Growing Betel leaf plant

A green leafy vine growing as a ground cover or small climber, very similar in growth habits to pepper.

Description: The betel leaf plant is a branching vine, that may climb as high as 10-15ft, although it often grows as an understory ground cover.

Hardiness: It is generally too tender to grow outside of the tropics.

Growing Environment: The plant prefers warm, humid conditions, but can tolerate some drought.

 

Proper shade and irrigation are essential for the successful cultivation of this crop. The plants are regularly watered in the hot months.
The leaves of the plant become ready for plucking after one year of planting.
Betel needs constantly moist soil, but there should not be excessive moisture. Hence, frequent light irrigations are given.
The quantity of irrigation water should be such that the standing water should not remain for more than half an hour in the bed. If water logging by heavy rains or excess irrigation occurs, drainage should be arranged immediately. The best time for irrigation is morning or evening.

 

With proper care, betel-nut seedlings kept in one-gallon size containers can be hardened and ready for transplanting four (4) months from germination. Note that the roots of seedlings may become entangled (rootbound) when kept too long in containers. Root-bound seedlings generally take longer to recover once planted in the ground. If seedlings in containers are intended to be kept longer than 4 months, the following recommended
container sizes may be used as a guide: a three-gallon (3) size container for seedlings kept 6-8 months, and a five-gallon (5) size container for seedlings kept up to 12 months. Be sure all containers have adequate drainage.

Regular watering and exposure to partial shade or filtered sunlight are of extreme importance to seedling care, especially during the first 4 months of growth. When
seedlings are kept in larger containers, extreme care must be taken not to over water because it can contribute to root rot.

Site Selection - Select a site with adequate sunlight. A preferred location will be one where full afternoon sunlight is abundant. But, above all, select a site that exposes
the palm to at least 4 full hours of sunlight. Betel-nut palms lacking adequate sunlight tend to grow tall before beginning to produce fruits. Also, be sure that irrigation
water is available during the dry season. Betel-nut plants require lots of water. Avoid planting betel-nut palms in heavy clay soil because such soil-type does not provide
adequate water drainage.

 

An online source for this plant
Logee's Greenhouse-Piper betle

 

Rama
I am more happy than you.

Please do keep me posted. Thanks.

 

Yes. It needs sunlight and so a good window receiving sun light will be ideal.
Do keep us posted if you grow. Will be nice to see pictures.