Norfolk Island Pine questions
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:11 am
Hello everybody! This is my first post and after reading a bunch of threads, I know you can help me.
My family and I all got these NIP trees and decided to see who can get theirs to grow the fastest. No prizes, only bragging rights. Posts in the Bonzai section say they aren't good for Bonzai so maybe you tree gurus can give a little advice. I've read about the watering/light/soil conditions but I can't seem to find answers to these questions:
First, can I get it to grow quicker if I divide it up? Right now there are six trunks in in the small pot. I know it will still grow with the six, but will it grow faster if I divide it, or do they grow better in these groups?
Next, some say it prefers to be a bit root bound. Some say put it in a 3 gal pot. Any suggestions? Right now its in a 4" pot and about 11" tall.
Next, pruning. Can I prune off a few lower branches to let more energy go into growing it taller? Some say pruning not good, some say pruning OK.
I plan to use flo lights to give it more time to grow, does this plant need a dark period? I don't know too much about tropicals, but I know I will learn a lot from you guys and gals. I live in SE Michigan and will keep it indoors, in as much sun as possible then put it into flo light at night. My parents and sister have an annual tomato grow contest. My parents almost always win and I learned a lot from them, now please help me amaze everyone! Haha! Thanks for ALL of your posts, past, present and future. You will never know how many people you have taught, but I know its more than a bunch.
My family and I all got these NIP trees and decided to see who can get theirs to grow the fastest. No prizes, only bragging rights. Posts in the Bonzai section say they aren't good for Bonzai so maybe you tree gurus can give a little advice. I've read about the watering/light/soil conditions but I can't seem to find answers to these questions:
First, can I get it to grow quicker if I divide it up? Right now there are six trunks in in the small pot. I know it will still grow with the six, but will it grow faster if I divide it, or do they grow better in these groups?
Next, some say it prefers to be a bit root bound. Some say put it in a 3 gal pot. Any suggestions? Right now its in a 4" pot and about 11" tall.
Next, pruning. Can I prune off a few lower branches to let more energy go into growing it taller? Some say pruning not good, some say pruning OK.
I plan to use flo lights to give it more time to grow, does this plant need a dark period? I don't know too much about tropicals, but I know I will learn a lot from you guys and gals. I live in SE Michigan and will keep it indoors, in as much sun as possible then put it into flo light at night. My parents and sister have an annual tomato grow contest. My parents almost always win and I learned a lot from them, now please help me amaze everyone! Haha! Thanks for ALL of your posts, past, present and future. You will never know how many people you have taught, but I know its more than a bunch.
