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Norfolk Pine Plant Question #678630

Asked December 30, 2020, 2:14 PM EST

How do you know when to toss a Norfolk Pine plant? I have one healthy one and another one that seems to be almost dead. Attached is the almost dead plant --branches are very hard and prickly segments, maybe very dry? I cut back some of it, now it looks even worse. I have occasionally misted it, but maybe not enough? Any recommendations before I throw it in the compost?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi, thanks for the question.

Your Norfolk Pine does not look well. Your experience is not unlike my own. I have often failed miserably in trying to grow this plant Nevertheless I now have two magnificent plants in my living room and they are thriving. In my experience, the two biggest causes of what you are seeing is that the plant is pot-bound and/or it has been over-watered. My suggestion is to repot the pine in a larger pot using new potting soil. Consider mixing into the potting soil some peat moss. Perhaps in the ratio of 1/3 peat moss to 2/3 potting soil. The purpose of the peat moss is to create an acidic condition which is necessary for good Norfolk Island Pine growth. Be sure that the new pot has several large drain holes. Water once after repotting and then only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch when you put your finger in it. Don’t be too hasty in your watering. This plant can easily go a couple of weeks without watering. Make sure that it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. It may recover. Here are a couple of articles that will expand upon these points as well as others:

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-norfolk-island-pine-indoors-1902627

https://www.thesill.com/blogs/plants-101/how-to-care-for-norfolk-island-pine-araucaria-heterophilla

Good Luck!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 04, 2021, 5:27 PM EST
Thank you for your help! 

I appreciate your response and articles for more info.  I am going to try all of the suggestions.

Best regards,
Gwen

On Mon, Jan 4, 2021 at 4:27 PM Ask Extension <personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied January 05, 2021, 3:09 PM EST

Thanks, Gwen, for your response. Feel free to get back to us further issues arise

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 05, 2021, 8:57 PM EST

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