While quite a few conifers do great in containers, most of them aren’t exactly thrilled about living indoors year-round. Most needle-bearing evergreens much prefer the fresh air of a balcony or patio. However, there is one notable exception that makes a fantastic permanent roommate!
The Norfolk Island Pine: Your Go-To Indoor Conifer
If you’re looking for a needle-tree that can handle life inside four walls, the Norfolk Island Pine is your best bet. Originally hailing from the subtropical regions near Australia, this beauty is much better adapted to warm indoor temperatures than your average pine or spruce. It’s easily the top choice for a year-round indoor evergreen.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Even though the Norfolk Island Pine loves its subtropical roots, you don’t want to bake it. Avoid placing it directly against a south-facing window where the glass can act like a magnifying glass and overheat the needles. Instead, aim for a bright spot with plenty of indirect light. It wants to see the sun, not be scorched by it!
Choosing the Right Pot
When picking out a pot, go for one that’s slightly larger than the current root ball to give it some breathing room to grow. To keep your tree happy, start with a layer of gravel or expanded clay pebbles at the bottom for solid drainage—nobody likes soggy feet! For the soil, a standard indoor potting mix works great, and you can always mix in a little sand or compost if you want to give it an extra boost.
Indoor Care Tips
Keeping an indoor conifer healthy is all about consistency. Regular watering is key; you never want the root ball to dry out completely, but you also don’t want it sitting in a puddle. To keep it lush and green, make sure you’re providing the necessary nutrients with a regular fertilizing routine.
Every two or three years, give your tree a fresh start by repotting it with new soil. This is also a great time to give the roots a light trim. Because these trees grow fairly slowly and keep a nice, compact shape, you usually won’t need to worry about a heavy pruning, though a little tidy-up here and there is perfectly fine.
Taking the Party Outside
Keep in mind that most other conifers aren’t meant for the “apartment life.” If you have other potted evergreens, they’ll be much happier if you move them out to the balcony or terrace, especially during the summer. Nothing beats fresh air and natural humidity for keeping those needles vibrant!
