The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

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I am by no means an expert when it comes to houseplants. In fact, you could call me clueless and I won’t be offended. As much as I love me some plants, I’ve never taken to those that exclusively grow indoors. But if I am going to keep a positive attitude about the colder weather and the inability to dig in the dirt, I figured it was time to dive in and educate myself on what can be grown/maintained inside my home.
I was in Lowe’s this past weekend and made it over to the Home and Garden aisles without a clue as to what I was looking for. Ornamental peppers? Nah. Some fern-like creature? Nope. I was ready to give up when I spotted what looked like a conifer. Hmmmmm. This can’t possibly be a houseplant, right? I read the label and saw the name Araucaria heterophylla – AKA Norfolk Island Pine. Interesting. Out came the phone and I quickly googled the name. I educated myself in about five minutes and for only $19.99, I figured let’s give it a whirl. 
In the Honda Civic it went and even though it scratched the back of my neck as I drove, it was worth it. I had that plant excitement in full effect and couldn’t wait to get her home. 
Here she is in what hopefully becomes the permanent location:    

I am enamored with the lush green foliage and the fact that it looks like a pine (but of course, is not a pine at all). The soft needles beg you to touch it:

It will be adorned with Christmas ornaments as it is the perfect “living” Christmas tree. My wife loved it as well so as long as I keep it healthy, it will stay where it is for years to come.

I’ve had some time to do some further research about my new purchase (is this a common houseplant that I’ve some how managed to never see before? Curious to hear your thoughts) and wanted to share what I’ve learned with you:

  • Native to Norfolk Island, an island in the Pacific near Australia/New Zealand
  • Unlike most conifers, it supposedly survives in indirect light
  • To aid in it’s survival, a misting is necessary to up the humidity level
  • Over watering is a no-no as it can easily lead to root rot since NIP has a weak root system
  • I’m staying away from any fertilization
  • If grown in it’s native habitat, it can reach up to 200 feet in height

What do you think? Any tips for me based on your successes/failures?

John        

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    12 Responses

    1. How crazy! I have NEVER heard of this as a house plant. I would have thought it’s a full sun plant only and its not tropical, so I don’t know that spraying it will help? In Australia it is the number 1 coastal tree planted by councils. They are always MASSIVE! Make sure you don’t plant it in the garden, its a monster!

    3. I have one that has graced my living room for 3 years now. It does just fine in the medium amount of light the south-facing window allows. I re-potted mine into a large pot as soon as I got it as I’ve read re-potting it as it gets bigger over time is a no-no since it causes too much stress. Give it a good misting every day, I do mine in the morning and then in the evening. They are relatively slow growers but are a lot of fun and absolutely beautiful trees! I got mine pretty small and has yet to reach the size of yours even after 3 years. Keep away from any heat/cold source as that can cause some stress. Also, do not prune (unless yellowing dead branches appear) as they will never grow back!

    4. We live in s.e. FL zone 10, and bought one of these many, many years ago as a 3′ specimen for our Christmas tree. We then planted it and it is now several stories high. I love it. I see these all around our area and the only thing I’ve noticed is that when hurricanes blast through here, branches get blown off. The are a wonderful tree, and I love their bark. Being indoors I have no idea how yours will do. I think you will enjoy it though.

      FlowerLady

    5. My mom had one that grew taller than any of us and eventually lived out its days in a church where it had room. We decorated it for Christmas the last year in the house. No lights just little ornaments. Mom didn’t water it much but when she did, she soaked it well and let it drain in the bathtub. Enjoy your new plant!

    7. I had a NIP in the late ’80s (which I managed to kill) and I have one now. I’ve learned somethings from your post…like misting and no fertilizer so think you’re on the right track with your beauty! I believe I overwatered the first one so I’m stingy with the agua this time around. Mine is only about 18 inches high with about 7 shoots growing out of the soil. I decorate mine too! It’s a lovely tree plant for the inside! I had a ficus once and it was a bit over powering…and always dropping leaves! Enjoy your new tree!

    8. Phoebe – I’m still in shock that I found a houseplant that looks like a conifer. I saw some photos of these in their natural habitat, wow!

      Caite – I figured $20 was worth a shot. So far so good.

      A.L. – I read the same about re-potting and now i’m wondering if I should do it now or leave it alone. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.

      Flowerlady – I feel stupid not knowing these even existed and to see them so massive is awesome. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

      Gardener Sherlock – I am psyched to see how long I can make this tree last. Will be fun. Light ornaments are going on it tonight

      Monica – I love all the support hearing it will survive indirect light. This is what garden blogging is all about!

      T&B – good to hear you like it too and are trying again. Fingers crossed.

    9. Keep it away from drafts and you should be just fine. I know people who kill everything and have good luck with these. We used to sell hundreds every christmas when I worked at a greenhouse

    10. we recieved pne of these for my fathers memorial service, thanks so much for all the input, it will help uis keep this gorg3ous tree alive , hopefully, for many years to come…..carol

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