Hello.

My area of interest is wild flora native to the midwest US and Lake District UK, though I have grown amarylis from seed and have a special love for hoya plants.

The Norfolk Island Pine that I have is the only remaining house plant that belonged to my mom. I've kept it alive and green for 11 years. Though a nagging voice told me to bring it in from the enclosed patio, I didn't. The next day I discovered that my felines had knocked it on the ground, and the lagomorphs completely defoliated it. Is there anything I can do to jump-start it? I am devastated.

My thanks in advance,
midwestflora

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/midwestflora/

Sorry to hear about your cherished hoya! I also love hoyas and would feel the same way you do if that happened! I also have a couple felines!

If the roots, or root-ball is not damaged, try putting it back in the same pot, or a smaller one if need be, giving just enough room for the roots, (about an inch growing room between the roots and inside of the pot) Water it in a little giving it the same light.
As long as the roots are ok, you should get some new growth, but it might take a while. Just don't feed it, or over-water it now because there are no leaves and the roots can easily rot.
Hopefully in time, it will grow again.You might also want to take a few cuttings and root some in water and some in soil in a small pot.

Good Luck!

Okay, thanks. Yes, it's the Norfolk Island Pine that I hope to hold onto.

The plant never left the pot. Should I take it out of the pot and disturb the roots a bit to let the plant know I still care? Should I put it in different potting soil?

The very first thing I did when I discovered the incident was bring the plant inside (as I should have the day before) and put it on its winter roost. Next I trimmed back the trunks so that all the rabbit girdling was removed. (Not a lot, just enough that the trunk that remained was intact and green on the inside.) Then I put a clear cellophane wrap around it (WITH AN OPEN TOP) to help hold in warmth and moisture. All this did was encourage mycelium growth, so I removed it.

Patience I have, I just want to make sure there isn't something else I should / should not be doing.

Cheers,
midwestflora

downtoearth, we all do that some days. that is why i had to read the post so many times

i don't think there is anything else you can do. if you want to check the roots to ensure they are healthy, that shouldn't hurt it, but i wouldn't repot it or anything. just make sure it doesnt get water logged while you are working on salvaging it. over loving plants is one of our greatest mistakes.