foliage
DecorativeNorfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Needs a little consistency, but nothing fancy.
The Norfolk Island pine is a pet-safe, soft-needled conifer often sold as a living tabletop tree, and it keeps a tidy tiered shape indoors. It needs bright light and steady humidity to avoid dropping branches.
About Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a soft-needled conifer from a small island in the South Pacific, often sold as a living tabletop tree. Indoors it keeps a neat, tiered shape and grows slowly, eventually reaching a metre and a half over years. A 6-litre pot and a bright spot suit it, and it's a pet-safe alternative to a cut holiday tree for anyone short on space.
It needs the brightest light you can offer or it thins and drops its lower branches, which do not grow back. Keep the soil lightly moist and the air humid, since hot dry rooms brown the needles. Rotate it now and then so it grows evenly and holds its symmetry. The plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
What it’s like to grow
This one is moderately demanding and unforgiving in one specific way: branches it loses to low light or dry air are gone for good, so prevention matters more than rescue. Browning, dropping lower limbs signal too little light or air that's too dry. General yellowing and decline can come from either over- or under-watering, so aim for steady moisture. You'll want a bright, humid room for this one. Non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe living-tree option around pets.
What to expect
It asks for a little consistency, but nothing fancy. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Norfolk Island Pine →
Tips
- Give it the brightest spot you have; it thins and drops lower branches in low light.
- Keep the soil lightly moist and the air humid; it browns in hot, dry rooms.
- Rotate it regularly so it grows evenly and stays symmetrical.
Common problems
- Browning, dropping lower branches from low light or dry air (these do not grow back).
- Yellowing and decline from either over- or under-watering.
Common questions
Is Norfolk Island Pine toxic to cats and dogs?
Norfolk Island Pine is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Norfolk Island Pine need?
Norfolk Island Pine wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Norfolk Island Pine?
Water Norfolk Island Pine when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Norfolk Island Pine need?
Norfolk Island Pine is happiest around 16–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 5 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Can I grow Norfolk Island Pine without a sunny window?
Yes. Norfolk Island Pine does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Norfolk Island Pine get?
An upright, symmetrical conifer with tiers of soft horizontal branches; slow, to 1.5–2 m over years.
How do I propagate Norfolk Island Pine?
Grown from fresh seed; cuttings rarely keep the upright form so seed is the reliable method.
What pests affect Norfolk Island Pine?
Watch for mealybugs, scale, spider mites and aphids. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Norfolk Island Pine easy to grow?
Norfolk Island Pine is moderately easy. It asks for some consistency with light and water, but nothing advanced.
Gear for Norfolk Island Pine
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: bertknot, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.