The betel nut palm is an excellent houseplant that is often used to purify the air. However, you have to avoid the red betel nuts in the room, which are about the size of a chicken egg. In Asia, these nuts are chopped and chewed to reduce fatigue.
How do you care for a betel nut palm as a houseplant?
The betel nut palm needs a warm, bright location without drafts, a constant temperature of at least 20 °C, evenly moist soil, regular spraying with low-lime water and an air humidity of at least 60%.
With a height of up to two meters, this palm tree reaches a quite impressive size. Accordingly, the betel nut palm needs enough space. However, it is a little tricky regarding its location and care.
What location does the betel nut palm need?
The betel nut palm is very warm-loving. That's why she doesn't feel particularly comfortable on a drafty windowsill. To warm the root ball a little, for example on a cold stone floor, place the plant in a well-insulated planter (€15.00 on Amazon).
The betel nut palm would feel most comfortable in a warm, humid greenhouse. But this is not available to every plant lover. Therefore, place Irish betel nut palm in a warm and bright place where it is well protected from drafts.
The temperature should always be at least 20 °C, day and night, in summer and winter. The betel nut palm does not tolerate too much sun, especially during midday. However, a few hours of morning or afternoon sun is not a problem.
How should the betel nut palm be cared for?
As well as warmth, the betel nut palm also needs a lot of water. Chalky water quickly leaves unsightly stains and is otherwise not good for the palm tree. Either use rainwater or let the tap water sit for a few days if your area has a lot of lime.
The soil of your betel nut palm should always be slightly moist. Nevertheless, make sure that no waterlogging occurs. However, the betel nut palm also cannot tolerate a dry ball. Water accordingly regularly. Spray the fronds with low-lime water every now and then to increase the humidity at the same time; at least 60 percent is ideal.
The most important things in brief:
- demanding in terms of location and care
- ideal location: moist, warm and bright
- Temperature: at least 20 °C all year round
- low temperatures lead to stunted growth
- Humidity: at least 60%
- air that is too dry leads to brown leaves
- no blazing midday sun
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Spray palm trees regularly
- use low-lime water
Tip
The betel nut palm requires a relatively constant heat of around 20 °C to 25 °C.
