So, Norfolk Pines, how the heck do I save them?

[hickman]

I walked into my local drugstore on the 26th and was browsing. On a top shelf were 3 baby norfolk pines with glitter all over then and little ornaments on their branches. I took two down and took them to the register with the rest of my stuff. Understand please.. I kill plants. I don't mean to, I don't want to, but I have the black thumb. I couldn't leave these two little trees there though. At the register the clerks indicated that the 3rd was going to be dumped. I went and got it. How do I keep them alive? I've already over watered them(according to the only site I've found that says water once a week) so I'm just misting them every day. They don't look like those beautiful Norfolk Pines you see at the florist or grocery store. Their little branches are twisted, especially on top. What do I do?

[Hugin]

1. They'll need lots of time outside...

Much sunshine!

Check out how to take care of a banzai tree.

You have chosen a wise, but, difficult task grasshopper.

[hickman]

3. I live in Michigan.

Mild winter so far but can they survive 20 to 30 degree weather?

[Hugin]

6. From what I understand, yes.

Up there in Michigan aren't you surrounded by pine trees?

I'm glad you've taken up the little tree's cause.

They need lots of outdoor time. Preferably during the day.

Don't over water them!

I imagine, if they survive you could plant them sometime late next spring.

I don't envy the task of taking care of pines... I've never had any success.

[Hugin]

2. Link to potted tree (Bonsai) care...

http://www.emperorsbonsai.com/tips.htm

[hickman]

5. Thank you Prag but,

it doesn't tell me how to keep alive 3 half dead norfolk pines. I'll read it again, but I swear I didn't read any tips.

[Hugin]

7. More specific link...

http://www.emperorsbonsai.com/care.htm

Check out the short section on 'Juniper' or Evergreens.

[uppityperson]

15. I set mine free.

If they are meant to survive, they do. I used to try to save every plant, then figured out I could set them free for a night. I feel bad for a short time, but better than feeling bad every single day looking at the poor suffering slowly dying plants. I like to give them a little party before I set them free also, build up the excitement and all.

[hickman]

19. Oh geeze. I don't have your guts.

I have to remember the party thing though. I'm still laughing.

[barb162]

4. Is your intent to plant them in the yard?

IS your ground frozen?

I once got a tiny little pine in a drinking cup from a neighbor. It is now about 12 feet high and looking very nice in the yard.

[hickman]

8. I live in Michigan.

I don't think(from the little I've been able to find out) they could survive a northern winter if planted in the ground. I don't know why a drugstore would be selling them in the north.

[Nicole]

13. I don't think they will survive outside

Oklahoma is warmer than Michigan in winter. They sell them as houseplants here, they are labeled as such.

I've never bought one so I don't know what kind of care it needs, other than being indoors during winter. That's why I passed on them.

[hickman]

16. Nicole, I wish I had passed on them. I'm supposed to be retired.

Who the hell sells baby norfolk pines in a drugstore in the north? Who the hell lets lets elderly declawed cats out to fend for themselves? Sometimes I can't believe the world I live in.

[Hugin]

9. I'd guess this is *EXACTLY* what you're looking for...

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/norfolkislandpine.html

They say it works best in your climate as an indoor plant.

[hickman]

11. Oh for the love of Mike, Thank You Prag.

Thank you. Maybe this will keep the little guys alive.

[Hugin]

14. Sounds like sunlight and the proper humidity are key...

Good luck!

[hickman]

10. Apparently it's not a pine.

Araucaria heterophylla (synonym A. excelsa) is a distinctive conifer, a member of the ancient and now disjointly distributed family Araucariaceae. As its vernacular name Norfolk Island Pine implies, the tree is endemic to Norfolk Island, though it is not a pine. Any suggestions?

[Hugin]

12. Care instructions...

The ideal indoor climate for this species is cool and bright, responding well to daytime temperatures ranging from 60-70 F and slightly cooler at night. Although the Norfolk Island pine will adapt to bright indirect light, the plant will look its best with a couple of hours of direct sunlight daily. If the light source is coming from just one direction, you'll want to rotate the plant a quarter turn weekly to keep it from tilting toward one side.

When the plant is actively growing, feed it with a fertilizer formulated for indoor foliage plants. It is not unusual for the plant to be in a period of rest during the winter months, at which time there is no need to fertilize.

Water the plant when the top inch or so of the soil in the pot feels dry. Use enough water to allow a little excess to escape through the bottom drainage holes. Discard remaining drained water after about 15 minutes.

What is most challenging for the typical home gardener is giving this plant the high relative humidity it needs. Norfolk Island pine thrives at 50 percent relative humidity, yet it is not unusual for the average house to drop to 15 percent during the winter heating season, unless steps are taken to increase moisture in the air. Running a humidifier will increase both people and plant comfort and is the most effective way to adequately raise the humidity.

It is not unusual for a few needles on the lowest branches to turn brown and drop. If this happens slowly over time, it's likely just normal aging of the branches or possibly from lower light availability. However, if many needles are browning, or if the problem appears more widely distributed among the branches, look to problems of either too much or too little water or too little relative humidity.

[grasswire]

17. maybe the bathroom is the best place

...or perhaps a laundry room.

[Hugin]

18. That'd be a good bet...

Cut down on the watering too.

From those care instructions it sounds like they get the majority of their
water from the air.

Extra humidity is probably good for you too.

[hickman]

20. Now that I'm over the flu,

I think I'll put the vaporizer in the livingroom with them. I'm about ready to name them. My kids, of course, will be exploring power of attorney.