Areca catechu dwarf (320-350)
Multi stem
4ARCAMS18
The Betel Palm (Areca catechu) is a beautiful and exotic palm. The palm is known for its fruit, the betel nut, and can grow up to 20 meters high in the wild. The beautifully feathered leaves can grow up to 2 meters long. We are happy to tell you everything about the origin and care of this beautiful Betel Palm.
Origin of the Betel Palm
The Areca catechu, better known as the Betel Palm, originated in the tropical parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The palm was first cultivated thousands of years ago in the Philippines and has since spread to other parts of Asia, such as India and Malaysia. The fruit of the palm, the betel nut, plays an important role in many Asian cultures, where it is often chewed. The Areca catechu belongs to the palm family Arecaceae.
Care for the Betel Palm
Location
The Areca catechu thrives best in a place with lots of indirect light and can also tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight per day. When placed indoors, it is recommended to place the palm near a large window facing east or west. The leaves of the Betel Palm can easily get damaged when exposed to wind, so do not place the plant in a draughty spot.
Watering
In its natural environment, the Areca catechu enjoys a fairly humid climate. The palm therefore needs regular watering. Ensure well-draining soil so that the water can reach the roots and also provide good drainage so that excess water can run off. If there is a layer of water remaining at the bottom of the pot, it can cause root rot. Water the Areca again when the soil feels slightly moist to dry. In the summer, the Betel Palm will need to be watered more often than in the winter.
Spraying
The Betel Palm enjoys being sprayed regularly. This increases the humidity and removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to absorb light better.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for the Areca catechu is around 20 to 25 °C. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 12 °C and is therefore not frost-hardy.
Pruning
Old leaves will eventually wither. This leaf can be cut off at the stem; in this way, the plant forms its stem. Discoloured leaf tips can be cut off to keep the plant looking beautiful.
Feeding
During the growing months in the spring and summer, the Areca catechu needs extra feeding. Use a feed suitable for palms. Check the packaging for the correct amounts.
The Betel Palms available at Nieuwkoop Europe are the smaller variant of the Areca catechu, namely the Areca catechu dwarf. These are available in sizes ranging from approximately 2.5 to 4 meters, so there is a suitable plant for every space.