How to Care for a Norway Pine Indoor Plant

Select a well-drained container with a width that is about two-thirds the height of the Norway pine and with a depth that is slightly deeper than the trunk’s diameter. Choose a container with several drainage holes at the bottom, as opposed to a single hole, for increased drainage. Line each of the drainage holes with fine, wire mesh.

Incorporate fine, clean sand with nutrient-rich soil and organic compost, such as leaf mulch or pine bark, at a 2:1:1 ratio. Mix the materials thoroughly to create a balanced and acidic, sandy loam. Fill the container about halfway with the prepared soil and set aside.

Place the Norway pine on a flat surface and inspect the tree closely. Remove any dead or damaged branches and stems with sharp, sterile shears. Cut away the ailing branches just before the pine’s branch collars to promote rapid healing. Prune ailing stems flush at the branch. Trim back vigorously growing branches and trim the entire Norway pine lightly for shape. Develop the Norway pine’s shape gradually over several seasons to prevent growth stunt.

Remove the Norway pine from its original container or bindings and place it on your clean surface. Crumble away some, but not all, of the soil around the roots. Leave a generous amount of the original soil around the roots because it contains white fungus, or micorrhiza, which is beneficial to the Norway pine’s growth.

Trim back no more than one-third of the fine, fibrous roots with sharp, sterile shears. Cut back the thick, central tap root at the base of the root system so the root system fits comfortably in its prepared container. Place the Norway pine immediately in the center of its prepared container and fill the container the rest of the way with the sandy loam. Ensure that all roots are covered with soil and press the soil firmly around the tree to secure its position.

Irrigate your newly potted Norway pine evenly with tepid water. Pour the water slowly until the excess runs from the drainage holes. Allow this pine’s soil to dry slightly between each watering to promote a slight dry soil environment. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil to feel the moisture levels. Water the Norway pine when the soil begins to feel dry.

Place the potted pine in a warm, sunny location that receives at least eight to 10 hours of full, direct sunlight each day. Select a location that is free of extreme temperature variations, such as near heating vents and air conditioners.

Fertilizer your indoor Norway pine tree once in the early spring with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer, such as an 8-8-8 or 8-10-10 combination and cease all feedings until the new growth has hardened. Resume fertilizer applications in the late spring to early summer period. Feed the Norway pine with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 combination. Apply the fertilizer according to the package’s instructions to prevent injury to the Norway pine.

Repot your indoor Norway pine every other spring, just before the onset of its growing season. Follow the same potting process as you did with the initial potting. Use a fresh soil mixture and always repot in a clean container.