The distinctive appearance of this tree, with its widely spaced branches and symmetrical, triangular outline, has made it a popular cultivated species, either as a single tree or in
avenues. When the tree reaches maturity, the shape may become less symmetrical. Despite the endemic implication of the species name
Norfolk Island pine, the species is widely planted as an ornamental tree for its exotic, pleasing appearance and fairly broad climatic adaptability, and now occurs throughout the world in regions with suitable
Mediterranean and
humid subtropical climate. It grows well in deep sand, as long as it receives reliable water when young. This, and its tolerance of
salt and wind, make it ideal for coastal situations. Indoors, the plant needs a bright location with at least 40% but preferably above 60% humidity for good growth. Indoor trees must not be exposed to the scorching sun or dry air from a radiator; the temperature should ideally not exceed . In winter, the plant needs a bright room that should be around . Many of the "Norfolk Island pines" that grow in Hawaii, including their descendants used as potted ornamentals on the U.S. mainland, are actually the closely related
Cook pines native to
New Caledonia, the two species having been confused when introduced.
Uses Young trees are often grown as
houseplants in areas where the winters are too cold for them to grow outside (they will not, for example, survive outdoors in most of
North America or
Europe), and are sometimes used as
Christmas trees. It will not survive in areas subject to prolonged cold. However, there are a few specimens growing outdoors in the subtropical gardens of
Tresco Abbey Gardens on the
Isles of Scilly, in the United Kingdom. What is probably the most northerly specimen growing outdoors is a young tree on
Valentia Island on the southwest coast of
Ireland. The tendency for potted
saplings to develop a barren appearance can be helped by growing them in clumps. In northern climates they can be left outdoors during summer or placed under growing lights to promote fuller growth. When planted outside, the trees should be provided with adequate space, as they can grow to a large size. The trees are widely planted in coastal
Southern California, where they can grow to well over . The trees are commonly confused with
Araucaria columnaris. The principal remaining natural stands occur on Norfolk Island, particularly within Norfolk Island National Park, where they receive some protection. The
IUCN classifies the species as
vulnerable. Seedlings have also been reported spreading in coastal forest on New Zealand’s North Island, where it is considered part of the broader “wilding pine” issue. ==Gallery==