Araucaria heterophylla
Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island pine
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Taxonomy
Family Araucariaceae · Genus Araucaria
Description
Araucaria heterophylla, the Norfolk Island pine, is a graceful evergreen with perfectly tiered, symmetrical branches. Easygoing yet elegant, it thrives as a long-lived houseplant in bright light, or as a stately coastal tree in frost-free climates. With steady moisture and humidity, it rewards you with soft, feathery foliage and a naturally sculptural form.
Common Names
Norfolk Island pineNorfolk pineStar pineLiving Christmas treeHouse pine
Context
nativeRegion
Norfolk Island in the South Pacific
usdaZones
10–11 (outdoors); commonly grown indoors elsewhere
companionPlants
Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm), Strelitzia nicolai (Giant bird of paradise), Cordyline fruticosa, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Schefflera arboricola
culturalUses
Icon of Norfolk Island (featured on its flag); valued as a coastal landscape tree and widely used as a ‘living Christmas tree’ indoors.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light to a few hours of gentle morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Tolerates medium light but becomes leggy.
WateringKeep evenly moist; water when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) dry. Reduce in winter. Ensure excellent drainage; avoid letting the root ball fully dry.
SoilAiry, well-draining mix: peat/coco coir with perlite and pine bark; slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
FertilizerHalf-strength balanced fertilizer monthly in spring–summer; none in winter. Flush pot periodically to prevent salt build-up.
HumidityPrefers 50–65%+; use a humidifier or pebble tray. Dry air causes brown tips.
TemperatureIdeal 60–75°F (16–24°C). Brief lows to 50°F (10°C) tolerated. Protect from drafts and heating vents.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen conifer with whorled, symmetrical tiers and a strong central leader; pyramidal when young.
Mature SizeIndoors 3–10 ft (1–3 m); outdoors 100–200 ft (30–60 m) tall and 20–30 ft (6–9 m) wide in ideal climates.
Growth RateSlow to moderate; faster with bright light, warmth, and humidity.
BloomingGymnosperm; produces cones on mature outdoor trees. Rarely cones indoors.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (fresh seed has best germination), Apical cuttings (difficult; requires controlled conditions and may distort form)
DifficultyChallenging
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal. Do not cut the central leader. Remove brown lower branches at the trunk; rotate plant periodically for even form.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with sharp drainage; protect the delicate root system and taproot.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites, scale, and mealybugs; root rot from overwatering; tip burn from low humidity or salts; occasional chlorosis in alkaline soils.
ToxicityMildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested (vomiting, lethargy). Generally not toxic to humans.
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