How to Care for an Indoor Norfolk Pine Tree

Norfolk Island pine tree (Araucaria heterophylla), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, enjoys popularity throughout the United States as a living indoor Christmas tree. Norfolk pine's lush green branches, pliable needles and deep rich coloration provide a verdant backdrop for colorful holiday decorations. After the holiday season, the trees make elegant houseplants year-round and can live for many years. Norfolk pine grows slowly, does not drop its needles and resists pests and disease.

Fast-draining potting soil

Container with good drainage

Balanced, complete, fertilizer

Water can

Water spray mister

Pruners

Keep indoor Norfolk pine in a container with a mixture of equal parts potting soil, sand and peat moss. Good drainage is especially important, so choose a container that has several drainage holes. Use a saucer under the pot to catch excess water, and empty it after watering.

Choose a location for your Norfolk that provides bright, filtered morning sunshine. Norfolk pines do not like to be transplanted or relocated in their containers indoors, so pick a place where it can thrive. A window setting with plentiful natural light works best.

Rotate your Norfolk island pine a quarter turn every week indoors. With light coming from only one direction, the tree grows toward it. Regular turns keep it from tilting to one side and growing in an irregular form.

Water Norfolk pine when the top few inches of soil becomes dry. Water thoroughly so that water runs through the drainage holes and the entire soil area becomes moist. Allow the soil to dry before you water again. Never let Norfolks sit in standing water or roots will rot.

Regulate temperatures to protect Norfolk pines from cold drafts and temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Norfolk pines prefer nighttime temperatures near 50 degrees and daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees.

Feed Norfolk pines with a balanced, complete fertilizer during the tree's active period of summer growth. An all-purpose, water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer at half strength works well. Mix 1/2 tablespoon fertilizer with 1 gallon water, and water every seven to 14 days. Norfolk pine trees go through a dormant period during the cool winter months, and no fertilizer is needed.

Mist your indoor Norfolk pine tree regularly. The trees crave humidity, especially on dry, winter days. A daily misting of water daily prevents browning of the needles. Consider using a humidifier if air is especially dry.

Prune off dead or broken branches using hand pruners, cutting back to the main trunk. Norfolk pine trees rarely need pruning.

Norfolk pine tree is a perfect choice for a potted Christmas tree to fit in a green lifestyle. Norfolk pine tree continues to grow indoors as a lovely houseplant, and can used each year for the holidays as a treasured part of your holiday traditions.

If used for holiday decor, do not leave heavy ornaments on your Norfolk for more than a few days. Use lightweight ornaments that will not pull down or damage branches.