ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 22, 1996 TAG: 9608220001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: hoein' & growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer that is adaptable to many indoor conditions. It is native to Norfolk Island, located in the South Pacific between New Caledonia and Australia. It usually grows to approximately 5 feet tall if kept rootbound in the pot, but in its native habitat, it can reach a height of 200 feet and a diameter of 9 or 10 feet.
Pines have low light requirements
As a small plant, it can be displayed on a table or used in a planter. Eventually, it will develop to a suitable size for a floor planter or tub. In the summer, it can be placed on a shaded porch, deck, or patio. Norfolk Island Pine is a low light-requiring plant (50 to 75 foot-candles), so avoid placing it in full sun. It also requires moderate temperatures with a winter range of temperatures 50 to 55 F at night to 70 F on sunny days and 60 F on cloudy days. It is attractive for many years if given proper care.
Over watering is major cause of failure
Soil should be kept moist, but not wet. Too much moisture can cause root rot, especially at low night temperatures. The amount of water and fertilizer supplied governs the rate of growth, ranging from several inches to several feet per year. The growing medium, type and size of pot, plant size, average temperature and amount of light received influence watering amount and frequency. Over watering is a major cause of plant failure.
Two applications per year of a liquid house plant fertilizer should keep Norfolk Island Pines growing at a moderate rate. Use a diluted fertilizer solution. Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons soluble fertilizer (15-15-15 analysis) per gallon of water. Or use one tablespoon of soluble fertilizer (8-12-4 analysis) per gallon of water.
Larger pots permit pines to grow taller
Repot plants when they outgrow the original container, keeping in mind that root restriction helps control the size of the plant. Repotting also can encourage new root and shoot growth on plants that may have been damaged, such as by over watering. Use a well-aerated growing medium with peat moss and perlite or vermiculite for potting.
Check your cultural techniques if your Norfolk Island Pine has an unhealthy appearance. Sudden loss of leaves can be caused by a sudden change in temperature or light intensity, overwatering or transplant shock. Browning of the leaf tips may be the result of improper watering, excess fertilizer, exposure to cold or insect attack (especially scale insects). Loss of normal foliage color can be the result of a lack of fertilizer, over watering or excess sunlight.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB