Norfolk Island Pine - Araucaria Heterophylla

🌲Why You’ll Love It

✔Iconic silhouette– Perfect symmetrical tiers of soft needles
✔Coastal champion– Thrives in UAE's salty air and sandy soils
✔Fast-growing– Adds 30-60cm per year in ideal conditions
✔Low-maintenance– No pruning needed, just occasional cleaning

🌳 Growth & Appearance

• Height: 5-20m (controllable with container growing)
• Branches: Horizontal tiers spaced 30-45cm apart
• Foliage: Soft, needle-like leaves (non-prickly)
• Bonus: Develops attractive exfoliating bark with age

🏆 Survival Superpowers

• Wind-resistant – Flexible trunk withstands coastal breezes
• Drought-tolerant – Once established, needs minimal watering
• Pest-free – Naturally resistant to most insects

☀️ Light & Location

• Best: Full sun to partial shade (4+ hours direct sun)
• Planting: Allow 3-5m space for mature spread
• Avoid: Deep shade (causes sparse growth)

💦 Watering

• New plants: Deep water 2x weekly for first 3 months
• Established: Weekly in summer, biweekly in winter
• Pro Tip: Mulch heavily to retain moisture

🌡️ Climate Tips

• Ideal temp: 15-35°C (protect from extreme cold snaps)
• Humidity: Tolerates dry air but prefers coastal moisture

✂️ Maintenance

• Cleaning: Remove dead lower branches as needed
• Fertilizer: Light feed in spring (balanced slow-release)
• Pests: Watch for occasional mealybugs