What to Know About Caring for an Araucaria Heterophylla
You might know it as a Norfolk Island Pine, a Cook Pine, or even a Star Pine, but its scientific name is Araucaria heterophylla. Whatever you call it, this evergreen coniferous tree is an incredibly popular houseplant.
Native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific, these trees can grow to incredible heights when planted outdoors. As houseplants, however, they stay much smaller and are relatively easy to care for.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to Araucaria heterophylla care, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Norfolk Island Pine happy and healthy.
Understanding the Basics: Light, Temperature, and Humidity
Like most houseplants, Norfolk Island pines have specific needs in terms of light, temperature, and humidity. Getting these basics right is key to keeping your tree healthy and thriving.
Light Requirements
Norfolk Island pines do best in bright, indirect sunlight. Harsh, direct sunlight can scorch their needles, so it’s best to avoid placing them in a spot where they’ll be exposed to the midday sun. That said, they can tolerate full sun, especially if they’ve been acclimated to it gradually.
If your tree isn’t getting enough light, you might notice that its growth becomes “leggy,” meaning that the branches become stretched and sparse. This is because the plant is trying to reach for more light.
South- or west-facing windows are often good choices, as they provide plenty of bright, indirect light.
Temperature and Humidity
These pines prefer consistent temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18-24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 35°F, but it’s best to avoid exposing them to prolonged periods of cold.
High humidity is also beneficial for Norfolk Island pines. If the air is too dry, the needles can turn brown and crispy.
There are several ways to increase the humidity around your plant:
- Mist the plant regularly with water.
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
- Place a humidifier near the plant.
Watering and soil: Creating the right environment
Watering and soil composition are critical elements in Araucaria heterophylla care. Misting the plant regularly, especially when it’s indoors, helps keep it thriving.
Watering techniques
The key to watering your Norfolk Island pine is to provide consistent moisture in the soil, but never let it get soggy or waterlogged. You want to avoid both extremes: dryness and overwatering.
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch (2.5 cm) into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. When you do water, do it thoroughly, until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot.
You’ll need to adjust your watering frequency depending on the season. In the winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, you can reduce watering. Indoors, you’ll probably be watering every 1 to 2 weeks.
Soil composition and pH
Norfolk Island pines need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A porous, sandy potting mix works best. You can buy a mix specifically for houseplants or create your own.
Araucaria heterophylla prefers slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Most potting mixes are close to this range, but you can amend the soil to improve its acidity and porosity.
Adding peat moss and sand to the potting mix can help create the ideal soil environment for your Norfolk Island pine.
Fertilizing, repotting, and pruning for optimal growth
Like most houseplants, your Norfolk Island pine will appreciate regular feeding during its growing season. Here’s what you need to know about fertilizing, repotting, and pruning.
Fertilizing schedule
During spring and summer, fertilize your araucaria heterophylla every 4 to 6 weeks. A balanced liquid fertilizer (such as a 20-20-20 NPK mix) is a good choice. You might also consider using a fertilizer specially formulated for conifers or azaleas.
To avoid root burn, water the soil lightly before you fertilize.
Repotting guidelines
Repot your Norfolk Island pine every 2 to 3 years, doing it in the spring if possible.
You’ll know it’s time to repot when the plant becomes rootbound. Choose a pot that’s a bit larger than the current one, and make sure it has drainage holes. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen the root ball, and place it in the new pot. Fill in around the roots with fresh potting mix.
Pruning techniques
Pruning helps your Norfolk Island pine maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can use a pair of small, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Simply trim off any dead or yellowing branches. You can also remove any dead branches from the bottom of the plant.
If you want to control the size of your Norfolk Island pine, you can remove the central leader (the main vertical stem). This will encourage the plant to grow more bushy and less tall.
Propagating and overwintering your Norfolk Island pine
If you’re interested in expanding your collection of Norfolk Island pines, here’s how to propagate them and keep them healthy throughout the winter months.
Propagation methods
You can propagate Araucaria heterophylla from seeds or cuttings.
From seeds
To grow a Norfolk Island pine from seed, collect seeds from an existing tree, place them flat on top of soil, and mist them regularly. You won’t need to cover the seeds with soil. Just keep them moist and wait 10 to 15 days for germination.
From cuttings
You can also propagate these trees from cuttings, but it can be tricky. You’ll want to take the cuttings in the spring and use a rooting hormone to encourage new growth.
Overwintering strategies
These trees don’t love cold weather, so you’ll need to protect them from cold drafts and freezing temperatures.
If you’ve had your tree outdoors during the warmer months, bring it inside once temperatures drop below 35°F.
During the winter months, you can cut back on watering and stop fertilizing altogether until spring arrives.
Common pests, diseases, and problems
Even though Norfolk Island pines aren’t especially susceptible to pests and diseases, you may run into a problem from time to time. Here’s what to look for.
Identifying and treating pests
The pests that seem to like Norfolk Island pines the most are spider mites, scale insects, aphids, and mealybugs. Whiteflies can also be a problem.
It’s a good idea to check your tree regularly for signs of infestation. Catching it early can make treatment easier.
Addressing common problems
One sign that your tree isn’t thriving is needle discoloration. Brown or yellow needles are a red flag.
Needle drop, or when the needles fall off the tree, can be caused by stress or a change in the plant’s environment. For example, if you move it from one area of your home to another, it may react by dropping needles.
Yellowing needles are often a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough light. If you notice this, assess the amount of light your tree is getting and move it to a brighter spot.
Final Thoughts
If you want your Norfolk Island pine to thrive, remember that these plants need bright light, regular watering, well-draining soil, and plenty of humidity.
Consistent care and regular monitoring are also key. Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, and address any problems promptly to keep your Araucaria heterophylla healthy and happy.
With the right knowledge and a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of these unique trees in your home for years to come. They can make a great addition to your indoor plant collection!