The Evergreen Tropical Tree That's Easier To Care For Than You Think

Do you envision turning a favorite corner of your home into a lush tropical oasis? If this spot gets plenty of bright light, you might want to think about growing a gorgeous evergreen tropical tree in a pot. One easy-care species you may like to grow is the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla.) Make sure there's lots of space so your tree can truly show off its magnificence and delight you with its attractive green foliage. You'll also find that the festive look of this species makes it the perfect Christmas tree alternative for a small space. 

The Norfolk Island pine is not a true pine but rather a conifer in the Araucariaceae family. The plant is endemic to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, where it enjoys a subtropical climate. The fact that this tree favors warm environments means it makes a good houseplant as long as you consider its needs and care requirements. That said, you'll find the Norfolk Island pine easier to care for than you might expect. In fact, this is one of the easiest houseplants anyone can keep alive. In general, Norfolk Island pine plants need ample light, adequate moisture, and a fairly humid environment, but they are very forgiving of a range of conditions. 

The first thing to remember is that this tree prefers plenty of light, which means it will do particularly well near a south, east, or west-facing window. As the branches will naturally grow toward the light, it's a good idea to rotate your tree on a regular basis, even weekly, so you end up with a lovely symmetrical structure. A nice, warm environment is a given for any tropical plant, so a temperature range between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for this species.

This brings us to the water and humidity requirements of your Norfolk Island pine. Essentially, your tree will love a fairly humid environment and lots of moisture during its active growth period from spring to fall. The soil should be relatively moist but never saturated. Water your plant around once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch. However, don't let water sit in the saucer, as this could lead to root rot. If your home is heated in winter, you'll want to mist your tree to give it enough of that desired tropical atmosphere or discover other ways to raise the humidity in your home so your plants can thrive. For optimum growth, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer once every two to four weeks during the warmer months. Finally, you can give your tree a little boost in summer by letting it have a short spell outdoors in the sunshine and warmth. Just don't expose it to temperatures below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.