What Is The Best Fertilizer For A Norfolk Pine?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Apply a

balanced (20-20-20) liquid fertilizer

to Norfolk Island Pine every two (2) weeks during the growing period. In the summer, especially if grown outdoors, feed plants with an acid fertilizer such as rhododendron food as the high nitrogen concentration stimulates better foliage growth.

What do you feed a Norfolk Island pine?


No fertilizer is needed

, but your tree still needs regular watering during its rest. Always check the soil by hand before watering your plant. Let the soil dry slightly about an inch deep, and then water thoroughly, until water runs out the container's drainage holes.

Should you fertilize a Norfolk Pine?

Norfolk pine

trees don't require a lot of fertilization

. … Even if you are growing your plant indoors, it's important to lay off the feeding in the winter months in order to give the tree its natural period of dormancy. Make sure to reduce your watering, too.

How do you care for a Norfolk Island pine?

  1. General Care.
  2. Sunlight. Thrives in medium to bright indirect light. …
  3. Water. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. …
  4. Humidity. …
  5. Temperature. …
  6. Common Problems. …
  7. Precautions.

How do you keep a Norfolk Pine alive?


Misting

is the usual method for hydrating Norfolk , but a humidifier is more efficient and effective. Temperatures should range from 50 to 70 F during the day and 45 to 65 at night. Norfolk pines are dormant in winter, so don't fertilize until spring using any product for indoor plants.

Are coffee grounds good for Norfolk pines?

Norfolk Island pine (​Araucaria heterophylla​) grow best in

bright light and well-draining acidic soil

. That's where coffee comes in, according to the Spruce, since a weekly cup will deliver enough acidity to keep the evergreen happy.

Do Norfolk pines like to be root bound?

These trees

don't tolerate soggy roots

, so use a soil with vermiculite to promote drainage. Researchers have actually determined the ideal depth for repotting Norfolk Island pines.

Can you put lights on a Norfolk Pine?

Norfolk Island pines are relatively easy to grow and make appealing accent plants all year-round thanks to their graceful branches and soft, touchable needles. They can tolerate low lighting for a brief time (such as during the holidays), but

grow best when exposed bright light

.

Are Norfolk pines toxic to dogs?

This plant is known to be

mildly toxic to dogs when ingested

, occasionally causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), is generally grown indoors as a decorative plant or cut down for use as a Christmas tree.

How much light does a Norfolk Island pine need?

Your Norfolk Pine prefers

bright indirect light to direct sunlight

. It can adapt to medium light areas, but it may become leggy and less full.

Why is my Norfolk Island pine dying?


Too much soil moisture causes foliage to yellow and then brown

, but severe dryness may brown your Norfolk quickly. Check the soil by hand, a few inches below the surface. Soil should be moist and cool–neither wet nor completely dry. Water your Norfolk Pine until the entire root area is moist.

What kind of soil does a Norfolk pine need?

Botanical Name Araucaria heterophylla Sun Exposure Full sun; can tolerate shade Soil Type

Sandy, peaty soil; peat-based potting mix
Soil pH 4.5 to 5.5 (acidic) Hardiness Zones 10 to 11, USDA (grown as a houseplant elsewhere)

Why is my Norfolk pine dropping branches?

Widespread branch drop in Norfolk pines is usually

caused by incorrect growing conditions

. Low humidity, improper fertilization and improper watering are the typical culprits. Norfolk Island pines are tropical plants, originating in an environment where it rains frequently and the humidity stays high.

Why are the tips of my Norfolk pine turning brown?

Tip. If your Norfolk pine has brown tips, it

may be a victim of extreme temperatures

, either too hot or too cold, it might need water, or it might have Norfolk Needle Blight. For blight, you can treat with a fungicide, but if environmental conditions have weakened your Norfolk, there may be little you can do.

Can I put my Norfolk pine outside in the summer?

During the summer, Norfolk Island pine

can enjoy a vacation outdoors

. Place it in a protected spot where it isn't cooked by the direct sun and water at least once a week. If your plant gets too big for its container, summer is also a great time to transplant to a larger pot.

Can you trim branches on a Norfolk pine?

Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a popular indoor conifer; common names are Christmas tree plant, Australian pine, or house pine. …

Yes, you can cut back the branches

so the plant fits better in the room but no growth is likely to result from the cuts.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.