Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is one of the most beloved indoor plants across the world. This is because they’re adorable. They look like small Christmas trees.
These plants are native to Norfolk Island, hence the name. The straight stem and symmetrically arranged branches with leaves that look like short inward-curving needles can bring immense aesthetic appeal to any room.
It can grow up to 200 ft in nature. However, indoors it can grow from 3 to 8 feet tall.
What makes this plant perfect for commercial spaces is that it can thrive in a variety of conditions. Although it has its ideal conditions it is tolerable to other conditions too. Hence, they’re easy to grow.
Another excellent feature is that Norfolk Island Pine can purify the air. Your employees, clients, customers and you can enjoy fresher and cleaner air. It absorbs harmful volatile organic compounds from the air.
VOCs taint the air of almost every space. This is because they are released by everyday items like cleaning agents, glue, and permanent markers.
Norfolk Island Pine Care
Light and Temperature Requirements – As the name reflects, Norfolk is a tropical plant. Hence, it doesn’t like the cold. The temperature shouldn’t fall below 35℉. Protect it from cold drafts.
The plant needs direct, bright light. Keep it near a south-facing window where it can get sunlight for long hours. If you’re unable to provide that, you can use a grow light or place it in an area where it gets bright indirect light.
Soil Conditions – Use acidic soil (4.5-5.5 pH). We recommend a peat-based potting mixture. As the peat breaks down, the soil will acidify.
Water Requirements – You can water the plant once every 1-2 weeks. The key is to not overwater. So, give the soil time to dry out between watering instead of flooding it.
Press your thumb against the soil to check if the top feels dry. That is your sign to water the plant. Make sure you water it till the soil feels moist but not wet. Wet soil can cause root rot.
You also have to adjust watering based on light. If the plant is receiving bright, direct light you have to water it more often.
Food Requirements – Use a water soluble balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. It requires no food during fall and winter.
