Year-Round Gardening

| YEAR-ROUND GARDENING | The Humble, Deceitful Norfolk Island Pine

WHAT PET OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

ASPCA states on its website that the Norfolk Island pine — labeled as Australian pine — is nontoxic to dogs and cats; however, Bloomscape.com warns it is mildly toxic to pets, noting, “Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.”

Sources: https://bloomscape.com/plantcare-guide/norfolk-pine/ and https://www. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/ toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/australian-pine

WINTER HUMIDITY RESTORATION TIPS

Most houseplants — and humans really — require more humidity than is available in the average home during winter when furnaces and fireplaces dry air out. Due to this, plants may display wilting or leaves that are either browning on the edges or yellowing. Any of these signs mean your plants are desperate for humidity. • Mist your plants with a spray bottle; however, never do this to plants with hairy leaves since the water lingers and could be detrimental to the plant’s overall health. • Within a tray, layer pebbles or stones. Add water almost to the top of the pebbles, and then place the potted plants on top. • Bundle plants together, and place a water-filled tin or watering can at the center of all the plants. • Deploy a humidifier. • Move plants into more humid rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Each November and December it makes a grand appearance in retail stores of all varieties — the

Norfolk Island pine, or Araucaria heterophylla. They make for an adorable table topper during the holidays, particularly with ornaments and ribbons dangling from their branches. While the Norfolk Island pine might resemble a pine tree, it really isn’t. Rather it is a tropical plant of the conifer family Araucariaceae and is a native of the South Pacific.

After the holidays, people often throw the Norfolk Island pine away, but that doesn’t have to be the case since it makes a great houseplant. A slow grower, over time, a well-cared for Norfolk Island pine can reach 20 feet indoors, while its outdoor counterparts in warmer climates can soar to heights of 100 feet or taller. In the home, keep the Norfolk Island pine in a medium to high light location, supplementing with a grow light as needed. When it comes to soil, a peat-based potting mix is ideal. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings since its roots are susceptible to rot if left too wet. If the needles start to turn yellow, more water is needed.

Plenty of humidity is also necessary, especially during winter.

While the Norfolk Island pine is in its growing season during spring and summer, a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength will be beneficial to the plant. You can also place the Norfolk Island pine outside during warm summer days to further encourage growth. In the winter, the Norfolk Island pine enters its dormant stage and doesn’t require fertilizer.

Taking these steps will ensure your Norfolk Island pine goes the distance long after this holiday season while stepping into the role of living Christmas tree for several more to come. n Photos: Shutterstock.com