Aliceara Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Araucaria heterophylla

Araucaria Family

Small Tree (When Used as a Houseplant)

The Norfolk Island pine is the only conifer (cone-bearing plant) that has proven hardy enough to be used as a normal houseplant year round. As its common name indicates, this graceful non-flowering species is native to Norfolk Island, in the southwestern Pacific. In its native habitat it grows to very lofty heights--two hundred feet or more--but indoors it is rarely larger than five or six feet tall. To keep this unique foliage plant healthy and leafy, pay special heed to the plant's temperature and humidity requirements (see "Special Considerations," below).

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Some direct sunlight (for example, in an eastern or western window) is preferred, but your Norfolk Island pine will probably also thrive in bright indirect sunlight (as in an unobstructed northern window).

WATERING: Make sure the soil surface dries between waterings. When the soil surface is dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.  

FEEDING: Feed very sparingly--only once or twice a year, and only when the plant is actively growing. Use a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer at half the concentration listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Your Norfolk Island pine will quickly shed its lower branches and become unsightly if it is subjected to hot, dry conditions--particularly in winter, when temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit will adversely affect it. Keep the plant in the coolest nonfreezing room in your home, and provide high humidity by using a humidifier or a water-filled pebble tray under the plant. Frequent misting will also help.