Norfolk Island pine
Also called House pine, Norfolk pine, Australian pine.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 7 days in the growing season, every 14 in winter |
| Humidity | high |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Height | Up to 180 cm (71 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats safe, dogs safe |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Australian Pine entry.
From one small island in the Pacific, this is a genuine conifer grown as a houseplant, in soft symmetrical tiers that look artificial until you touch them. It is sold everywhere in December as a living Christmas tree, and most of those are dead by March for two reasons: a hot dry room and a pot allowed to dry out. It wants the opposite of both. Keep it cool, bright and lightly moist, away from radiators, and it will grow slowly into a proper small tree over a decade. The one thing to know before you buy is that a branch lost to drought is lost permanently, because it does not resprout from bare wood. It is also safe for cats and dogs.
Ailments observed
| Brown crisp edges on the leaves | Dry air, which is the usual complaint in a heated room in winter. Move it away from radiators, raise the humidity and keep the compost from drying out. A cool room suits it far better than a warm one. |
|---|---|
| Leaves falling off | A dry spell, and the lost branches do not come back. Water on a steadier rhythm. This is the plant to remember when someone says a houseplant always recovers. |
Filed underPlants that will not poison the cat, Plants for a bedroom, Plants for humid air, Statement plants
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