Question
I recieved a Norfolk Island Pine tree in December 2010 - now 7 months.  It seemed ok during the rest of winter and spring despite my not very attentive care. Maybe watering and misting every 7-10 days.  Once the days started getting longer I expected it to start growing - but it did not. I had browning tips instead. The lower branches are now drying out and falling off.  I stepped up the misting and watering as the soil also seemed to be drying out quicker than in the cooler months -following that for a few weeks there now seems now to be some signs of new growth on the ends of the topmost branches - but the lower branches are still drying and falling off.  There is actually about 6 or 7 "trunks" that are quite close together in a 12" pot.  With the tallest one about 2 1/2 feet.  It is in the brightest room in the house with a northwest exposure and 4 windows with sheer curtains.  Should I repot at this point?  The water seems to drain very quickly through - but I know they don't like to be potted much and this isn't the best time of year.

Answer
Hi Julia,

Plants can do quite well in adverse conditions for quite some time. That causes us to believe that everything is okay when in fact the roots and the plants are slowly deteriorating, mostly out of sight.

The primary problem with your NIP is that it has not received enough light. Even the sheerest of sheers block out too much light for nearly all plants. A Norfolk Pine requires very bright indirect light all day long with a few hours of direct sun each day. A location in front of the northwest windows and no more than 5 feet away and with the windows completely uncovered throughout the day will provide that.

NIP's react to adverse conditions by first dropping the oldest branches in an effort to keep the newest growth alive. That is why yours is losing lower leaves and still pushing out new growth on top.

Repotting is not a good idea. After you improve the light, water your plant thoroughly as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry. Misting is unnecessary.

The lower branches  will never be replaced as new growth always comes in only at the top. However, with improved light you should see a gradual reduction in lower branch loss. New growth will come in slowly, but it should be stronger when exposed to more sunlight. If you are patient, it should eventually regain its form.

I have written an article on Norfolk Island Pine care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com