norfolk pine cones

Do Norfolk pines have pine cones?

Common name. Norfolk Island Pine is not a 'pine' in the strict botanical sense, that is, it is not a member of the genus Pinus which we know through the needle-like leaves and 'pine cones' on trees like the plantation or Radiata Pine, Pinus radiata: the genus Pinus does not occur naturally in Australia.

Are Norfolk pine nuts edible?

Unlike almost any other tree on a surfing coast, Norfolk Pines are useless as surf indicators. ... Apparently Norfolk Pines produce edible nuts, although no-one anywhere, ever, is recorded as having eaten one.

How do I identify my Norfolk Island pine?

The branches are arranged in symmetric whorls, and the trunks are characteristically straight. The leaves of young plants are needlelike and curve upward to a point, while those of mature trees are scalelike and densely overlapping. The round female cones are spiny and reach up to 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter.

How can you tell how old a Norfolk pine is?

Whorls. The age of a pine tree can also be determined by counting whorls. As a pine tree grows each year, new branches form a circle, or whorl, around the trunk. The number of whorls is an approximation of the age of the tree.

How long do Norfolk pines live for?

The extant tree is estimated to be over 80 years old.

Are Norfolk pines toxic?

Norfolk pines (Araucaria heterophylla) thrive within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, but are most commonly grown as indoor plants. They are potentially toxic to cats and dogs alike, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Are Norfolk pine roots invasive?

Norfolk Island Pines have the growth potential of reaching 100' feet in height and 60' in width. The roots are not considered invasive, but there will be a large root mass on a large tree.

Why is my Norfolk pine dropping branches?

Widespread branch drop in Norfolk pines is usually caused by incorrect growing conditions. Low humidity, improper fertilization and improper watering are the typical culprits. Norfolk Island pines are tropical plants, originating in an environment where it rains frequently and the humidity stays high.

How do you prune a Norfolk pine?

Trim only brown or dead foliage.

The only pruning you should do is trimming to remove branches that die or tips that turn brown. Use sharp pruning shears to trim dead foliage. When you prune a Norfolk Pine, you prevent the cut point from growing any more.

Are Norfolk pines toxic to dogs?

This plant is known to be mildly toxic to dogs when ingested, occasionally causing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), is generally grown indoors as a decorative plant or cut down for use as a Christmas tree.

Can you put lights on a Norfolk pine?

Another part of the care for a Norfolk Island pine plant is to make sure that the plant gets enough light. Norfolk pine trees prefer several hours of direct, bright light, such as the type of light that can be found in a south-facing window, but they will also tolerate full indirect, bright light as well.

Do Norfolk pines like to be root bound?

These trees don't tolerate soggy roots, so use a soil with vermiculite to promote drainage. Researchers have actually determined the ideal depth for repotting Norfolk Island pines.

How big do indoor Norfolk pines get?

Given time and proper care — and tall ceilings — your potted Norfolk may grow 20 feet tall indoors.

How tall does a Norfolk pine grow?

While sold here in the states as tabletop Christmas trees, in their native habitat these plants can incredibly reach 200 feet tall and have trunks that swell to 10 feet in diameter! In Florida these trees typically grow to only 60 to 80 feet.

How old can a pine tree live?

Pines are long lived and typically reach ages of 100–1,000 years, some even more. The longest-lived is the Great Basin bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva. One individual of this species, dubbed "Methuselah", is one of the world's oldest living organisms at around 4,600 years old.

How do you keep a Norfolk pine alive?

Misting is the usual method for hydrating Norfolk pines, but a humidifier is more efficient and effective. Temperatures should range from 50 to 70 F during the day and 45 to 65 at night. Norfolk pines are dormant in winter, so don't fertilize until spring using any product for indoor plants.

Can I put my Norfolk pine outside in the summer?

During the summer, Norfolk Island pine can enjoy a vacation outdoors. Place it in a protected spot where it isn't cooked by the direct sun and water at least once a week. If your plant gets too big for its container, summer is also a great time to transplant to a larger pot.

How do you care for a Norfolk pine indoors?

Your Norfolk Pine prefers average room temperatures between 65-75 degrees. Norfolk Pines hate hot or cold drafts when grown indoors. Protect your plant from heating or cooling vents, and don't keep them next to drafty doors or windows.

Can Norfolk pines live outside?

The trees thrive outside in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. In these warm zones you can grow Norfolk Island pine in the garden. ... The tree's native soil is sandy, so outdoor Norfolk Island pines are also happy in any well-drained soil. Acidic is best but the tree tolerates slightly alkaline soil too.

How much water does a Norfolk pine need?

Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light.

Is Rosemary toxic to cats?

Rosemary is not listed on the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animal's lists of toxic plants for dogs or cats, and is not considered toxic to pets. However, it does contain volatile oils that can cause stomach upset or depression of the nervous system if consumed in large amounts.