[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Re: Re: Re: norfolk pine question

cjames@seacove.net
Mon, 21 Dec 1998 18:30:37 -0600 (CST)


I've killed two norfolk pines until I consulted the plant lady
who takes care of our plants here at work. The norfolk pine
doesn't really like the indoors very well.... it's too dry.
The following will kill them:
Direct sunlight
being too close to a heater or air conditioning duct
being overwatered
being underwatered
being overfertilized

This is the advice I got and my tree is thriving. Place the
tree outside in a area where the tree will receive diffused
light... I keep mine on the north end of my house--only gets
a few hours of indirect sunlight and not all at once. Fertilize
with osmocote timed release fertilizer in the spring and fall-
warning::: do not over fertilize.
Water only when the soil is slightly damp to the touch but
not completely dry....
Take the plant in during extreme weather conditions-- it can
tolerate light freezes but if your climate is prone to
really cold temps 0 and below I'd take it in. Don't allow
direct sunlight on the leaves... the Texas sun burned the
bottom branches of the tree... they just curled up and died.
This tree seems to need very specific conditions to remain
healthy.. but mine has remained healthy by following the
steps outlined above.... Good Luck.