Decorating A Norfold Island Pine For Christmas

Norfolk island pine tree bjphotographs/Shutterstock

Imagine buying a Christmas tree once, then using it every December, year after year! Been there, done that? Probably not with a living tree. This one's not plastic or aluminum—it's an honest-to-goodness evergreen!

What is a Norfolk island pine?

Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a subtropical tree that grows tall and proud in climates like South Florida and Hawaii, where it can reach up to 200 feet in height. Elsewhere it makes a fine houseplant or patio plant, slowly growing to about 6 feet.

This attractive evergreen tree has gracefully curved branches that help it stand apart from traditional indoor plants. Because of its beauty, Norfolk island pine is marketed year round but especially at Christmas. In fact, a number of national retailers now sell the potted evergreens already decorated for the holidays! Unlike other evergreens, Norfolk island pine is comparatively easy to grow indoors, which means you can keep it alive for years. Just think, your family Christmas tree could live to serve another generation, starting a nice tradition.

Going the traditional route with a cut tree? Here are some tips.

How to keep a Norfolk island pine healthy?

Keeping a Norfolk island pine healthy depends on providing bright light and keeping it away from drafts (including heating vents). Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Soil that's continually wet can cause root rot and browning of branches—at which point some homeowners instinctively reach for the watering can when the tree already has too much moisture.

Planting a Norfolk island pine outdoors

From Christmas tree to houseplant to patio tree? Yup! Turns out Norfolk island pine likes to spend the summer months outdoors, where it will often take on a greener hue. The key is to wait until the danger of frost has passed, then move it to a partly shaded spot for the summer. Don't put it in direct sun because the needles will get sunburned.

Why use a Norfolk island pine as a Christmas tree?

Why use a Norfolk island pine as a Christmas tree? It's natural, it's unique and, believe it or not, it's an air purifier. NASA research confirms houseplants like Norfolk island pine can help remove harmful vapors that off-gas from common household items, furnishings and cleaning chemicals. No artificial tree can do that!

Here are 60 incredible DIY Christmas decorating ideas.

Plus: Buyer's Guide: The Best Christmas Tree Lights

Prextex Christmas Lights

These Prextex Christmas lights are some of the highest rated on Amazon, earning 4.6 stars out of five. They come with 100 lights, two flasher bulbs, two extra bulbs and two replacement fuses on a 18-foot string. There are 100 LED lights on the string and you can pick some up for $14.99. Find out the pros and cons of switching to LED lights. You might be surprised by some of them. Shop Now

LED Warm White Lights

Amazon customers give these Christmas tree lights from PMS 4.6 stars, and for good reason. For $43.99, you get 1,000 LED lights with eight modes and a memory function. You'll cover plenty of ground with 338 feet of lights. After Christmas, just be sure you know how to best store Christmas lights. Shop Now

Koopower LED Battery Operated String Lights with Timer

These Koopower LEDs battery-operated weatherproof string lights can be used indoors or out without trailing cables or an external power supply. With the timer function, these lights will turn on in a pre-programmed 24-hour sequence: Six hours on, 18 hours off. The sequence continues until switched off or the battery runs out of power. Plus, check out these 15 super easy ways to save money during the holidays. Shop Now

Recesky Christmas String Lights with Timer

These Christmas lights from Recesky rank among the best-selling and top-rated LED lights on Amazon. You'll get 19 feet of these waterproof, battery-operated LED lights (50 bulbs in all), which should be great for your utility bill. They come with a timer and eight light modes; you supply the three AA batteries needed to power them. Avoid an eye-popping electric bill with these tips. Shop Now

Mini Globe Warm White LED Lights with Smart Control

Bring a warm, festive glow to your home with Novolink LED string lights. These cheerful lights, excellent for holiday and party decorations, use 200 energy-saving LED bulbs per string. Pick out the best Christmas tree ever after reading these tips. Wireless control makes it easy to change the flashing pattern, timers and brightness from the Novolink App, available for iOS or Android. Hang or wrap the string lights, add up to three additional light sets, select your favorite flashing mode and enjoy your own festival of lights. Shop Now

Twinkle Star LED Star String Lights

These Twinkle Star warm white star string lights are durable, long lasting and extremely energy efficient. They're easy to use as well; just plug them in and adjust the lighting mode with the controller. Plus, here's the secret to fixing those old Christmas lights. Shop Now

Fullbell Fairy Twinkle LED Lights

Fullbell is one of the best-selling Christmas light brands on Amazon, and this 66-foot string of 200 LED lights is a sweet deal at $15.99. The multiple color, waterproof string comes with a controller. Get ideas for holiday decor for every room with these out-of-the-ordinary tips. Shop Now

Twinkle Star LED String Lights

These Twinkle Star LEDs are the No. 1 best seller on Amazon, retailing for $17.99. These, too, are waterproof, feature eight modes and can be used in several settings. There are 300 lights in a package. Just don't go crazy with them like some of the most outrageous light displays of all time. Shop Now

Sterno Battery Powered Fairy String Lights

These Sterno home lights are a versatile addition to your holiday displays. They're battery operated so they can go anywhere, and they're remote-controlled, too. You get 50 LED lights and a combined length of 65 feet with a four-pack. Customers give them 4.3 stars on Amazon. Consult our homeowner's guide to Christmas lighting before you get started. Shop Now