Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

tiny norfolk pines are popular holiday gifts. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I’m torn between giving my family Amaryllis bulbs or tiny Norfolk Pine Christmas trees. Will the Norfolk Pines survive and get big enough to be a live (Christmas) tree?” — Ruth

Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

Hi Ruth, I love giving growing gifts so either one will keep on giving long past the holidays.

In terms of the tiny Norfolk Pines, I have been blessed with a couple over the years and they are now my living Christmas trees.

Some people don’t like them because they get more spindly as they grow. I like the scarce look, makes hanging, and seeing, ornaments a lot easier.

Here’s a Norfolk Pine gift from maybe 10 years ago. They are slow growers so celebrate every inch!

solar powered bee lights keep this norfolk pine christmas tree glowing all year. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

When this tree was smaller, you bet I would decorate it with a few ornaments at Christmas. Today you can also find solar-powered lights and small string lights to add so you can enjoy them all year.

Norfolk Pines like indirect sunlight and being misted daily. They don’t like getting dry; they will start dropping branches. (Ask me how I know!)

The other Norfolk Pine Christmas tree I have is now almost 7 feet tall.

My cats like to nap under it.

Not sure what I am going to do when it outgrows the room but thankfully they are slow growers.

I had this Norfolk Pine tree out on my deck for a few summers. It seemed to like rain and just being outdoors. Now it’s too big for me to move so I’ll periodically bring it rain water.

So either Norfolk Pine trees or Amaryllis bulbs will make lovely gifts. The Amaryllis bulbs will take up less space and bloom within 6-8 weeks. The Norfolk Pine trees are slower to grow. Both can keep growing and giving enjoyment for many years to come.

I know, so helpful.

Charlotte

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