Betel

Family. Arecaceae or palms.

Origin. Pacific, Asia and East Africa, particularly the Philippines and Malaysia.

Description. The Betel is a beautiful medium-sized palm tree, up to 20 m high, with a slender ringed trunk 10 - 15 cm in diameter, a crown with a diameter of 1.5 - 4 m and consists of numerous rounded, feathery leaves. The petioles are wide and rigid. The inflorescences are branched and bear many male and female flowers. Male flowers are small and numerous; The female flowers are solitary or in small groups of two or three flowers, much larger than the male flowers. All flowers are fragrant, whitish-yellow. Produces ovoid, dark yellow with a red tint, smooth fruits 5 - 8 cm long.

Height . Up to 20 m.

Betel palm - home care

Containment temperature

Does not tolerate temperature changes. During the winter months, the preferred temperature is 15 to 20°C at night and 24 to 28°C during the day. 

Lighting

It is important to place the plant in a location where it will receive 6 to 8 hours of sun each day through a thin curtain. 

How to grow

Remove old, brown and dead branches from the tree as they appear.

Soil

The mixture can consist of 1 part humus, 1 part sand and 2 parts soil, with good drainage. 

Fertilizer

Approximately once a week with liquid fertilizer.

Flowering time

January - March, betel palm trees bloom for the first time at 6 - 7 years of age.

Spraying

Indoors, it is advisable to use a humidifier or place a tub with a palm tree on a tray of wet gravel. 

Watering

The palm loves water, but do not let water stagnate at the roots. Keep the soil moist to the touch. The plant will begin to wilt if it does not receive enough moisture. Water the palm only with soft water that does not contain salts and minerals! Otherwise, tiny dark spots will appear on the leaves.

Transplant

Transplanting is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. Tie the palm branches to avoid damage and transfer the tree to a pre-prepared container. Make sure the betel is at the same soil level as it was growing before. Firm the soil around the roots to avoid air pockets.

Reproduction

Fresh betel seeds germinate within 2 months in well-drained soil containing sand and moist peat. Place the pot as close to the sun as possible, in a warm place, and constantly maintain the necessary air humidity.  

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to waterlogging. Direct sunlight can leave burns on the leaves, and even adult plants can die because of this. 

Pests are of little concern. However, mealybugs or spider mites may appear from time to time, as well as whiteflies and scale insects.

Purpose

If you like feathery palms with thin leaves, betel is perfect for this role. These elegant, slow-growing trees will delight you for many years.

Note

The fruit of the betel palm contains stimulating arecolin. In Southeast Asia, the nuts are crushed and eaten.