Norfolk Island Pine or Christmas Tree, Araucaria excels, originated from Norfolk Island, off the coast of Australia in the South Pacific.
Norfolk Island Pines can be bought as seedlings or as small potted plants from nurseries here in Guyana. They are specially grown for this season by the hundreds.
Although, this is a slow-growing evergreen, the stiff branches are ornamentally symmetrical covered with prickly needle-like pines from the main trunk in tiers making them look different from your average Christmas tree. It likes good light, ventilation and likes to be moist.
Norfolk Island Pines are very popular around Christmas time as they are used as live Christmas trees. Small potted plants are usually decorated with lights and bows for the festive seasons for tables and desk tops.
You can develop a long-term relationship with your Norfolk Pine plants as you can repot them in larger pots until they are large enough to plant outdoors. Large plants can be grown in pots until they are approximately 6 feet tall and then they can be planted outdoors in full sunshine and you can enjoy them for many years to come.
Grown trees are strung with lights at Christmas. They can be seen at Demerara Distillers Ltd, Diamond, East Bank Demerara; Banks DIH Ltd at Ruimveldt; along the East Coast Demerara and at Pegasus Hotel among other places.
While the Norfolk Island Pine can be grown by seeds, this is a long process. The young tree likes to be moist and should be planted in regular potting soil with good drainage. Fertilize small plants with Miracle Gro All Purpose once every two weeks and with Blue Corn once per month if planted outdoors.
Have a Happy and Blessed Christmas.
Until next week, Happy Gardening.
