Floral departments and seasonal displays at big box stores are teeming with Norfolk Island Pines this time of year. These beautiful tropical evergreens are not only perfect for holiday decorating, they’re also a wonderful yearround addition to any houseplant collection.

Because of its name, many people assume Norfolk Island Pines are hardy enough to plant outdoors, but technically they are not pines and are instead a tropical plant (Araucaria heterophylla) that will not survive temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. So, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Zone 10 or higher, keep these little trees indoors during the winter months.

Norfolk Island Pines are native to a little tropical paradise found in the southern Pacific, just east of Australia, called Norfolk Island. There, and in other southern hemisphere climates, they may reach heights of 200 feet.

Growing Norfolk Island Pines

The key to successfully growing Norfolk Island Pines is ample natural light and humidity. They will do well in an east- or west-facing window or near a south-facing window. Rotate the plant often to produce even growth.

If the tips of the needles are turning yellow or brown, this is likely due to low humidity. Try misting the tree regularly, moving it to a more humid room like a bathroom or one with a humidifier, or place a pebble tray under the plant and keep it consistently moist. Over or under watering can cause browning. Norfolk Island Pines like consistent moisture, but not soggy soil. ust be sure to follow the number one rule of watering, which is to feel the soil before watering and never water if it feels damp.

Fertilize Norfolk Island Pines with a mild balanced fertilizer in spring and summer, but stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

Norfolk Pines have small root systems and will only need repotting in the spring every four years or so. Stake them if additional support is needed.

Pruning live branches is generally not recommended for these trees as it will throw off the symmetry, so try to use discretion and prune carefully if you must reduce the size of the plant. It is always fine to remove dead branches.

Decorating

Norfolk Island Pines are a suitable Christmas tree, but will not support heavy ornaments. Also, if you plan to string them with lights, stick to LED strands since they don’t produce heat like incandescent bulbs. The heat from incandescent light strands could stress the tree by drying the needles that are in direct contact with the lights.