
Pruning Norfolk Island Pine
Can I cut the top foot or so off the top of my 14 foot tall Norfolk Island Pine and root it? It is getting too tall for my house.
Try air layering. This gives you the greatest chance of success. Simply cut halfway through the stem where you want new roots to form. Wedge the cut open with a toothpick and sprinkle with rooting hormone. Cover the stem around the cut portion with damp sphagnum moss and wrap in plastic. You may need to stake this area or the plant stem for added support. You should see roots in about one or two month. Remove the plastic, cut the stem below the roots and plant your newly rooted Norfolk Island pine in a well-drained potting mix. The remaining plant will continue to grow. The plant typically sprouts several stems above the cut. So your next job may be finding it a new home.
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