Expert: nick mccann - 3/3/2009

Question
I have had three Norfork Pines for about three years, they have done pretty good so far, but I'm noticing the lower branches browning and falling off, and some lower tips are browning. You have said the lack of humidity can cause this. I misted them with cold water and they reacted instantly, turning dark green and livening up. How often should I mist these? Everyday or once a week? Thanks

Answer
Hi Tim, many indoor plants, especially those that are semi tropical or tropical by nature, require a humid environment for optimum growth and health; the dry indoor conditions of most houses (especially during the winter months..)preclude this and we must make adjustments to compensate. You can mist them, if you have that kind of time, because it would be an every other day event, or you can place containers of water by the plants, so that they can enjoy the benefit of the evaporation; the easiest method, albeit expensive, is to set up a humidifier near the plants in question. Nick