Norfolk Island Pine

How to care for norfolk island pine

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light, ideally with some morning sun. Insufficient light can cause lower branches to droop and yellow.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. An all-purpose potting mix with added perlite or sand works well.
• Temperature: Thrives in cool to average room temperatures between 55-70°F (13-21°C). Avoid warm drafts and temperatures consistently above 75°F (24°C).
• Humidity: Requires high humidity to prevent browning of needle tips. Mist daily, use a pebble tray, or place near a humidifier.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
• Propagation: Propagation is challenging for home growers, typically done from seeds, but side shoots can sometimes be rooted in high humidity conditions.

Is norfolk island pine toxic to pets?

Not pet-safe. Toxic to cats and dogs, potentially causing oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

• Browning needle tips or dropping lower branches: Usually a sign of low humidity or insufficient water. Increase humidity and ensure consistent, thorough watering.
• Leggy growth, sparse branches: Indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light.

Did you know?

Despite its name, it's not a true pine and is native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Ocean between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.

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