Norfolk Pine 10”

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly called Norfolk Island pine, is a soft-needled evergreen with layered, symmetrical branches that give it a clean, tiered structure. Despite the name, it’s not a true pine but a tropical plant that stays lush and green indoors year-round. Its soft texture and upright growth make it feel more like a living accent tree than a typical houseplant.

Light should be bright and even to maintain its shape. Place it in an east-facing window or directly in a south-facing window with some distance so all sides receive consistent light. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K at 400–800 foot-candles. Too little light will cause the branches to thin out and the plant to lean toward the light source, while uneven light will create gaps and an unbalanced structure.

Watering and environment need to stay consistent. Allow the top portion of the soil to dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it drain, but do not let it fully dry out. Use a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep it lightly airy but still able to hold some moisture. If lower branches begin to dry and drop while the top stays green, it’s often reacting to low light or dry air. If new growth comes in sparse or weak, it’s not getting enough light. Crispy tips along the needles usually point to low humidity rather than watering issues.