Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

How much light does a Norfolk Island Pine need?

Indoors, this tree is listed for direct sun, which falls in the high light category. The same listing says it tolerates bright, indirect light and low light. The high light group covers 150 to 1000 foot-candles. Outdoors, the preference is full sun, which means six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

• Light: Direct sun; tolerates bright, indirect light and low light¹

How often to water a Norfolk Island Pine

A medium water need is listed for this tree, and the guidance is to water regularly from spring to autumn. Avoid letting the soil get too wet. The water rating runs from medium at the low end to medium at the high end, so it is a single level rather than a range. The listings also call for well-drained soil, and one of them notes good drainage.

• Water: Medium²

Best soil for a Norfolk Island Pine

Drainage is the soil trait recorded for this tree, and it is listed as well drained. One listing notes good drainage, and another lists clay, sand and loam soils. Alkaline and acidic soils are both named in that same list, together with well-drained.

• Soil drainage: Well drained^2,3

Temperature and humidity

Humidity is rated high for this tree. Brooklyn Botanic Garden says it can grow well indoors in a sunny spot if you mist it regularly to mimic the humidity of its habitat. For hardiness, the tree is listed for USDA zones 10a to 11b. The listed range runs from 10a at the low end to 11b at the high end.

• Humidity: High⁴

Fertilizing a Norfolk Island Pine

Fertilize every two weeks in the growing season, which the schedule places from March through September. NC State Extension suggests weekly or biweekly applications of dilute liquid fertilizer from spring through fall. Dilute liquid fertilizer is the form it names. The stored schedule is biweekly, and it covers seven months of the year.

• Fertilizer: Every two weeks in the growing season (Mar–Sep)²

How to propagate a Norfolk Island Pine

You can propagate this tree by seed or by stem cuttings. The University of Florida extension guidance says propagation is by seeds or cuttings of erect shoot tips only. That means cuttings come from the upright shoot tips and not from other parts of the plant. NC State Extension also lists seed as a method.

• Propagation: Seed and stem cuttings^2,5

Common problems

Scale insects, mealybugs, cottony cushion scale and spider mites are the pests recorded for this tree. NC State describes it as generally pest free but susceptible to scale. Sooty mold and leaf spot are the diseases listed. The UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program also lists cottony cushion scale.

• Common pests: scale insects, mealybugs, cottony cushion scale and spider mites^2,6
• Common diseases: sooty mold and leaf spot²

Questions and answers

Is Norfolk Island pine toxic to cats?

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists it as non-toxic to cats. NC State Extension also describes it as non-toxic for cats. Dogs are listed as non-toxic too.

How much light does a Norfolk Island pine need indoors?

It is listed for direct sun indoors, and it tolerates bright, indirect light and low light. Outdoors, the preference is full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

How often should I fertilize a Norfolk Island pine?

Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season, from March to September. NC State Extension also mentions weekly applications as an option, using dilute liquid fertilizer.