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Several years ago, I received a Norfolk Pine tree as a gift at Christmas time. It was in red foil and decorated with bright tiny red balls. The tree survived through the spring, summer and fall. When winter arrived, I thought it would do fine outside because it is a pine tree. Right? Wrong!
Native to the Norfolk Island in the South Pacific the Norfolk Pine tree, which can grow to 80-100 feet, cannot tolerate temperatures below forty degrees. In the United States the Norfolk only grows outdoors in Florida, California and Hawaii.
In the rest of the United States we have to keep our trees indoor for the winter. The hardest part of winter is maintaining adequate humidity. Indoor environments tend to have very low humidity, and Norfolk Island Pine prefers around 50% humidity. Let the top soil dry slightly to the touch before watering. Letting the soil completely dry out too long will result in the lower limbs dying. The tree needs about twelve hours of bright sunlight and has to be rotated weekly for it to keep its symmetrical shape. There is no pruning required and no pest or disease to cause major concern. You will need to repot every three to four years to ensure a healthy root condition.
My Norfolk pine tree has grown from about twelve inches to two and a half feet. Hopefully my little Christmas pine tree will grow to see five or six feet. The beauty and symmetry of this wonderful little tree will make you want to decorate and have your own living Christmas tree for many years.
Brenda Ilschner, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service