Question
I just inherited a very large Norfolk Pine from my friends grandmother who recently passed away.  I don't know how old it is, but it is approximately 4.5 ft high and 5ft across. It is currently very healthy and showing no signs of distress.  The pot it is in now is 12" across and about 9" deep.  Because it is so big and the pot is so small I have difficulties getting it to stay upright. It wants to tip over. I'd like to put it in a larger pot so it's more stable, but everything I've read seems to indicate they don't like to be repotted and I would be risking it's current health.  It looks perfectly healthy now and I don't want to repot it if it's ok.  I can find away to prop it up if that's all it needs.  If it doesn't need repotting now, how will I know when I should repot it? I don't expect light to be an issue as that room gets very bright indirect light.  The humidity requirements might be however.  Will misting it twice a day be enough for it?

Answer
Hi Marilee,

What you have learned about the hazards of unnecessary repotting are correct. Your NIP is healthy so there is no reason to change its environment, especially its pot.

Tipping can be a problem. Take the existing pot and place it inside another pot that is at least two inches larger. Fill in the space between the two pots with pebbles or gravel or some other heavy material. This extra weight at the base (called ballast) will keep your plant from tipping over without disturbing the roots.

When your NIP reaches the point that it needs to be watered thoroughly every 2-3 days, then it will be time to move it to a pot one size larger.

NIP's do fine in low humidity. Misting does no harm but it does not really affect humidity levels unless you mist every hour, which is not practical. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray are more effective ways to increase humidity, although it is not necessary with NIP's.

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

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