NORFOLK ISLAND PINE

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a tropical evergreen tree that is widely grown in Florida as an ornamental plant. Here’s what you need to know:

Overview

Appearance: Tall, straight trunk with symmetrical, tiered branches that give it a classic Christmas tree look. Its soft, needle-like leaves are bright green and arranged in whorls.
Size: Outdoors in Florida, it can grow 50–80 feet tall (sometimes more), but when grown indoors as a houseplant, it usually stays much smaller.
Growth Habit: Slow-growing, but eventually becomes a striking landscape feature.

Suitability in Florida

Climate: Best suited for South Florida and coastal areas (USDA Zones 10–11). It is not frost-tolerant, so it struggles in North Florida unless protected.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Sunlight: Requires full sun outdoors; indoors, bright indirect light is ideal.

Benefits

Adds a tropical, elegant look to landscapes.
Can be grown as a container plant indoors, making it versatile.
Low maintenance when planted in the right conditions.

Considerations

Cold Sensitivity: Temperatures below 35°F can damage or kill the tree.
Space: Needs plenty of room outdoors due to its eventual height.
Salt Tolerance: Fairly tolerant, making it suitable for coastal landscapes.