Plant Know-How: Araucaria heterophylla (aka the Norfolk Pine!)

Dec 20, 2022

Written by In Araucaria heterophylla, bright filtered, bright filtered light, bright indirect light, norfolk pine, Plant Atlas, plant care, Plant Care Atlas, Plant Know-How, trees, upright

4 hanging trees, bound in moss kokedama style, seemingly floating because they are suspended from clear fishing line

This fun mini tree is Araucaria heterophylla, more commonly known as the Norfolk Pine! You may have noticed this plant popping up as the holidays approach. That's because Norfolk Pines are often used as a living Christmas tree, and we think they're a great choice! Norfolk Pines are native to Norfolk Island which lies in the Pacific Ocean near Australia and New Zealand. As you can imagine based on where they're from Norfolk Pines don't want the to be in the kind of cold and snowy landscape most Pines bring to mind. In fact Norfolk Pines aren't true pines at all! Being adapted to subtropical and humid climates makes Norfolk Pines ideal houseplants. Unlike true pines that are sold as living Christmas trees which need to be put outdoors after the holidays, Norfolk Pines are happy to live inside your house all year round. If you'd prefer to keep you tree outdoors when it's not trimmed you're in luck. These are hardy and adaptable plants and will do well grown outdoors. If you're looking to add a living Christmas tree to your holidays read on to learn all about how to care for the Norfolk Pine!

3 hanging trees with the sun shining on them, bound in moss kokedama style, seemingly floating because they are suspended from clear fishing line

HOW TO CARE FOR ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA:

Light Requirements: If grown indoors place your Norfolk Pine somewhere it gets bright indirect light. When grown outdoors your plant will appreciate somewhere it gets full sun. If you're transitioning your Norfolk Pine from its indoor life as a Christmas tree to outdoor life be sure to slowly transition your plant from shade to full sun. Placing your plant directly in full sun after living indoors can cause sunburn and other damage to your plant.

Water Tips for Araucaria heterophylla: Allow your Norfolk Pine to go almost fully dry in-between watering. Your Norfolk Pine will appreciate some added humidity!

The Best Soil for Araucaria heterophylla: Norfolk Pines need very well draining soil to be their happiest. We recommend either our Folia Favorites Potting Mix or our Desert Potting Mix!

Is Araucaria heterophylla Pet Safe? Norfolk Pines are not pet safe and can be toxic when consumed by pets.

Did you know? In the wild Norfolk Pines can grow up to 200ft tall! Don't worry though, your Norfolk Pine grown in your home will top out at 8ft tall.

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Plant Know-How: Araucaria heterophylla (aka the Norfolk Pine!)

HOW TO CARE FOR ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA:

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HOW TO CARE FOR ARAUCARIA HETEROPHYLLA:

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