Plants
Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla · Araucariaceae
The Norfolk Island pine is probably the most elegant conifer for the living room — although botanically it is not a pine at all, but an ancient araucaria. Its soft, fresh green needles sit on horizontal tiers of branches that build up year after year like storeys. In our Düsseldorf shop it is especially popular in Advent: as a living, sustainable alternative to a cut Christmas tree.
- Light
- Very bright to softly sunny; happy in a sheltered spot on the balcony or terrace in summer.
- Watering
- Evenly and slightly moist with soft water; neither let it dry out nor keep it wet.
- Care level
- Medium
- Botanical
- Araucaria heterophylla
Araucarias are among the oldest tree families on earth — their ancestors already stood in the age of the dinosaurs. The Norfolk Island pine comes exclusively from the small Norfolk Island between Australia and New Zealand, where Captain Cook discovered it in 1774.
Its trademark is the symmetrical tiered growth: every year it forms a new whorl of horizontal branches. To keep the plant even, rotate it regularly — otherwise it grows lopsided towards the light.
Unlike many houseplants, it prefers it rather cool: a bright spot at 10 to 18 degrees is perfect, such as an unheated bedroom, a stairwell or a conservatory. Dry, hot heating air makes the lower tiers shed needles — and what has turned brown will not regrow.
As a potted Christmas tree it cuts a wonderful figure: it carries light LED strings and small ornaments without any trouble. And because it is considered harmless to cats, dogs and children, it is a relaxed choice under the festively decorated windowsill too.
Is Norfolk Island Pine toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
The Norfolk Island pine is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children — unlike many classic Christmas plants. Nibbled needles can at most mechanically irritate the stomach.
Typical symptoms: No poisoning symptoms expected; after eating larger amounts of needles, mild vomiting or an upset stomach is possible at most.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Place it very bright but without harsh midday sun — and rotate the plant regularly.
- 02Grow it cool: 10–18 °C is ideal; in winter keep it away from radiators.
- 03Keep it evenly, slightly moist with soft water; avoid both waterlogging and a dried-out root ball.
- 04Provide high humidity and mist occasionally in winter.
- 05Do not prune — an araucaria will not reshoot from cuts; only remove brown branches cleanly.
Frequently asked
- Is the Norfolk Island pine a real pine?
- No — it belongs to the ancient araucaria family and is only distantly related to true firs and pines. Its needles are much softer, and as a pure houseplant it does not tolerate frost.
- Why is my Norfolk Island pine losing its lower branches?
- Usually it is standing too warm or too dark — dry heating air in winter is the typical cause. Unfortunately brown tiers do not regrow. A cooler, brighter spot and higher humidity stop the loss.
- Can I decorate the Norfolk Island pine as a Christmas tree?
- Yes — with lightweight ornaments and cool LED lights it makes a lovely, reusable alternative to a cut tree. Avoid heavy baubles so the soft tiers do not snap.
- Is the Norfolk Island pine toxic to cats?
- No, it is considered safe for cats and dogs. If you want to avoid stress with nibbling pets, place it elevated anyway — mainly for the sake of its soft shoot tips.