What type of plant are u looking for? Is it a cool room? If so, how about a Gardenia or Azalia..Toni

Gee whiz, Toni! Two plants that SO many people have problems with when trying to grow them inside! And as far as 4 to 5 foot specimens............?

You might want to investigate some of the easy-to-grow indoor palms. There are several that are quite fool proof. Wait....I didn't mean it like THAT!!!

So, what happened to your Norfolk Island Pine? 'Fess up.

Those norfolk island pines are hard to get a hang on. I killed one last year when I didn't realize it was sitting in water, and even the one I got this year isn't doing so well - and I baby it. Fast draining soil, sitting on a pebble tray, the works! And I'm still getting browning needles near the 'trunks'

Oh well. I definately think palms are your way to go. You can get pretty big rubber tree plants, and my mom's had one palm/tropical type thing around the house for a good 20 years or so - it's a monster! (And my hairdresser has a 10 foot ficus in his shop that's planted in a garbage can. Not sure if that's actually the best for it, but there you go.)

Nice to meet you,
~BD

Hi there:

Some Dracaena plants can get pretty large. My marginata is 3 1/2 feet tall after a few years. Also snake plants are very easy & like indirect light. I'm not sure if you are looking for something that resembles Norfolk Pine, or just something easy. Monstera (swiss cheese plant)is a large pretty plant, some climbers like Pothos or Philodendron grow quite fast. Good luck on your choice!

Jen

Are there any evergreens/pines like Norfolk Pine that are easier to care for than it is?

Despite its appearance, Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a tropical plant not actually related to pines at all. It is the only pine-like plant I know of that is suitable for indoor culture.

The closest thing I can think of is Podocarpus macrophylla (sometimes called Buddhist pine) which could be a little less fussy, although it also likes coolish temps.

Rhizo, sorry, guess I wasn't thinking..I've got several of each plant and except for minor problems w/azalias, they all do well..Sorry. Toni

Toni...remember....you are one of the exceptions when it comes to azaleas! Your green thumbs glow! The typical plant grower (even experienced folks) don't have much luck with them in the typical indoor environment.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:74307}}

I have a chilean pine that I purchased as a monkey puzzle tree, but may actually be a banyan banyan tree that I absolutely love. I do not do well with the norfolk pines and this is supposed to be similar, but is doing really well in my dining room. It is about 5 plus feet tall and really pretty. I am in Montana, and it is rather dry here. I just water once a week with everything else and no misting or humidifier. I would say that this plant is more spiney and pokey than a norfolk pine though.

Best of luck finding a replacement.
Sara

I would say a ficus they come in mnay varieties and differnet color leaves

i too have problems keeping a healthy norfolk island pine.... and ficus as well!

Am thinking about giving the monkey puzzle a try. I have heard they sprout well from seed and grow at a good rate so might just look at ebay for seeds since I have yet to find a monkey puzzle around my area.

Maybe a pencil bush, Euphorbia tirucalli.Sorry karen715, Norfolk Island Pines ARE conifers and as such are relalated to pines, even though they come from a tropical Australian island (norfolk island). A full grown tree produces cones, some as heavy as 10-15 lbs. But I do agree with a podocarpus, as long as where you want to put it is a coolish place. Or how about some kind of arailia.