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Tip 49. Published 10/27/97
Greetings from Rosie!
I must apologize for skipping a week. I think my vacation caught up with me and Monday came and went before I realized it. By that time it was too late to even think of what to talk about.
Now, let’s get down to the business of the day. It seem that whenever I buy a plant for myself, my daughter who lives about 65 miles away manages to get home to visit within a few weeks of the purchase. “Wow Mom, I really like that plant”. Well guess what! The plant goes home with her.
I bought a small Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas last year to set on my kitchen window sill. It was decorated with small plastic berries and tiny gift boxes along with a cute little candy cane.
Guess who came home for Christmas dinner! The Norfolk Pine went on a 65 mile trip the next day. A month or two later it was my turn to visit with her, and the previously healthy, green Norfolk Pine is gradually turning into a “not-so-healthy”, green with brown tips Norfolk Pine.
“Mom, help!” Well, fortunately there are some great books out there on caring for house plants and I was able to find one of them. Here is what I found.
The Norfolk Pine likes indirect or bright-diffused light. It prefers moderately moist soil. Water thoroughly when just the soil surface is dry to the touch. Never let the plant sit in water! Temperatures of 65 - 70’ during the day and 60 - 65’ at night are preferable.
The Norfolk Pine is quite easy to grow with a little special attention. It prefers soil rich in humus, and you may have to stake it as it grows taller. Also, remember to keep turning it so it doesn’t start leaning in one direction towards the source of light.
Low light, improper watering, low humidity or high temperatures may cause the branches to become brittle, turn brown and drop. (I found this book a little too late to save my daughters Pine). Hopefully if you have one I can save yours.
One more tip - watch out for little red spider mites.
Until next time, this is Rosie wishing you window sill dreams and garden delights!