23 Awesome Norfolk Pine Tree Facts You Will Love

Araucaria heterophylla is a species of the conifer family and is commonly known as Norfolk Island pine.

This evergreen beauty was first sighted by Captain James Cook during his second voyage to the South Pacific in HMS Resolution. They are much more than just ornamental Christmas houseplants, and you're about to find out why!

Norfolk Island pine trees are endemic, which means they naturally grow in a specific location or a territory. Their native habitat is (as the name suggests) Norfolk Island, an external territory of Australia located in the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Norfolk Island pine is not considered a member of true pines and comes from the genus Araucaria, a family member of Araucariaceae. Let's discover more about this tree species and its role in our environment.

Facts About Norfolk Pine Trees

Below you will find some amazing Norfolk pine tree facts that'll tell you all about these popular trees.

• The Norfolk Island pines and other 13 members of the related genus Araucaria are found across the South Pacific, mostly in New Caledonia.
• These trees are also known by other names such as Christmas tree, triangle tree, star pine, and Polynesian pine.
• Throughout the globe, they are grown both as outdoor and indoor plants.
• They slowly grow tall, reaching a height of up to 200 ft (60 m) in the wild.
• They have trunks that are vertical with symmetrical branches and reach up to 10 ft (3 m) in diameter.
• Their branches are horizontal; each branch floor forms a pentagon-like structure.
• The Norfolk Island pines have needle-like awl-shaped leaves that are curled upwards.
• When they reach a mature age, their leaves are more scale-like and overlapping.
• Norfolk Island pine trees can live up to 150 years and more.
• They are tropical plants and can thrive when kept at a high humidity temperature.
• Norfolk Island pine prefers sunlight but can grow in low light conditions as well.
• The second part of the scientific name of Norfolk Island pine - heterophylla (meaning different leaves), is derived because of the variation between young and adult plants.

Norfolk Pine Tree Problems

Since the Norfolk pine tree is a tropical tree, they are vulnerable to certain environmental issues. Why not go through these tips, so you can take better care of your delightful pines.

• Norfolk Island pines must be kept in neutral weather conditions; being a tropical plant, they do not prefer too much heat or cold.
• The Norfolk Island pines are unguarded against certain types of pest and disease attacks.
• Pests that are a threat to them include mites, aphids, and mealybugs, so early detection is a must.
• Norfolk Island pines indicate things by turning their leaves brown and yellow.
• When leaves turn brown, they indicate the plant is being over or underwatered or having a temperature problem.
• When they turn yellow, it could mean they are getting too much light or too little light.
• These plants do not have a fast growth rate, but as they mature, they will grow tall.
• You should always keep an eye out for the lower branches; once they turn brown, you can remove them.
• These tall trees thrive in acidic soil, sandy soil, and peaty soil.
• Well-drained sandy soil is perfect for pine trees, in general.

Uses Of Norfolk Pine Trees

Around North America and Europe, people prefer to grow these trees indoors as house plants, and even as they sit in a corner, they look fantastic with their dense foliage. The trees that grow in the wild, as well as the indoor plants, have various uses.

• Woods of the Norfolk Island pines have multiple uses, such as in furniture, construction, and shipbuilding.
• In southern Florida, Norfolk Island pines are produced and are supplied to houseplant industries.
• In November, Norfolk Island pine is supplied to various grocery stores, discount retailers, and garden centers.
• The Norfolk Island pine also acts as a natural air purifier.
• According to a study by NASA, it was proved that this plant could extract harmful substances from the air, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
• VOCs are substances that are released by household furnishings and composite compounds such as paints, crafting products (glue, adhesives, and permanent markers), cleaning agents, and beauty products.

Norfolk Pine Tree's Ideal Growing Conditions

This plant has a distinctly striking personality and has gained much popularity through cultivation.

• The Norfolk Island pine persists in light and humid areas.
• These plants, which are not true pines, have patience and can adapt to a variety of settings.
• When kept outdoors, Norfolk Island pine requires moderately moist and sandy soil.
• Indoors, these trees require porous, sandy, and slightly acidic soil.
• You can also add peat moss; it provides better soil aeration, adds substance to sandy soils, helps the soil hold nutrients effectively, helps in retaining soil moisture without being waterlogged, and keeps them in a place of direct and full sunlight.
• When spring comes, it's the growing season for pines, and applying a balanced fertilizer to indoor plants can definitely help them grow.
• If they are kept outside, they will require acid fertilizer, but remember they won't require it anymore once they reach a mature age.
• If your potted Norfolk island pine is outgrowing its roots, check the drainage hole; if yes, then it's time for repotting.
• As they grow slowly, repotting them every two to four years is enough.
• Repotting must be done in spring, as they begin to show new growth.
• Even though Norfolk Island pine is endemic, it is widely planted in regions with suitable Mediterranean and humid subtropical climates.
• Their seeds are imported from the Pacific region.