light and check soil.
  • Brown, crispy tipslow humidity or dry soil; water more consistently and add humidity.
  • Leaning trunkgrowing toward the light; rotate it a quarter turn each week.
  • Spider mites or mealybugsrinse in the shower and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Rotate it every week to keep its tiers symmetrical.
  • Never cut the top growing tip; the tree cannot replace it and will stop growing upward.
  • If you decorate it for the holidays, use only very lightweight ornaments and remove them after the season.

Pet safety

Norfolk Island Pine is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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