How to Grow a Norfolk Pine for Decoration

The Norfolk pine tree, or Araucaria heterophylla, is native to the tropical islands east of Australia. It can grow as tall as 200 feet in its native environment, but remains smaller when you grow it as a houseplant. This tree has a graceful shape with horizontal branches that seem to spiral up the trunk. The Norfolk pine tree makes an unusual and attractive Christmas tree that you can keep indoors for many years if you grow it in an appropriate area.

Large container
Plant saucer
Potting soil
Turkey baster
Fertilizer
Humidifier

Instructions

- 1
  Transplant your Norfolk pine tree from its nursery pot to a 12-inch or larger container with a drainage hole. Use an acidic potting soil and then keep your tree on a plant saucer to prevent water damage to furniture or flooring.
- 2
  Keep your tree in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Move it outdoors in spring after the final frost, but be sure to move it indoors in fall before the first frost of the season has a chance to injure this tropical plant.
- 3
  Allow the surface of the potting soil to dry between waterings. Insert your finger into the soil about 1 inch deep to check for moisture and water until you see drainage running out the pot’s hole into the saucer. If water remains after about 15 minutes, suction it from the saucer with a turkey baster.
- 4
  Fertilize with a balanced plant food once a month from spring through summer. Use fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10, reflecting equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- 5
  Keep the humidity in your Norfolk pine tree’s growing area at about 50 percent. If necessary, install a humidifier in the room where it lives.
- 6
  Maintain the tree’s appearance by turning it a quarter-turn every week, which will ensure the branches remain the same length and size on all sides of the tree.

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