Areca

Family Arecaceae. The genus Areca, Betel (Areca L.) includes about 55 species of plants belonging to the family Arecaceae, or palms. They are distributed in tropical Asia, on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, on the island of New Guinea, and in Australia.

Slender-stemmed palms, usually with several trunks, less often single-stemmed, with ring-like scars on the trunk. Leaves pinnate, bright green; leaflets densely arranged, comb-like erect, lanceolate, divided at the tip.

Seeds of Areca betel are poisonous, they are a component of the popular chewing preparation "betel", widely used by the population of Southeast Asia as a narcotic and stimulant.

Light: bright. The plant tolerates direct sunlight. It is recommended to shade from the midday sun during the summer period.

Temperature: in summer the optimal period 22-25°C. At other times of the year 18-23°C, not below 16°C.

Watering: abundant in the spring-summer period. From autumn watering is reduced to moderate, not allowing the root ball to dry out completely.

Air humidity: high. During the summer it is recommended to spray regularly.

Fertilization: with a regular flower fertilizer, twice a month in summer, at other times once a month.

Dormant period: not pronounced.