Star Pine Araucaria heterophylla

The Araucaria genus is comprised of approximately 19 species of pine-like conifer trees indigenous to the southern hemisphere. The Norfolk Island Pine, is endemic to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, east of Sydney, Australia between New Zealand and New Caledonia. It is not native to North America, but is suitable for growing indoors as a houseplant.  It has a graceful pyramidal shape with graceful, wide-spaced branches symmetrically arranged in whorled, horizontal tiers around a single straight trunk. There are typically five branches per whorl.  In its native habitat, it reaches heights of 200 feet. Cultivated trees, grown in subtropical or Mediterranean climates typically grow to 60-100 feet with a 12-60 foot spread. It grows best in open, full sun locations with ample room for its large size, in any well-drained soil type. Outdoors, surface roots may interfere with lawn mowing or lift sidewalks and large cones create litter. Some residential communities prevent their use in landscapes due to potential risks of large falling trunks.

As an indoor plant, it is a small evergreen with saber-like leaves that turn inward in an overlapping herringbone pattern on tiered branches.  Indoors it prefers a bright, cool room (55-65 degrees F) and will reach heights of 9 feet.  Use fertile, porous, sandy, peaty, slightly acidic, well-drained potting soil. Full sun is normally best for developing compact symmetrical growth, but light afternoon shade may be needed to avoid possible foliage bleach (yellow tints). As a houseplant it usually adapts to the warm, dry atmosphere found in most offices and homes. Consider weekly or biweekly applications of dilute liquid fertilizer from spring through fall. Water regularly spring to autumn, avoiding soil that is too wet.  In winter, mist in heated rooms and water sparingly.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: This tree is generally pest free but is susceptible to scale, sooty mold and leaf spot.  Tall outdoor specimens are susceptible to damage by lightning strikes. Indoor plants, tolerate very low light for 2-3 years but may then display leaf drop and loss of lower branches.  Size (tall height) may also be a limiting factor as an indoor plant, depending on its location.