How to prune Araucaria heterophylla

Leave a healthy Araucaria heterophylla alone: pruning can permanently spoil its natural tiered shape. The supported exceptions are dead or damaged growth and a second upright leader.

Plant coveredAraucaria heterophyllaNorfolk Island pine · indoor and outdoor

Identify the plant part and the reason for removing it

Choose what to remove

For Araucaria heterophylla, the decision concerns the central leader and major branches. Leave the normal form intact, considering removal only for a competing leader or genuinely dead or damaged material.

Norfolk Island pine needs little or no routine pruning because its natural shape can be permanently spoiled. The supported exception is training multiple trunks or leaders to one central leader, alongside removing dead or damaged parts.

Decide whether to prune now or wait

Prune at the right time

Cut only the selected part

Make one clean cut

If multiple leaders are present, retain one central leader. For maintenance cuts, use a clean tool and remove only dead, damaged or diseased material. Do not top the tree or cut healthy old wood to reshape it.

Stop when the pruning goal is met

When pruning will not help

Watch the cut and new growth before pruning again

Care for the plant after pruning

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