How To Fix Your Norfolk Pine Problems – Tips, Tricks & More


A norfolk pine on the article How To Fix Your Norfolk Pine Problems

Norfolk pine is an excellent holiday plant! It is also known as Araucaria heterophylla and is essentially used as Christmas trees.

If kept in the right conditions, this plant can grow 60 to 80 feet in height.

Although it is an important plant during the holiday season, it is equally important to take care of it after the holidays.

Care for Norfolk pine is easy, and the plant does not show any problems until and unless the conditions in which they grow are inadequate.

They make great houseplants, and this plant’s care depends on the type of Norfolk pine you have.

Although they might all look similar, it is actually not true, and each type of pine tree requires different care.

Let’s look at some common Norfolk pine problems below.

Common Norfolk Pine Problems

The common problems for your Norfolk pine are root rot, anthracnose, stress and top down dieback.

These can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, lack of humidity, inadequate soil, incorrect temperatures and pest attacks. 

Pythium Root Rot

A poorly drained soil is what causes pythium fungi which thrive in soggy soil.

If your Norfolk pine begins to wilt, check its soil, and if the roots are soft and turn black from brown, your plant might be suffering from root rot.

Anthracnose

If your Norfolk’s needle branches are beginning to turn brown and drop, then your plant might be suffering from a fungus called Colletotrichum derridus.

It starts slowly from small needles of the branch and then gradually takes over the entire plant.

Stress

Norfolk pine grows in 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and prefers cooler nights.

If they don’t get the desired temperature, the plant will lose its freshness and turn brown.

It is better to keep them in an evenly lit area and rotate the plant frequently to get equal sunlight on each side.

Top Town Dieback

Norfolk pine plants have seen a growth of a fungus called Fusarium at the top branch of Norfolk Pine.

This fungus works inwards, causing the plant to die or wilt.

If you’re enjoying this article, check out our article on Purple Leaf Plum Tree Problems.

Why Is My Norfolk Pine Turning Brown?

Many people wonder why their Norfolk Pine Trees turn brown and often look for answers as to what the solution could be to this problem.

The main cause of your Norfolk Pine turning brown is overwatering or underwatering it.

Overwatering or Underwatering

A norfolk pineWater the plant just enough to cover the soil and check the soil by hand. The soil should not be dry, nor should it be too wet.

Water is just enough so that the roots of your plant are wet. Let the water pass through the plant and collect it in a drain.

Stop watering when the top 2 to 3 inches are wet and wait for it to dry before watering it again.

If your Norfolk Pine is too dry all the way through the plant, then the best thing would be to soak the plant.

If you can carry your plant to a sink, fill around 3 to 4 inches of water and place your plant in it for around 45 minutes.

Check if the soil at the top is moist and if it is not, then water from the top to help with saturation.

Once you feel your plant has gotten enough water, drain all the water from your tub or sink and allow your plant to drain completely before removing it from its place.

Humidity Boost

Another reason for your Norfolk Pine to turn brown can be a lack of humidity in the plant.

A boost of humidity might be important if you feel this is cause for your Norfolk Pine to turn brown.

Why Are My Norfolk Pine’s Branches Drooping?

You might get a little worried to see your healthy plant suddenly have drooping branches.

Don’t worry, we have got you covered and have the solutions to all your problems!

Dry Soil

You might want to keep a schedule for watering your Norfolk pine regularly to avoid the branches from drooping.

When you see the top layer of the soil dry, it is the best time to water your plant.

Don’t let your Norfolk Pine dry out completely, and if you see your Norfolk pine turning dry, then it is best to give it a soak in water!

Way to Soak Your Plant

If you are wondering how to soak the plant the read below!

  1. The first step is to fill a sink with 3-4 inches of water. However, make sure the water is cold and not hot!
  2. Leave your plant in the water for about 45 minutes and leave it to soak up the water.
  3. Check the top layer of the soil. If you can feel the top layer of the soil wet and moist, it has an adequate amount of water.
  4. However, if the topmost layer is still dry, make sure to add a little water at the top layer of the soil.
  5. Check the soil’s top if it is evenly damp, then remove the excess water and leave it to dry for some time.

Why Are My Norfolk Pines Branches Curling?

The main cause of your Norfolk Pine branches curling is due to the plant not getting enough water or getting too much water!

If you feel your plant needs less water, you need to schedule your plants’ watering days and time and help it to get those beautiful leaves back!

If you feel that the branches are curling due to underwatering , it is best to soak the plant in water for about 45 minutes to help the plant get its leaves back!

How To Fix More Norfolk Pine Problems?

The first thing you should do to fix more Norfolk Pine problems is to clean up the plant.

You might not consider it, but the main cause of many problems related to your Norfolk pine problems might be the less frequent cleaning of your plant.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Remove the entire part of the plant, turning brown or the affected area with sharp scissors.
  2. Wipe the scissors with rubbing alcohol before snipping again,
  3. Trim your plant in stages since cutting a lot of leaves together might shock your plant. Hence it is better to cut only 20% of the affected area.

While cutting your plant, you might see a lot of fungi hidden in between its leaves. You might also see some mites hiding in between the leaves.

The best way to check if there are mites is to shake the plant over a white piece of paper and spray the plant with an antibacterial soap.

It is essential to repeat it weekly or every other week to help your plant eliminate those mites and fungi!

It is also important to wear proper gear when doing this job as it can be harmful to you.

Care Of a Norfolk Pine

Caring for a Norfolk Pine is crucial for its growth.

Before you buy a Norfolk Pine, make sure you know the type of plant, and since they all look like pine, people often care for them like pine trees.

However, it is important to understand the type of plant to give it the care it requires.

The first thing to keep in mind when caring for a Norfolk Pine tree is to understand that this plant will not tolerate cold weather and conditions.

A norfolk pineIt will not survive below 35 Fahrenheit, and for most of the country, you can not even place this plant outside due to weather changes.

The second most important thing to consider when growing a Norfolk Pine is keeping it humid.

Since it is a tropical plant, it loves to stay in humid weather conditions, and it is essential to keep this plant inside during cold conditions and weather.

Keeping it humid is the most important thing when it comes to Norfolk Pine.

You can keep it humid by frequently misting it, using a humidifier in the room, or keeping some water under the pebbles plant.

One more thing to consider for this plant is to make sure it gets enough sunlight.

Norfolk pine prefers direct sunlight for several hours a day, which you can find in a south-facing window.

They also like full indirect light, and you can place it anywhere it gets indirect full sunlight.

Watering your Norfolk is quite helpful, and you should do it regularly.

You can also fertilize your Norfolk pine in spring and summer with a water-soluble fertilizer, but it would be better to avoid fertilizing it during winters.

If the top of the soil feels dry, it is time to water your Norfolk Pine tree.

Final Thoughts: How To Fix Your Norfolk Pine Problems

Norfolk Pine trees are an essential part of every household during the holiday season.

It is important to keep your Norfolk Pine humid and moist since it loves water and loves to stay moist and humid because of the region it is grown.

Hence it is important to give your Norfolk Pine trees the adequate amount of sunlight, water, and fertilization it requires, and you will see a healthy and happy plant in no time!

It would be best of your water your Norfolk Pine frequently for it to strive and thrive!

Before you go, here are some more related articles I encourage you to read below to help solve more of your gardening issues:

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We provide a wide range of information from indoor to outdoor plants to product recommendations to make your gardening experience the best it can possibly be. We are not experts in gardening but through extensive research and experience we will give you the best information to provide the best care for your plants.

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