Norfolk Island Pine Care: Not a Fern! How to Grow This Evergreen Indoors

Correct Identification

Your plant is a Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), a tropical conifer—not a fern. This matters because its needs are completely different.

Ideal Conditions

• Light: Direct sun is best. Place it right in front of a south or west window with no curtain.
• Pot size: The current pot is slightly too large. Keep it snug; repot only when roots fill the container.
• Watering: Allow the top quarter of the soil to dry, then water until a little drains out. Empty the saucer.
• Temperature: 50–80°F (10–27°C). Avoid cold drafts.

Natural Needle Drop

Lower branches naturally turn brown and fall as the tree grows taller. This is normal, not a sign of trouble.

With strong light and careful watering, your Norfolk pine will thrive for years as a striking indoor evergreen.