Question
Hello, I got a small Norfolk Island Pine for Christmas at my office two years ago. I decided to keep it at the office. I have heater and with the time the tree has been very dry, very, very dry and dying. It is not lack of water, it could be perhaps the opposite. I also have a heater at the office and that could be the reason of the plant dying.
I decided to take it to my place and I put it on the balcony, now it is receiving air and some sun.
However I would like to know what to do. The plant is so dry that every time I touch it or I am around the little "branches" fall apart everywhere. I think the tree is still alive.
What would you recommend me to do?

Thanks

Carolina K

Answer
Carolina
Keep the plant away from heaters...
Here is the best way to care for plants in pots...
Water by weight. Put a saucer under the pot. Water and let the plant sit in the excess water for 5-10 minutes. After that time pour off any excess water in the saucer. Pick up or lean the pot. It should feel heavy. Don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight. Outdoors check the plant every few days. Indoors check it every 3-10 days. Watering frequency depends on many factors(type of plant, light exposure, temps, humidity, etc.). Plants are killed by too frequent waterings - Not from how much water you give them at one time...Soak and let dry in between waterings...
Spray mist the foliage of the plant once a week to increase humidity around the plant...
Most indoor tropical plants require you to add fertilize on a weekly to monthly basis during the growing season. Visit your local garden center (not chain store) and see what they recommend for your particular plant...


Hope this helps...
Good luck...
Let me know what you think.
Rick in southern NJ


Hope this helps...
Good luck...
Let me know what you think.
Rick in southern NJ