Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Norfolk Island pine · Araucaria heterophylla

How do I get rid of pests on my Norfolk Island pine?

Spider mites are the most common pest for Norfolk Island pines because they love dry indoor air. Check the undersides of the branches for fine webbing to confirm an infestation.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the branch junctions for tiny webs.
  2. Shake a branch over a white piece of paper to see if tiny specks fall off.
  3. Check if the needles look dusty or discolored.

Likely causes

  1. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny white webs between the branches and needles. The needles may look dusty or pale before they eventually drop.

    What to do: Wash the plant down in the shower with lukewarm water to knock off the mites. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

Find out what's wrong with your norfolk island pine

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the webbing covers the entire plant and needles are falling off in large amounts, the infestation is severe. Act immediately to save the tree.

Stopping it coming back

Increase the humidity around your plant, as spider mites hate moist air. Regularly misting the needles can also help deter them.

Keep your norfolk island pine healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill the mites?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps as they can damage the needles. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a mild neem oil solution instead.
Do I need to isolate my plant?
Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants immediately. Mites can easily travel to other plants in your home.

More problems with Norfolk Island pine

Back to the Norfolk Island pine guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.