Re: norfolk island pine

**J* E* M* S* <h*@sbcglobal.net>**

Here's the note I got:

I was hoping you could lend me some advice on trying to root a cutting from a Norfolk Pine.  I have one that is 6 feet tall and over 20 years old.  My father gave it to me for Christmas one year.  He has passed away now.  Up until last year, it was doing ok. It is now not looking too good.  It has good growth on the top, but that is about the best I can say about the tree.  I have read some things on line about how to root it.  It does not appear to be an easy thing to do.  Can you lend any suggestions to a former Parks and Recreation employee? thanks

On Jun 6, 2012, at 12:43 PM, Susan McCoy wrote:

Hey all, according to grower Mike Rimland from Costa Farms, who grows about 95% of all Norfolk Island Pines in the US, "You cannot make a new plant by cutting it. It virtually is impossible to root a cutting. Maybe a air-layer but any plant that is that old in a low metabolic state will be hard to propagate. We produce them from seeds."

He also recommends not pruning the tree. Instead turn the pot 180 degrees and over time it will turn back to the light. 

Jo Ellen, he also said, "If it is 20 years old that is amazing. Where is the plant located? What city?"

Suzi McCoy

520 W. State Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone 610-444-3040
Cell 610-220-8400 

Website: http://www.gardenmediagroup.com
Blog: http://gardenplot.blogspot.com 
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/suzimccoygmg
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LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/suziwatsonmccoy

____________________
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Director, Garden Writers Association
hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net
http://hoosiergardener.com
Phone: (317) 251.3261
P.O. Box 20310
Indianapolis, IN 46220-0310
Co-author, Indiana Gardener's Guide
Author, The Visitor's Guide to American Gardens
Great Garden Speakers

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