RedCrocus Norfolk Island Pine Live Plant (Araucaria heterophylla) - Indoor Evergreen House Pine for Bright Indirect Light, Soft-Needled Holiday Conifer 4" Pot
RedCrocus Norfolk Island Pine Live Plant (Araucaria heterophylla) - Indoor Evergreen House Pine for Bright Indirect Light, Soft-Needled Holiday Conifer 4" Pot
Regular price
$80.00 USD
Regular price
$104.00 USD
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$80.00 USD
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SKU:ber88dd-redcrocus
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Norfolk Island Pine
Evergreen • Indoor-Friendly • Low-Mess
A graceful, symmetrical conifer with soft, tiered branches. Ideal as a long-lived houseplant and beloved as a “living Christmas tree,” the Norfolk Island Pine thrives in bright light and steady humidity.
Description
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a tropical conifer native to the South Pacific. Its elegant, whorled branches and soft, needle-like foliage create a naturally pyramidal silhouette that remains evergreen year-round. As a houseplant it grows slowly and evenly, keeping its clean architecture with the right light and humidity.
Unlike true pines, this species rarely produces cones indoors and is prized for foliage rather than flowers. It tolerates average home conditions but appreciates extra humidity and bright, indirect light to prevent sparse growth and browning tips.
Suggested Uses
Living holiday tree
Statement indoor specimen
Bright offices & lobbies
Atriums & sunrooms
Containers on frost-free patios
Grouped with humidity-loving plants
Plant Details
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Botanical NameAraucaria heterophylla
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Common NameNorfolk Island Pine (also called House Pine, Star Pine)
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Size & GrowthIndoors typically 4–7 ft (1.2–2.1 m) over 5–10 years; ultimately 8–10+ ft with age in large spaces. Outdoors in frost-free climates can become a very large tree. Naturally symmetrical, whorled branching.
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Hardiness ZonesUSDA 10–11 (not frost hardy). Minimum temperature about 35–40°F (2–4°C). Summer outdoors in warm, sheltered sites if nights stay above 55°F (13°C).
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Foliage TypeEvergreen conifer; soft, awl-like needles on layered, horizontal branches. Juvenile foliage forms flat sprays; adult foliage becomes scale-like on mature outdoor trees.
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Bloom TimeNon-flowering indoors; cones form only on mature outdoor specimens in suitable climates.
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Growth RateSlow to moderate; typically 3–6 in (7–15 cm) per year indoors under good light and care.
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Light RequirementsBright, indirect light; 2–4 hours of gentle morning sun is ideal. Avoid harsh afternoon sun. Low light leads to stretching and sparse growth.
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Attracts PollinatorsNo. Wind-pollinated conifer; does not provide nectar or typical blooms for pollinators indoors.
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Indoor FriendlyYes. Popular long-lived houseplant with proper light and humidity; keep away from HVAC drafts.
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Container FriendlyYes. Thrives in containers with excellent drainage; prefers gradual up-potting every 2–3 years to avoid root disturbance.
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Deer ResistantGenerally avoided by deer, though tender shoots may be sampled when food is scarce.
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Pet WarningMay cause mild gastrointestinal upset if chewed or ingested. Place out of reach of curious pets and avoid allowing sap contact with sensitive skin.
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FragrantNo noticeable fragrance; valued for clean, architectural foliage.
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Cut FlowerNot grown for cut flowers; small sprigs can be used as greenery in seasonal arrangements.
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Grows Well WithGrows Well With Boston fern, parlor palm, pothos, rubber plant, and prayer plant—companions that enjoy bright, indirect light and higher humidity.
Care Tips
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Planting InstructionsUse a container with drainage, only 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) wider than the current pot. Keep the crown at the same level as in the nursery pot. Handle the root ball gently; do not break it apart. Backfill with an airy mix, firm lightly, water to settle, and rotate the pot so the most balanced side faces light.
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Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) to dry. Reduce frequency in winter. Avoid letting the root ball dry completely, which can cause branch drop.
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Soil TypeWell-draining, slightly acidic mix: 2 parts high-quality potting soil, 1 part perlite or pumice, 1 part fine bark. Target pH 5.5–6.5.
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HumidityPrefers 50–70% relative humidity. Use a humidifier or pebble tray; avoid heat vents and cold drafts. Light misting helps but does not replace ambient humidity.
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Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. Never cut the central leader. Trim only brown tips or remove dead lower branches flush to the trunk. Light tip-pinching in spring can encourage denser growth. Always use clean tools.
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Winter CareProvide the brightest possible light. Aim for 60–70°F (16–21°C) days and 55–65°F (13–18°C) nights. Water less frequently but don’t allow the root zone to fully dry. Watch for spider mites in dry air and keep away from heating vents.
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Planting DepthSet at the same depth as the nursery level; do not bury the trunk base. Keep topmost roots just below the surface to prevent rot and ensure gas exchange.
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FertilizationFeed lightly from spring through early fall with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 3–1–2 or 10–10–10) at 1/4–1/2 strength monthly, or use a slow-release product as labeled. Do not fertilize in winter. Flush the pot with clear water every 2–3 months to prevent salt buildup.
Special Care: Rotate the plant 90° weekly for symmetry; acclimate gradually when moving between indoors and outdoors; repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger container with fresh mix; inspect periodically for spider mites and scale; wipe foliage gently with a damp cloth to remove dust.