Here's my 2 cents: Contrary to other posters, I have a Norfolk Pine that is growing outside, in the shade, in the Arizona heat. That includes a distinct lack of any real humidity most of the time. Part of the year, yes, there is some humidity, but most of the year it's very low here. Exacerbate that with extremely high temps and one would consider this a climate that this particular tree could not survive in. I can only surmise the following for it's continued existence going on 4 years now: I planted it in the shade. I also planted it right next to the drain pipe for my central AC unit. Not intentionally, just that was the only place to put that tree left that I had out front of my house that was in the shade. We are in the "humid" time of the year here and the ground is saturated with water to the point of a small amount of standing water - which the tree is sitting in directly, water coming from that AC drain and I also have a drip irrigation system that is also watering it, lol. One would also think root rot, but again, the tree is healthy, with only a few brown spots where the sun has been able to hit it during the daytime.

True norfolk island pine have large spacing between branches and are symmetrical. Their needle like foliage on the branches are also long a narrow. Btw... you can buy them in stores during holidays. They are frequently mixed up but we do have one that is a true Norfork island pine bought at meijer. Another helpful tip is the branches along the main terminal come out growing upward and then may level out or droop. The cook's branches immediately grow outward or downward. N. Island pine are also known for the dark green foliage and less peeking bark as they are not actual pine trees but are tropical. First photo is of our norfolk. It is 4-5years. Sunburns easily in direct sun. Needs high humidity otherwise drooping like this occurs. It recently changed locations due to a move and is not happy. Second photo is foliage. The top foliage is a cook and the second foliage is a norfolk island. I hope this helps.

at the link.. note the paragraph on propagation ... leaders do best to make a new, well shaped tree ... with 3 leaders... you have three chances to replicate your plant ... topping... is adverse to all tree people.. outside ... indoors ... well ... hey .. who is in charge here anyway ... GO FOR IT ... if you make it real ugly ... you aren't that far behind my suggestion of getting rid of it anyway .. lol ... all conifers.. will EVENTUALLY re-establish a leader.. or in your case 3 leaders.... how long.. no clue ... IMHO ... you are a little late to try to bonsai a plant.. and that is basically what you are suggesting ... prune away.. play around... and when you hit the limit ... start over .. hence the suggestion of trying to root parts ... good luck ken

I put mine in the ground two weeks ago. It is a two year old tree that I bought Christmas of 08. I decided to take a chance and if I lose it I will get another. I had one several years back that got so big we were afraid it would damage the roof. A lady came by and said she had the perfect spot on her enclosed porch so I gave it to her pot and all. I saw her about 6 months later and asked how the tree was in its new home. She responded "You know that dumb tree died." Moral of the story, just plant it............ They do tend to get spider mites. The mites hate sprayed water. I take the water hose with the nozzle and spray pretty hard several times when I see some leaves turning brown.