Question
Hi,
Im having so much trouble with my yearly norfolk pine....they usually last about a year then develop this dry brown stuff on the branches..ive looked at it under a microscope and i dont see bugs. Once this brown stuff spreads on the branch it dries and i cut it off...I just got a new one, inspected it before i bought it and now im seeing this brown stuff again...I water when it feels dry in the top inch of soil....i mist it often and have humidifiers going in the house all the time, Im about ready to give up on my favorite houseplant.

help..
carla phillips

Answer
Hi Carla

Norfolk Island Pine is susceptible to common houseplant pests such as mealybugs and scale insects. Pathogen affecting these plants may include bleeding cankers and needle necrosis. Needle necrosis is a deadening of the plant tissue caused by trauma, viral, or bacterial infection. These infections may occur after long periods of humidity or other factors and are typically easiest to recognize after the onset of needle necrosis causes leaves to change from healthy green colors to browns and yellows signifying death. Needle necrosis can only be resolved through pruning.You can spray with Atomic Grow so that your plant is brought back to health.  If it is any of the above problems.  It will also help with misting it two times a month.  kathy