Q: My children bought me a Norfolk Island pine for Christmas. I want to plant it outside but my husband thinks it would be better suited in a protected area like our screened patio. It really did not come with any type of watering instructions. What can you tell me about it?

A: This is a very pretty plant and is seen growing outside in many areas of South Florida. In fact, we have a few growing right here in Northeast Florida along the coast. It is not a plant I would recommend putting outside because of the chance of freeze damage, but there are always special warm pockets in the area where the plant could do well. The scientific name for Norfolk Island pine is Araucaria heterophylla. It is native to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific between Australia and New Zealand. The ideal indoor climate for this species is bright and cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees and slightly cooler at night. Although the Norfolk Island pine will adapt to bright indirect light, the plant will look its best with a couple of hours of direct sunlight daily. If the light source is coming from just one direction, you’ll want to rotate the plant a quarter turn weekly to keep it from tilting toward one side. It is not unusual for leaves on the bottom of the plant to turn brown and drop off, especially when adjusting to a new site and light conditions. However, if large numbers of brown leaves occur on the shrub it often means too much water or root decay. Be sure to plant it in well drained soil and err on the side of less water. It is possible for this plant to reach heights of 200 feet but it more commonly grows up to 80 feet. You might consider initially growing it on the patio just to get it adjusted to the area; then move it outside once it gets too large.

0