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NEWS RELEASE
By: Tim Baker
Northwest Region Horticulture Specialist
University of
Missouri Extension
102 Main, Suite 1
Gallatin, MO 64640
660-663-3232
BakerT@missouri.edu
Release Date: November 20, 2008
Title: “Norfolk Island Pines"
Christmas trees are a standard part of holiday decorations for many Americans. I’ve seen many types of trees used for this purpose. Most common are the many species of pines. I’ve even seen Eastern red cedar used, although I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s pretty scratchy when it’s time to decorate.
If you want to try something besides the ever-present Scotch Pine, you might consider using a Norfolk Island pine. This is a common houseplant, and has the advantage that it can remain a living part of your indoor landscape all year long.
Norfolk Island pines are not true pines. They are found naturally only in the Southern hemisphere. Norfolk Island lies between New Caledonia and New Zealand in the South Pacific. It its native habitat, it can attain heights of more than 200 feet, and can be used for lumber. Although not related to the pine family, it looks similar, which is why early botanical explorers gave it this name.
This is a tropical plant, and cannot over winter outdoors in Missouri. It does well as an indoor plant. Because most of the plants sold are grown from seeds, shape may vary considerably. The growing conditions in the greenhouse may affect plant shape as well, especially the spacing of the branches. Compact plants look better, and are preferable candidates for use as a Christmas tree.
In their natural environment, Norfolk Island pines grow in full sunlight, and can grow as much as five feet per year. When you bring them indoors, the growth rate is far less, but good light is still desirable. Direct sunlight is not essential, but if light levels are too low, the branch tips can become weakened and droop. Lower light levels also make the plant grow short and broad. A good indicator to look for to see if your plant is getting enough light is that you should get from five to six branches at each node on the stem.
Soil should have high organic matter content, and should be well drained. Keep it moist, but not too wet. If the branches begin to droop at the trunk, the plant is too dry. If the branches droop toward the tips, the plant probably needs more light. Plants which do not receive enough light or water will tend to lose lower branches.
If you want to use your Norfolk Island pine as a Christmas tree, avoid using large lights, which can produce enough heat to burn the needles and cause permanent damage. If you use lights, choose small ones and position them away from the needles so that they don’t get too hot. Avoid heavy ornaments, which can pull down branches so far that they may not pull back to their original position.
University Extension programs are open to all
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