Araucaria heterophylla - Norfolk Island pine

The Norfolk Island Pine, in Latin Araucaria heterophylla, is a frost-sensitive conifer that makes an elegant houseplant outside the mildest coastal areas. It is prized for its pyramidal silhouette and symmetrically tiered branches. Its fine, flexible needles are a soft, fresh green. In a pot, in temperate climates, its growth is very slow, taking several years to reach 1 to 2 m, which remains manageable. To limit its development, choose a pot that is not too large and avoid overfeeding it with fertilisers. It will grow slowly and remain an adorable little indoor fir tree!

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Pine, belongs to the Araucariaceae family. Native to Norfolk Island, located in the South Pacific between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, this species is endemic to this region. In its natural habitat, the tree can reach a height of 50 to 65 m. It develops a very straight trunk and symmetrical branches arranged in regular tiers. The young leaves are awl-shaped, curved, measuring 1 to 1.5 cm in length and about 1 mm in thickness. As the tree matures, the leaves become larger, reaching 5 to 10 cm in length and 2 to 4 mm in thickness. The male cones are cylindrical. The female cones are globose, measuring 10 to 12 cm in diameter. Edible seeds are released when the mature cones disintegrate.

The Araucaria genus includes several species of conifers mainly distributed in the southern hemisphere, particularly in South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. These trees are recognisable by their majestic habit and scale, or needle-shaped leaves. Araucaria heterophylla stands out for its symmetry and tolerance to coastal conditions. Note that this conifer cannot tolerate frost.

As an indoor plant, the Norfolk Island Pine prefers bright light. It can even tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, except during the hottest hours (between 12 pm and 4 pm). Moderate ambient humidity is ideal, and it is recommended to maintain the temperature between 18 and 22 °C during the active growth period. In winter, a cooler temperature of around 8 to 12 °C is beneficial for the plant. It is essential to avoid cold draughts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

If your garden is located by the sea, you can try acclimatising the Norfolk Island Pine in the ground. This conifer thrives in very mild and humid climates. It can then be placed as a standalone specimen in deep, well-drained, non-calcareous soil, preferably rich in humus. Everywhere else, you will grow it in a pot indoors for at least part of the year. It should be overwintered in a temperate greenhouse or conservatory, like a citrus tree.