norfolk pine tree

aydadunbar · #1 December 8th, 2006, 12:03 AM

i have 3 norfolk tree plants that somebody gave to me, and i don't know how to take care of them, i been reading about them and i read something about feeding them fertilize once a month or something i am not sure, could somebody tell me what kind of food do i have to get for them and where to get it, the name and how often to give to the plant, also my 3 norfolk have turn brownish some ends and looks like some needles are dying can somebody tell me what to do? also how often do i have to water them. thanks

**Rima** · #2 December 8th, 2006, 04:01 AM

Fertilizer is the last thing to worry about now, but any well balanced house plant type (the 3 numbers being similar ... '20-20-20') will do - monthly in winter, every 10 days to 2 weeks in spring and summer). Water when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of the soil mix feels dry. But that's hard to say because depending on the soil mix (fast draining grit, or 90% peat like most potting soils), the time of year, amount of light it gets all day and ambient humidity, it will change. The cooler (indoors) you can keep them over the winter, the better off you'll be. Don't spray them, but do keep wide trays of stones and water under the pots for humidity, but never let the water be high enough to touch the pot bottom (or you'll rot the roots).

**Newt** · #3 December 9th, 2006, 11:47 AM

Hi Aydadunbar,

You might find this thread helpful. Do read the links there too.
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/fo...t=Norfolk+Newt

Newt

bobbie_5 · #4 January 8th, 2007, 02:58 PM

Newt

You sound like the person I need. I was given a Norfolk Island Pine for Thanksgiving. There are seven trees in a 10-11' pot. I had it on my patio until 3 wks. ago when it was forecast to fall to 30 degrees. This week I noticed that the ends of the branches are turning brown and curving under. No instructions came with this thing so how do I care for it? I have read all the sites you listed and I am more confused now than ever.Little water, more water, bright light shaded light etc. The nursery it came from said to give it about 2 cups of water a week. Do I feed it now? What about the ends turning? It was nice and green when I received now it is darler green and prickly.
HELP

Bobbie

**Michael F** · #5 January 8th, 2007, 03:18 PM

You need to protect it from frost, it is best kept above about +5°C. Water when the soil gets dry. It may also need repotting; the best soil to use is something fairly well-drained that won't get soggy if watered too much. Full sun in winter; in TX, light shading in hot summer weather would be a good idea.

**Newt** · #6 January 8th, 2007, 03:51 PM

Hi Bobbie,

Thanks for the compliment! Actually Michael gave you great advice as to the care. I would not fertilize now as we are going into winter, at least we're supposed to. I suspect the curling and browning of the tips are due to the colder temps at night while it was outdoors. Anything near 40*F will do that. The change in temps moving it indoors could also be to blame, especially if you have the heat on at night. It's always best to bring plants indoors before you turn on the heat. This might be helpful.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1454.htm

For care of your trees this would be a good site to refer to.
http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/arau_het.cfm

Btw, I'm thinking it's a 10 to 11 INCH pot. Not 10 or 11 FEET. Even at that, it sounds like alot of trees for one pot, so you might want to consider dividing them when you repot. Since it's been outdoors it may have outgrown the pot. You might be able to look at the drainage hole to see if you see the roots inside or gently take it out of the pot to see if it's rootbound. If you are going to divide it, use a pot that is about 1/3 the height of the tallest tree. If it needs a new pot and you want to keep them all together, use a pot that is 2" larger then the one it came out of. If you need a site on how to repot, just lmk.

Newt

bobbie_5 · #7 January 8th, 2007, 07:22 PM

Michael & Newt

Thank you both so much. The plant was just outside about three wks.
It IS in a 10-11" pot. Should I wait until spring to divide the trees? It may not live that long the way it is going now. Just worried about is being prickly instead of soft and the ends curling. You have both been great.

Bobbie

**Newt** · #8 January 9th, 2007, 10:33 AM

Bobbie, you are so very welcome! When it comes to potted plants, I repot when it's needed, not by season. If you discover it needs repotting now, then I'd go ahead and do it. Be sure it has been watered a couple of days before you do this.

Newt

bobbie_5 · #9 January 10th, 2007, 12:08 PM

Newt

Will do

Bobbie