Hi Vermont.......I have a Norfolk that I've had about 7 years and it's about 6 feet tall, growing one level a year. It's lower level has had browning to the branches and I think it's due to low humidity. I just prune them off. I put it outside every spring in the shade and it just thrives in the rain/shade. It will burn on top if put in direct outside sunlight. During the winter months I keep it close to a window in a back bedroom that faces east/west. Hope this reply is some use. Good luck!