Marianne's Response

Norfolk Pine To Tall

Hi Marianne, My name is Jennifer and I have a Norfolk Pine that was given to me by my Father in 2004. It was a small tree,House warming gift, now it is 3 inches from my ceiling. Is there anyway to keep it from growing taller or do I have to gift it to someone with a taller ceiling? I really want to be able to keep it. Its from my Father who means so much to me. Thank you, Jennifer Sandoval

Posted by Jennifer Sandoval on November 10, 2019

Marianne's Response

Hi Jennifer, what a wonderful story and tribute to your father. There really is no way to stop this tropical tree from growing but you can slow it down. Do not repot into a larger container and do not fertilize or over water. If you see signs of yellow needles or wilting then you will need to add some Osmocote slow release plant food but only one half the recommended amount and also water just enough to keep the tree from wilting. Now I want you to know what my aunt did for her special cactus that grew to the ceiling. She actually hired a contractor to build a skylight over the plant like a glass cube. As the cactus continued to grow the cube was replaced with a taller cube. So their home had a glass chimney looking structure with a cactus inside. An extreme example of what we do for our plants. As a last resort see if anyone in the family has a home with very tall ceilings. Maybe they will become a foster plant parent for you. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti