Araucaria heterophylla is a type of evergreen tree often grown as a houseplant, better known as the Norfolk Island Pine. These plants are popular because they make a nice specimen plant as they grow quite large, and are fun to decorate during the holidays as a living Christmas tree. Norfolk Island Pines have soft needles and a delicate over-all appearance.

Norfolk Island Pines need light, but harsh direct sun should be avoided. Bright but diffuse light is good but if you can provide a few hours of direct sun in the morning or evening hours the plant will appreciate it. A place near a door-wall or large window is ideal if the plant is placed a couple of feet away. Also, the plant will need to be rotated to keep it from developing a lean. Turning it 90 degrees before you water it will work best: the plant will be lightest just before watering and the frequency should be about right.

Water your Norfolk Island Pine when the potting mix feels dry about an inch down, giving it a good soak. Pour off any excess water within an hour to prevent the roots from rotting. Your plant will appreciate fertilization during its growing season. Use a standard houseplant fertilizer at the rate recommended by the manufacturer. Fertilization is not needed during the winter.

The natural environment of the Norfolk Island Pine is a slightly cool and humid one. The better your home provides this, the better your tree will fare. Temperatures should never fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 80. Something situated in between those extremes is desirable. Humidity can be provided with a humidifier or by misting, just be sure it is provided somehow. Low humidity will result in needle loss and tip-browning.

There are no pests that are particularly drawn to this plant, so it is a good one if you prefer not to deal with insects or pesticides. Still, always keep an eye out; you never know when you may have a hitchhiker follow you home from the greenhouse.

The only other care you need to consider with a Norfolk Island Pine is pruning and re-potting. Pruning need only be done when there are dead or brown tips that could be removed. Re-potting should be done in the spring and as infrequently as possible. Waiting several years to re-pot is not unheard of, and if you think your plant can handle it, wait another year. Use a pot that leaves room to grow and a potting mix that offers both moisture retention and good drainage.