Posted on 01/01/2026 5:52:41 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
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Are the onions you grew last season still in storage or braids and looking good?
You need to be our ‘Onion Queen’ around here!
There is a Norfolk Island Pine that is commonly sold as a house plant/tabletop Christmas tree. They need a LOT of humidity as far as houseplants go.
I need a few answers as to what plant cultivar you have before I can make any 'care' suggestions. :)
Does THIS look like what you purchased? The needles are soft and not prickly at all.
That looks EXACTLY like my tiny tree!
I do live in Zone 7, and the tree currently sits atop a table in the living room, which gets a log of natural light (but it isn’t hit directly by it). There’s no care tag, just a small round tag saying “Merry Christmas”.
Imagine not having to buy a Christmas tree every year! Not sure how big they eventually get, but it would be a long time before it outgrew a large pot, I’d wager . . .
Many thanks in advance for your knowledge! :-)
LOL! I just hope he ages better than Robert Redford did...
Yep. This is NOT a plant you can plant outside in Zone 7 or anywhere other than where it naturally grows...which is the Tropics; Zones 10 and 11!
I mean, you’re CLOSER to the Tropics in Zone 7 from my Zone 5, but it’s still considered a houseplant for both of us. ;)
Get yourself a water spray bottle at a minimum, and consider a tray with pebbles/rocks beneath (holding the plant above and allowing drainage) which is always full of water for more humidity.
Here is how to care for a Norfolk Island Pine:
https://www.thespruce.com/grow-norfolk-island-pine-indoors-1902627
And don’t freak out about a browning stem from time to time. Totally normal. Just snap or clip that off and the plant will still be just fine.
BUT - indoors humidity and warmth is the key for this plant. It likes low-light conditions in the home, so an East or North window is best.
You can put it outside in a north or east spot this spring/summer - it will LOVE that! And them bring it in again in the late Fall and use it for your tabletop Christmas Tree once again. :)
Yowsah! Luckily, Beau has those SAME blue eyes, so ya know...Life Is Good, LOL!
They’re in the garage and still looking good.
The crop came in very poorly last year. LOTS of small onions. I think it was too dry. So I didn’t bother braiding them.
I’ve been watching The Millennia Gardener and MIGardener for onion growing tips. They have some good suggestions for starting them from seed that I’m going to try this year.
I always had good germination but lost a lot. I think it was because of over watering them and not feeding them enough.
I’ll see how these changes help because the onion plants people show that they started are always far sturdier looking than what I got.
We have about one more week of milder weather then back to winter again. I’m hoping next week to be able to get out in the garden and finish soil prep for some early spring crops.
When my cousin returned from grocery shopping yesterday, her cat came out to greet her from the Igloo Cooler cat shelter I made for him, so he’s using it. Success!! :-)
He hasn’t. He turned into Ken! As in the Barbie movie.
That’s so great! 😸💕
Those are some great baby blues! I loved both Newman and Redford!
However, my real heartthrob has beautiful brown eyes. 😍
That’s AWESOME!
Congrats!
You are a Godsend, dear lady! I’m most definitely in your debt.
So many people just throw these little trees away right after Christmas. Doesn’t seem right!
Sounds like you know what to do with that tree. Good job!
Great news on the cat/cooler.
Yet another ‘Million Dollar Idea’ formed on The Garden Thread, LOL!
So glad the cat is using the cooler/cave! My Dolly is not happy to have to spend the evenings in the Puppy Pen, next to the chickens (how degrading for a Huntress!) but until she’s through with the round of antibiotics, that is the way it is. She’s either with me (so I can watch her like a hawk!) or outside during the day.
Besides - the new Dinning Room rug has arrived - which is also not going down until this round of antibiotics is finished! ;)
I almost went to bed last night with Green Bay 18 points ahead of the Bears, but stayed up for some reason. Alas for GB, who would have thought the Bears would end up winning with a huge comeback?
I used to sell them by the DOZENS at Christmastime at the Garden Center, so it just made sense to me that that plant is what you had on your hands.
I think they’re really pretty, myself. Haven’t had one in years.
I was wrong on the light, though. BRIGHT - but indirect lighting, so no sun shining directly on it - which is pretty do-able in most homes. So, they need a LITTLE extra care, but they are worth it!
A. Norfolk Pine Needs Proper Sunlight in Winter
One of the key elements of caring for Norfolk Pine during winter months is providing the right amount of light. Imagine your Norfolk Pine as a sunbather – it craves bright, indirect sunlight.
Position it near a window with filtered sunlight, and remember to rotate it regularly. This ensures that all sides receive an equal share of sunshine, promoting balanced growth.
B. Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels is paramount for Norfolk Pine’s health during winter. Think of it as creating a cozy winter haven for your plant. Keep the room temperature within the range of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Avoid placing your Norfolk Pine near drafts or heat sources, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress it.
When it comes to humidity, Norfolk Pines adore it. Winter air tends to be dry, so it’s essential to supplement moisture.
Place a shallow tray of water near the plant or invest in a humidifier to maintain the right humidity levels. Think of it as providing your Norfolk Pine with a warm, humid hug.
C. Watering Schedule
Winter care for Norfolk Pines involves a careful approach to watering. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering. To achieve this balance, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Always use room temperature water to prevent shocking the plant’s delicate root system.
https://www.embracegardening.com/norfolk-pine-winter-care/
Amazingly, we couldn’t watch the game, but Beau was keeping up with it on line. No wonder he’s cranky this morning, LOL!
One of our Congress Critters has introduced a bill that ensures every Wisconsinite can see EVERY Packer game for free. None of this pay per view/cable-only/streaming stupidity. WE THE PEOPLE OWN THE TEAM, Fer Pete’s Sake!
Who says Government is totally worthless? (Well, besides me, LOL!)
I looked for the game & couldn’t find it, then realized it was on Prime. I really hate it that they have moved games to Prime & boycotted/resisted for a long time, then finally gave in since we had Prime anyway for orders. It was so much easier in the good old days when games were on one of the 3 major networks.
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