How to Buy a Norfolk Island Pine | Norfolk Island Pine Care
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Using a Norfolk Island Pine as a Christmas Tree
This is our first Norfolk Island Pine and living Christmas Tree. This is a true live Christmas tree, not what people call a real Christmas tree purchased from a lot full of cut "dead" trees, but a LIVE tree that will live on after the ornaments are removed. We decorate it for other holidays too.
The Norfolk Island Pine is actually a large house plant that has the potential to live a good long life. I am going to do my best to make that happen. With proper care, our tree will stay green after Christmas for as long as possible, and be decorated for other holidays throughout the year. I'll let you know later on the page how things progress.
The picture above was taken just after decorating our first Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas. There is a larger picture of this tree, plus our 2011-2012 tree, below.
Let me introduce you to the Norfolk Island Pine, information on caring for a Norfolk Island Pine, and how to decorate a Norfolk Island Pine for the holidays.
Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 6/3/12
Contents at a Glance
- Where is Norfolk Island?
- How to Care for a Norfolk Pine Video
- How to Care for a Norfolk Island Pine
- Blog Posts about Norfolk Island Pines
- Where to Buy Norfolk Island Pine Trees
- How We Decorated our Norfolk Island Pine...
- Do You Use a Live, Cut or Artificial Tre...
- Have you ever used a Norfolk Pine as a C...
- Small Tree Decorations for Norfolk Islan...
Where is Norfolk Island?
It's near Australia
How to Care for a Norfolk Island Pine
Including Helpful links
I visited many sites about Norfolk Island Pine care, and the same general theme ran through all:
1. They like a room that is at least 50% humidity, so it's good to mist them in winter months and dry climates or the the needles on the tip will brown and will not return once they fall off.
2. They like a bright natural light source, but don't need to be in direct sunlight.
3. Water after the top inch or so of soil is dry, and don't let the pot sit in water...in other words, give it just enough water to wet the soil and drain off the excess from the plate you sit the pot in. I am putting small stones under the pot in the plate it sits in to keep it from sitting in the water.
Above are the basics, but there were a few different tips on feeding, etc., at different sites. I've provided you with a few links to help you...and me...as I do my best to keep this pretty Norfolk Island Pine alive.
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Norfolk Island Pine Needs TLC
.2 points
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Norfolk Pines, How to grow and care for a Norfolk Island Pine tree
How to grow and care for a Norfolk Island Pine in more...1 point
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Norfolk Island Pine Houseplant Care
Norfolk Island Pine - House Plant Help from Green more...0 points
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How to Manage and ID Norfolk-island Pine
How to Manage and ID Norfolk-island Pine0 points
Blog Posts about Norfolk Island Pines
- Landcaping in concrete and stone
- That's a Norfolk Island Pine tree to their left. The eight-year-old tree has survived many freezes, probably because of a tall fence nearby. By FRED WHITLEY Because of various reasons, there comes a time when lawn upkeep no longer is seen as a priority ...
- A guide to picking trees wisely
- HERALD TRIBUNE ARCHIVE PHOTO By LINDA BRANDT, Correspondent My heart ached as I watched my magnificent Norfolk Island pine tree lose its limbs and then its stature to a chainsaw and a wood chipper. n I had found it, sadly neglected and bent over, ...
- DOUG CALDWELL: Our plants are under attack
- The RSWF has a confirmed host list of 38 plants including: gumbo limbo, bucida (black olive), copperleaf, Norfolk Island pine, periwinkle, cocoplum, buttonwood, mango, live oak, coconut, areca, Christmas and supposedly cabbage palms.
- Artist Takes The Top Award at Mayfaire For His Works in Wood
- One of the smooth and gleaming vessels under his tent started as a freshly cut burl from a Norfolk Island pine. His ears help him judge when the thickness of a vessel is right. As a hooked tool hollows a piece on his lathe, he listens for the ...
"The trees are God's great alphabet:
With them He writes in shining green
Across the world His thoughts serene."
~Leonora Speyer
Where to Buy Norfolk Island Pine Trees
Available for a limited time
Look with care through these, and read the seller's information very carefully. Make sure they have a good rating from people who have purchased from them before.
OR:
Click here for a list of Norfolk Island Pine Trees
How We Decorated our Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas
The decorations will change with the holidays
We only used light-weight decorations as the branches cannot take a lot of weight.
Do You Use a Live, Cut or Artificial Tree?
Share your feelings about cutting down trees
I'm putting "Live" and "Artificial" together as they both don't require cutting down a living tree. There may be positive reasons for using a cut tree, if you feel that there are, share them.
Do you use a cut Christmas Tree OR Live or Artificial Tree?
We buy a tree that is already cut or go out and pick one and cut it ourselves. We don't think there's anything wrong with it, and here's why:
jadehorseshoe says:
One BIG cut tree; lots of small fakes.
MareeT says:
We have one of each but I love the fresh cut one the best!
Kimbesa says:
It's okay to use trees that are grown for this purpose. They are replenished by the farmers. Then recycled for compost in our area once the holiday season is over.
We can't plant Norfolk Island Pine outdoors in my area and have it live through the winter.
MissMerFaery says:
At the moment we have a cut tree. My family always had an artificial one but when I moved out my partner was used to having always had a cut one. The first year I hated picking one out because I felt like I was in a tree graveyard! The smell is wonderful and we always have cut trees from places that replant new ones, but I would be just as happy with an artificial!
tssfacts says:
It's been several years since I have put up a tree. I usually will get a cut tree. I have always thought I would like to get a potted tree and plant it after Christmas. Maybe next year will be that year.
sheilamarie says:
We cut our tree underneath the power lines where they will be cut down anyway as they interfere with the electric lines. I understand people's difficulty with actually killing the tree. However, there are many farmers who grow Christmas trees where otherwise trees would not grow. When you buy a tree from a lot, you are helping these small farmers stay in business and you are actually encouraging them to plant new trees on their land.
Desilegend says:
None this year because of little baby but generally prefer real one because of smell.
sandyspider says:
We have been going for the already cut trees for many years now. I would be happy with an arificial one.
We prefer using an artificial or a live tree, either a Norfolk Pine or another type we can plant outside later. We like this option because:
NidhiRajat says:
why not live tree..plantation is good for our lives
cwimmer77 says:
Fake all the way!
intermarks says:
Live tree in the pot and a few artificial. I prefer to have a live tree than a cut tree because we can reuse it many time as long as we trim it and take good care of it.
ionee_25 says:
We've been using artificial one so we don't have to spend buying another tree for the next Christmas holiday.
nancycarol says:
We've always used a cut tree, probably because that's the way it was always done when I was growing up. Now in my "twilight years" I am seriously considering an artificial tree, mainly because neither me nor my friends are able to lug a cut one into the house. Sooo, it's time to go smaller, and go artificial. Lots less to clean up But I love looking at everyone else's decorations and ideas. I had a Norfolk Pine for several years, but we live in Las Vegas where the climate is terribly dry. It struggled every year until it finally gave up the ghost! A very beautiful plant!
RawBill says:
Here in Australia artificial trees are the most popular by far. My parents have had theirs for over 38 years and I have had mine for 11 years, so they are long lasting in comparison to the other choices.
Sylvestermouse says:
I have the large artificial tree that I decorate each year, but I love having a small live tree in the kitchen that I can keep and plant outside.
BuckHawk says:
We have to use artificial trees because of the animals!
wordstock says:
It may be silly but I can't watch the live tree die. It just makes me sad so we have had an artificial tree for years. When we want the scent of the tree, we hit the local tree lot and pick up the branches that they have discarded and make a display around the manger scene. Best of both worlds. w
capriliz says:
I have been using an artificial tree. I have cats, and I don't think they would stay out of a live tree.
Have you ever used a Norfolk Pine as a Christmas Tree?
A quick poll
If you'd like to share more, a text window will open when you make your choice, but you can just take the poll.
Small Tree Decorations for Norfolk Island Pines
They won't weigh down the branches
Here are some small Christmas ornaments. The ornaments are light and will not bend the branches on your Norfolk Island Pine.
I'm not using lights on the tree, I framed a doorway with lights intertwined with an artificial holly garland instead.
You can click here for information about the Valentine's Day ornaments we would like to use to decorate our Norfolk Island Pine in February.
Our 2011 Norfolk Island Pine Christmas Tree
Copyright 2011
Our tree is much fuller this year, and as of this update in March, is still looking great! I'm starting to think I "fussed" over it too much last year, this year I'm just making sure it's watered. I think I like the decorating we did last year better (above), but this tree is staying fuller and looks healthy without decorations.
I like the dish with the Christmas ornaments we used last year rather than the bowl....with paper towel showing that I am using to soak up excess water...oops! You aren't supposed to let the tree pot sit in water, so I used paper towel to soak up the extra, and took a picture before removing it.
How long did the Norfolk Island Pine survive?
Our 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 Trees
My 2010 - 2011 Norfolk Island Pine Christmas tree met an "early demise" in late April, but gave us more months of pleasure than a "real" cut tree would have. I think it was the constant rain and grey days we had, it sat under a skylight, which was fine if sunny, but not enough without.
The price I paid was less, at least where I shopped, than I would have paid for a real cut tree, so we did purchase another Norfolk Island Pine in December of 2011. Sadly, that Norfolk Island Pine did not make it past April 2012 either. If I had known how mild our winter and spring would remain, I would have put it on our back deck when it started to die off.
The answer is...I think so
Countdown to Will we get a Norfolk Island Pine Christmas of 2012?
Beautiful Norfolk Island Video
Where the Trees get their name
As you look at this video from someone's visit to Norfolk Island, you'll see some Norfolk Pine. They can grow to be very large, as you can see, and sparser looking than the one I have right now.
% Donated to Buckhawk Center Animal Rescue
You can also give directly
The BuckHawk Center is a nonprofit organization providing rescue, rehabilitation and adoption where possible for animals in need, located in Southern Missouri.
Small Decorations for Small Trees
Hover over an item to enlarge for better viewing
Here are some things that may help you. You can enter your own search terms and the results will come up right on this page. If you hover over an item, it will enlarge for better viewing. Thank you, and remember a percentage of any purchase goes to the charity indicated on this page.
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Say hello or tell us about your tree(s)
Guestbook
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May 14, 2012 @ 8:17 am | delete
- I will surely be looking for another one to admire. Thaks
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happynutritionist May 15, 2012 @ 10:46 am | delete
- I hope you find what you're looking for...thanks for the visit!
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Michelle
Apr 12, 2012 @ 10:46 pm | delete
- My mom gave me her tree cause she got tired of it,I repotted it and put it on my back deck
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- I was thinking that, with the mild winter and spring, I should try the same thing, but am afraid it was too late for my tree again this year. Still worth it, enjoyed it a lot longer than a cut tree.
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fefe
Dec 25, 2011 @ 12:53 pm | delete
- I've always loved BIG Christmas trees. I love the idea of a real living tree. And the Norfolk Island Pine is the perfect size for a small apartment. *blessed*
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NidhiRajat
Dec 25, 2011 @ 10:06 am | delete
- amazing lens..thanks
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intermarks
Dec 22, 2011 @ 12:04 am | delete
- Nice lens! We should take care of the nature instead of copping off trees.
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River_Rose Dec 20, 2011 @ 4:08 pm | delete
- Love this ! Great info....thanks !
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BuddyBink
Dec 19, 2011 @ 7:06 pm | delete
- I bought a Norfolk Island Pine when I was at school. It was about 2 feet tall. When I went off to the military my parents took care of it and eventually it became the family Christmas tree. I do not know what happened to it. Last time I saw it it was about 4 to 4 1/2 feet tall. Thanks for the lens.
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SiochainGraSonas
Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:09 pm | delete
- Great lens!!
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mnewhall
Dec 19, 2011 @ 12:46 pm | delete
- I love this tender tree - so beautiful and fresh. Nice lens :)
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jadehorseshoe
Dec 18, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
- A thought provoking lens.
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MareeT
Dec 18, 2011 @ 7:09 pm | delete
- These are such pretty trees and I enjoyed your lens!
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lasertek
Dec 18, 2011 @ 6:57 pm | delete
- Definitely a great idea!
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baby-strollers
Dec 18, 2011 @ 6:00 pm | delete
- Liked it - neat idea for the holidays.
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Kimbesa
Jan 1, 2011 @ 7:24 pm | delete
- Very cute tree to decorate for the holidays!
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- It was, and the amazing thing is that it's still alive today...I am hoping it will last until next Christmas.
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tssfacts
Dec 18, 2010 @ 11:03 am | delete
- I have seen these beauties and really like them. When I get more space I would like to get one and have it planted afterward.
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Pukeko
Dec 18, 2010 @ 6:49 am | delete
- I like the idea of going green, and love your norfolk pine. It makes a perfect Christmas tree
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sheilamarie Dec 17, 2010 @ 10:36 pm | delete
- I really like the idea of a tree you can plant later, too. My mother has done this. We have so many trees growing around us that I don't know where I would put another to tell you the truth, but I like the idea of celebrating with a tree that stays in your life.
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Sylvestermouse
Dec 17, 2010 @ 7:31 pm | delete
- I love the smell of a live Christmas tree! I usually have a real tree in our kitchen that we plant outside within a few weeks after Christmas.
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BuckHawk
Dec 17, 2010 @ 11:19 am | delete
- I can't wait to see your Norfolk Pine tree decorated! That is such a great way to have a Christmas tree. Of course, with our cats they would be happily digging in the dirt! And so many thanks for honoring BuckHawk Center like you did. We do appreciate it!
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- My Mom told me this very thing happened to hers...her cat used it instead of the litter pan, which killed the tree:-) I don't have any kitties, just my Aspen dog.
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wordstock Dec 17, 2010 @ 10:46 am | delete
- I like the idea of living trees. We don't have a place to plant them but it I had the space I would.
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sandyspider
Dec 17, 2010 @ 10:36 am | delete
- This is a great idea. I really don't go for the pre-cut tree thing. But it is what my family wants. It would be wonderful to put a live one in the living room and plant it later.
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capriliz
Dec 17, 2010 @ 10:07 am | delete
- This is a great idea. One year I did use a live tree. Unfortunately, we forgot to soak the barrel before we added water to the tree and had quite a mess. But, it was fun planting the tree in the yard.
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TapIn2U Dec 17, 2010 @ 4:50 am | delete
- What a great idea. Why cut down trees for Christmas when you can put a live one in your living room. Great lens! Hey, I’ve just finished my second lens on a 3-step plan to achieve your Goals and New Years Resolutions.When you have a moment, I would love to hear what you think. If you have a suggestion- please let me know. I’m learning as I go and so appreciate your help. Sundae ;-)
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- I did visit...nice page...you should add some Amazon modules with some helpful resources for people, but you provide great tips!
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Table of Contents
- Where is Norfolk Island?
- How to Care for a Norfolk Pine Video
- How to Care for a Norfolk Island Pine
- Blog Posts about Norfolk Island Pines
- Where to Buy Norfolk Island Pine Trees
- How We Decorated our Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas
- Do You Use a Live, Cut or Artificial Tree?
- Have you ever used a Norfolk Pine as a Christmas Tree?
- Small Tree Decorations for Norfolk Island Pines
- Our 2011 Norfolk Island Pine Christmas Tree
- How long did the Norfolk Island Pine survive?
- Will we get a Norfolk Ilsand Pine Christmas of 2012?
- Beautiful Norfolk Island Video
- % Donated to Buckhawk Center Animal Rescue
- Small Decorations for Small Trees
- "Thumbs up", Pins, Facebook and Tweets
- Say hello or tell us about your tree(s)
- This is a Squid Angel Blessed Page
- Random unrelated lenses you might like
- Follow Me on Twitter
by happynutritionist
I purchased and decorated our first Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas of 2010, and it will now be a yearly tradition.
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