Why do some Norfolk Island pines have a split trunk? Mine grew 20 feet tall with one main trunk. At the 20 ft mark it decided to split in to two trunks. Why? Thanks, Bill
Norfolk Island Pine commonly will split trunks. They are susceptible to wind damage, which is often the cause of damage to these trees.
My research showed many reports of the tree splitting into two leaders.
I inherited a 8 ft tall Norfolk pine when I bought my house. The bottom branches have all fallen off. Is it possible to save this plant?
It is normal for a Norfolk pine to lose a few lower branches as it grows, so if the tree is still growing at the top, it is probably fine. However, if it's not growing at the top or looks unhealthy overall, there could be a problem with watering or light. Both overwatering and underwatering could cause the death of branches- make sure you water when the soil surface is dry but don't keep the soil constantly wet. Also make sure the tree has enough light and humidity as described here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
I had to trim off most of the brown, dead limbs. Do these bottom branches grow or replace themselves, or should I discard the plant? The tree is about 6 feet tall with green branches on the very top only.
The dead branches will not grow back, since Norfolk pine only grows from the top. You may still be able to keep the plant alive- check to make sure it is not overwatered or underwatered, and that it has enough humidity and light, as explained here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-dropping-branches.htm
If you don't like the plant's appearance without the lower branches, you are better off discarding it and starting with a new plant.
The Norfolk tree is leaning over and I'm scared it will fall onto neighbour's roof. It is like 13m or more tall! Can I cut the top to at least 5/7m? Will it shoot out new branches? Have you heard of inner cores of the norfolk trees that rot? We took another one out that was 20m tall. It SEEMED rotten inside...or would you say it is very brittle on the inside, so that it only appears to be rotten?
A leaning Norfolk pine is often caused by a too-small root system, which destabilizes the tree. This can happen if it's growing in a pot or in an enclosed, small yard space. Unfortunately, leaning Norfolk pines can create a safety hazard, since they've been known to fall on houses.
Norfolk pines only grow from the top, so if you remove the top, it won't continue growing well, and this might make it appear even more lopsided. However, doing this might prevent the safety issue. The other option is removing the tree.
I purchased a small Norfolk Island Pine (maybe 6-8 inches tall) about 30 years ago. I used to decorate it with tiny Christmas ornaments. It is now about 5 foot tall,but since I made quite a few moves over the years, with less than optimal light some places I have lived, the bottom 3 feet have no branches. Recent years it has been thriving beautifully, but looks odd with no lower branches. Having had this since my first apartment, I can't seem to part with it, regardless of it's odd appearance. Is there any way to "shorten" the trunk, so to speak. Since it has no nodules, I feel certain air layering would not work. Any suggestions? Thank you! PS...As you can see in the photo, I try to disguise the bare trunk!!
Unfortunately it is difficult to replicate the growing conditions that Norfolk Island prefer. Good sunlight and high humidity.
Incorrect watering, too much or too little can also result in excessive needle and branch dropping.
This is a very old specimen and even though the overall height of the plant is still appropriate to your home, many times these plants outgrown the home environment.
Pruning is not an option with Norfolk Island Pine, topping the plant will just give you a plant with no top.
It really is best to start over with a new plant.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-dropping-branches.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm
I live in the Houston/Pasadena, Texas area. This past winter we had 2 days of freezing temps back to back. My Norfolk pine is in a 24" pot and is about 12' tall. After the freeze, the tips of the branches started turning brown and the leaves falling off. Is there anything I can do to try to save it? I am well known for bringing dying plants back to life. This one has me stumped!!
The best thing you can do is just give the tree its usual care and avoid overwatering. Wait a few months to see if it's beginning to recover, and at that point you can prune off dead foliage. Norfolk pines don't usually grow back well, though, so it will probably never look the same.
My Norfolk Island Pine starts turning brown from the bottom and very dry everywhere, and is it good to put some kind of mineral in the soil, please help
This can be a common issue with an indoor Norfolk Island Pine.
They need a high humidity to stay green and hydrated.
This article has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/norfolk-pine/norfolk-island-pine-care.htm