Norfolk Island Pine Care: Expert Tips For A Lush, Tropical Tree Indoors

Norfolk Island is a South Pacific paradise and the home of a tree called Norfolk Island pine. In the wild, these trees tower some 200 feet. However, these “pines” are also sold as small ornamentals, often used as potted Christmas trees.

Anyone caring for a Norfolk Island pine should know that these trees are not pines at all, and require entirely different cultural care as indoor houseplants.

Let's take a look at how to grow a lush Norfolk Island pine tree that you can enjoy long past the holiday season, for many years to come.

Norfolk Pine Care

• Bright, indirect light keeps Norfolk Island pines at their best
• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Use well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
• Boost humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting
• Protect from temperatures below 35°F (1°C) and cold drafts
• Watch for overwatering, which is the most common cause of problems

The preferred Norfolk pine care is typical of ornamental plants that are, in the wild, rainforest plants. Here are the details about how to care for Norfolk pine.

How Much Light Does a Norfolk Island Pine Need?

• Bright, indirect light is ideal
• A south-facing window usually works well

Norfolk Island pine needs sun, but direct sun is not the ideal exposure. Rather, a location in the yard or in the home that gets bright indirect light is best. The plant can survive in lower light situations too but may thrive in a south-facing window, where it can tolerate full, indirect, bright light.

How Often Should You Water a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Never let the soil stay soggy

Norfolk Island pine grows in the wild in a rainforest environment. In cultivation, the plant requires moist soil. Be sure not to confuse moist with wet, since wet soil may cause root rot. Providing too much water is the primary reason for the death of indoor plants. Water Norfolk Island pines when the top layer of the soil feels dry – push your finger down to the knuckle to check.

What Temperature Is Best for a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Average indoor temperatures are ideal
• Protect from frost and cold drafts

The temperature you prefer in a home is likely just fine for indoor Norfolk Island pine plants. This plant is flexible about temperature indoors as long as it’s within a normal average range. It can also stay outdoors until nighttime temperatures fall into the 50s (10-15 C).

Norfolk pines are not cold hardy. They are a tropical plant and cannot tolerate temperatures below 35 degrees F (1 C). In many parts of the US, the Norfolk Island pine tree cannot live outside year round, and needs to be kept away from cold drafts.

Does a Norfolk Island Pine Need Humidity?

• Higher humidity encourages healthy growth
• Use a pebble tray, humidifier, or regular misting

As a rainforest plant, Norfolk Island pine likes humid air. The plant will appreciate the increased humidity that comes from sitting on a pebble tray or living near grouped houseplants. It also helps to use a humidifier in the room, or provide a weekly misting of the tree.

What Soil Is Best for a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Use a free-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
• Choose a mix rich in organic matter

The preferred soil for this plant will have plenty of organic matter. Experts at the New York Botanical Gardens recommend, “For the soil, use a sandy, peaty, slightly acidic mix.” Excellent drainage is essential.

Should You Fertilize a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Feed lightly during spring and summer
• Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer

Many homeowners grow Norfolk Island pine without adding plant food. However, if you wish to fertilize the plant, use diluted applications of a liquid houseplant fertilizer. How frequently? Some experts say twice a year, others say twice a week during the growing season. Or, you can fertilize a Norfolk pine in the spring and summer with a water soluble balanced fertilizer.

What Problems Affect Norfolk Island Pine Trees?

• Overwatering is the most common problem
• Watch for spider mites, scale, and brown branches

Norfolk pine trees are relatively healthy but, like other plants, can suffer from some issues. Most are caused by incorrect cultural care, especially overwatering. You should also keep an eye out for spider mites or scale. They can also be vulnerable to sooty mold and leaf spot.

It is normal for Norfolk Island pine trees to have some browning on the bottom branches, which may indicate it is needing water. However, if the brown branches seem to be high on the plant or all over the tree, this is a sign that the plant is either overwatered, underwatered, or is not getting enough humidity.

Should You Prune a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches

Pruning Norfolk pines is not generally necessary, although dead, broken or damaged branches should be removed.

How Do You Propagate a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Grow new plants from seed

The best way to propagate Norfolk Island pine is by seed. Place the seeds on moist, sandy soil and mist them. Put the seed tray in bright, indirect light and keep the soil medium moist until germination.

When Should You Repot a Norfolk Island Pine?

• Repot every 2–4 years into a slightly larger pot
• Use fresh, well-draining potting mix

The general rule of thumb is to repot Norfolk Island pines annually but at least 2-4 years. Use a slightly larger container and fertile, porous, well-drained potting soil, sinking the plant’s roots about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) below the surface of the soil.

Can You Plant a Norfolk Island Pine Outside?

• Plant outdoors only where the climate stays frost-free
• Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil

If you are planting your Norfolk Island pine in the landscape, the process is very like any other small container tree. You dig an ample hole, put the plant in the soil so that the level of the soil remains the same, and water it in well. Be sure to select a site carefully so that the plant’s requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions