How to Grow Betel Plant in Pot

Betel leaf, also known as 'Paan', is a perennial crop which is native to Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and other tropical countries. It is not only used for chewing purposes in traditional medicine but also used in various cultures for religious and social events. Growing betel plant is easy, and you can grow it in your garden or in a pot. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to grow betel plant in a pot.

Choose a Suitable Pot

The first step in growing betel plant is to choose the right pot. The pot should be at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches in depth. The pot should have good drainage holes at the bottom to avoid waterlogging. You can use plastic or clay pot as per your convenience. If you choose a clay pot, make sure to soak it in water for a few hours before planting, which will help to retain moisture in the pot.

Fill the Pot with Soil Mix

After selecting the pot, the second step is to fill the pot with soil mix. Use a well-draining potting mix that contains a mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand. The soil mix should be slightly acidic, with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. Fill the pot with soil mix up to 70% and ensure that there is enough space left on the top, which will help in watering and prevent water from overflowing.

Plant the Betel sapling

Once the pot is filled with soil mix and watered, make a hole in the middle of the soil with your fingers. Place the betel sapling in the hole and cover it with soil mix. Ensure that the soil mix is gently pressed around the sapling up to the root ball. Water the sapling gently, which will help to settle the soil mix around the roots.

Caring for the Betel Plant

Now your betel plant is ready to grow in a pot. The plant requires proper care to grow well, and you need to follow some essential care tips.

Sunlight

Betel plant requires full sunlight to thrive, and it should be kept in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

Betel plant requires regular watering, and it should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a day in summer and reduce the watering frequency to every 2-3 days in winter.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant with organic fertilizers like cow dung or compost once in three months, which will help the plant to grow healthier.

Pest Control

Check the plant regularly for any pest infestation or disease symptoms. Treat the plant with organic neem oil or pesticide spray to prevent any damage to the plant.

Harvesting the Betel Leaves

Your betel plant will take 4-6 months to grow fully, and you can start harvesting the leaves when they are around 4-6 inches long. Cut the leaves from the plant using a sharp blade, leaving the leaf stalk intact. The plant will continue to produce new leaves, and you can harvest them every 3-4 weeks.

Conclusion

Growing betel plant in a pot is an easy and rewarding task. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy fresh betel leaves from your garden or balcony. So, choose the right pot, soil mix, and follow the essential care tips to grow your betel plant in a pot.