Bonsai is an art form of miniature trees, and that allows us to grow and manipulate nature in limited space reducing the scale of full-sized woods. While the usual bonsai trees are deciduous or evergreen species such as maples, pines and junipers, some collectors with a taste for rarity try other species of plants in their quest.
Anyway, Norfolk Island Pine Bonsai have become popular over the past few years as a festive green addition to many homes during the holidays. While it is not a real pine, this oddly tropical alternative makes an amazing project for any bonsai lover looking to grow something with a gentle and lovely cut, and light fluttering needles.
Today, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the Norfolk Island Pine Bonsai; their history and origins, how they should be cared for, pruned and styled. Whether you are a beginner or searching for advanced information, this is the perfect guide for your successful gardening. Let’s get started!
Table of ContentWhat is a Norfolk Island Pine?
The Norfolk Island pine is a coniferous tree in the family Araucariaceae. Although called a Norfolk Island Pine is isn’t a true pine this species belongs to the Araucariaceae family which also contains other striking and eclectically silhouetted varieties like the Monkey Puzzle Tree.
The Norfolk Island Pine can grow up to nearly 200 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, grown indoors or as a bonsai it remains rather dwarf-like, which can be appealing to the bonsai enthusiast. The tree has symmetrical tiered branches and looks quite different than other bonsai specie, as it also has soft needle like leaves.
Norfolk Island Pine History and Origins
The Norfolk Island Pine was actually first seen by Captain James Cook in 1774 on his second Pacific Voyage. It quickly became apparent that the tree was both one of the tallest and most distinctive on record. Norfolk Island Pine has a straight tall trunk that was an early draw to settlers as wood for ship masts. Unfortunately as it turns out the wood was far too fragile for shipbuilding and so the tree has been relegated to an ornamental species.
Eventually, Norfolk Island Pines were introduced to other parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, leading them to be well-liked by landscapers and home gardeners. It is futuristic appearance, symmetrical growth pattern and adaptability to various conditions in recent years have excited bonsai enthusiasts and hybridizers.
What Makes a Norfolk Island Pine good for Bonsai?
The Norfolk Island Pine has an appeal distinct from more traditional species and can make a pleasant addition to the bonsai garden for those looking for something different. It is one of the best trees that can be chosen for Bonsai gardening due to the following reasons:
- Density
The lush, cone-shaped needles and evenly planted tiers make for an attractive tree in any bonsai collection, adding to its appeal as a tropical-looking species.
Norfolk Island Pines are great for inside, making them perfect for the grower that has no outdoor growing space or lives in colder climates.
- Different Growth Nature
This aspect of the tree and its naturally balanced shape allow for more creative bonsai form-making.
- The Unique Challenge
Norfolk Island Pine bonsai is a challenge that differs from most of the more common species in training and care, this gives many experienced with the art form an opportunity to expand their skills.
Care for Norfolk Island Pine Bonsai
Understanding the key basics about growing Norfolk Island Pine bonsai is one of the most important factors to successfully caring for this solid tree. This tropical species requires a different care routine than your standard bonsai maple or juniper. Let’s see!
1. Sunlight and Location
Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal for Norfolk Island Pines. An indoor tree should be kept near a window that gets good light, but not sunlight which can scorch its dainty needles. Outside, partial shade is good.
Growing Inside: The Norfolk Island Pine is well-suited to indoor cultivation because it needs less light compared to several other bonsai species. In newer versions, you can even grow them in pretty low light, but you will need to give them some bright indirect light for at least a little bit each day so if possible keep near an east or west facing window.
Outdoor Cultivation: Grow Norfolk Island Pines outdoors if you live in a tropical or subtropical climate. Keep it in a place where midday and harsh sun or high winds will not injure the fragile branches.
2. Temperature and Humidity
Norfolk Island Pines come from a tropical environment, so they like warmer temps and higher humidity. Artichokes should be stored at 60-75°F. They are cold-sensitive and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F for significant periods.
Indoor Humidity: Norfolk Island Pines prefer humid conditions, so If you are growing your bonsai indoors you may want to mist the tree now and again or sit it above a humidity tray.
3. Watering
Watering is the most important thing to get right when taking care of your bonsai, and Norfolk Island Pines are no different. They like moist soil in which they stand the water, but they struggle in a completely waterlogged ground. The key is walking that fine line between making sure the soil does not dry out yet drains well enough.
Water: Keep the tree hydrated by watering with only when the top inch of soil has dried. During hot weather, you may need to water a bit more frequently but in winter months it is best to cut back on watering so root rot does not develop.
4. Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil to prevent water retention (which causes root rot) is a necessity for Norfolk Island Pines. Ideal Bonsai soil should be made of well-draining mixture that consists various organic (such as peat moss or pine bark) and inorganic (such as akadama or pumice) materials.
5. Repot
Repot your Norfolk Island Pine bonsai every two to three years, preferably in the early spring, to replenish nutrients yourself and encourage new root growth.
Types of Pruning and Styling
Trimming and styling a Norfolk Island Pine bonsai keeps the tree in an hornlike proportion that containerful be pleasing to your taste. Before we touch on the restyling portion of today’s article, it should be noted that Norfolk Island Pines have a different “tree habit” than other commonly used bonsai species and your approach to pruning them will vary. Let’s know!
1. Pruning
Selective Pruning: The branches of Norfolk Island Pines grow in individual, horizontal tiers. To aid in this process, Thill suggests pruning to keep this natural shape by thinning the tree and removing branches and foliage from the lower levels. This cultivar is used to maintain a tight, balanced swoop in the structure in an effort to protect its integrity.
New growth should be pinched: Heavy pruning of the new growth tends to not work as well in this bonsai species, as it does in others. Instead, prune out the tips of new shoots very carefully using a pinching technique This works to moderates the tallness of the tree and promotes tighter growth without harming it.
2. Wiring
You can wire your Norfolk Island Pine bonsai to shape the branches, but it should be done with caution. When young, the branches of this tree are quite pliable and soft, which means they bend easily. They can get brittle with time but are more likely to break if you over-wire or force them into unnatural positions.
Wiring: Wire with a copper-aluminum alloy and apply plant benders, if needed. Try to be as easy as you can while wrapping the wire around the branches, so not to strip off the delicate bark.
How To Fertilize Your Norfolk Island Pine Bonsai?
Regular fertilization is essential to the growth and health of your Norfolk Island Pine bonsai. As these trees are light feeders, you can use a balanced slow-release bonsai fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season Feed less during the fall and do not feed at all in the winter.
Common Pests and Problems
Norfolk Island Pine bonsai trees are fairly low maintenance but can be susceptible to pests and diseases especially when grown indoors. Have a look for the details!
1. Pests
Spider Mites: In low-humidity conditions, Norfolk Island Pines are susceptible to spider mites which can get under control by increasing the humidity around them. Band stocking, can be stained and webbing on a tree or adhere to reibust.species in the pests. If your fruit tree is suffering from spider mites, simply increase the humidity around the tree and go over it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects: These can also infest Norfolk Island Pines, and honeydew may be present from their feeding.Back to THE TOP Scale infestations should be removed by hand and treated with insecticidal soap.
2. Yellowing Needles
This turn of yellowing needles can be various things such as overwater, underwater or a lack of nutrients. You may be overwatering of underwatering and, if all else fails, you could try some balanced fertilizer.
Repotting and Root Care
Most of the bonsai tree species, including this one need a repotting once every two or three years which keeps the roots from becoming root-bound and freshens up their substrate. When repotting, cut about one third of the root mass to promote fine roots. This helps the tree better absorb nutrients.
Conclusion
With its unique form, the Norfolk Island Pine bonsai is a standout in any collection. The Norfolk Island Pine bonsai may be more work that other options with regard to light, water and humidity but creates quite a unique view for one who has patience.
By caring for, pruning and styling properly, you too can create a thriving Norfolk Island pine bonsai that will set the stage of perfection in any area. Whether you are looking to add a new species and difficult challenge to your collection or simply taking in the sight of this tropical bonsai, the Norfolk Island Pine tree will bring years of both Visual and Artistic pleasure.
