How to Grow Paan Plant at Home in India

A famous mouth freshener and an after food delight, Paan is a favorite of all in India. Learn How to Grow Paan Plant at Home and enjoy its leaves fresh!

Paan (Betel) Plant

The botanical name of the paan plant is Piper betel. It is native to India, and the leaves of this herb are being used in the country since long back. The Paan plant is a kind of perennial creeper vine that is evergreen. These creepers require some support as they can not support their weight. The heart-shaped leaves of these are enjoyed in India as a mouth freshener called “Paan.” Let’s see How to Grow Paan Plant at Home.

Common Names: Paan, Nagar-bel, Vettila, Khavayache-pan, Naagavaela, Tambula, Desi paan

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Significance of Paan in India

The leaves of the Paan plant hold a very significant place in Indian tradition. It is a very famous delicacy relished across the country. The paan leaves prepared with a filling of Chuna (slacked lime), Kattha, supari (areca nut), and it is often eaten after meals and serves as a digestive. Almost every Indian has relished this sweet at least once in their lifetime! Apart from that, the leaves are also used in various auspicious festivities like wedding rituals, etc. Ayurveda lists a variety of uses of paan leaves in the treatment of many diseases as well.

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Major Paan Plant Growing States in India

Paan is mostly grown in tropical and subtropical regions of India. The cultivation of Paan is a specialized kind of agriculture. The major paan plant producing states are Assam Andra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, of which 85% of its total production comes from the states of Kerala, Assam, and Karnataka.

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How to Grow Paan Plant at Home in India

If you are wondering how to grow the paan plant at home, here are all the requirements. If you live in the Himalayan states of India like Himachal, Uttrakhand, Kashmir, and Sikkim, make sure to move your plant indoors in winter when snowfall occurs. On the contrary, if you belong to the hotter state like Rajasthan, take special care in summer. A green shade cloth to save from intense heat would be fine. Also, water more frequently!

Temperature

With its origin in India, the paan plant is a tropical creeper, growing well in the humid and warm climate of most Indian states. Temperature ranging from 10-30 C is good for its growth.

Soil

Although paan plants can grow in a wide range of soils, sandy loam soil is ideal for growth. The major requirements for growing paan are soil with organic matter and good drainage. You can also add some sand in the soil if you are dealing with clayey soil.

Water

Paan plants require regular watering and slightly moist soil. Reduce the frequency during the rainy season, as too much irrigation can cause root rot. Another thing to keep in mind is choosing a well-draining soil, especially when you’re cultivating it in a pot, so that the water-logging may not become a problem.

Sunlight

Betel plant grows well in a hot and humid climate. An area with mild shade is preferable, several hours of bright morning sun help the plant. So, if you’re growing paan in your home, select a location that receives filtered sunlight. Avoid keeping this plant in a position that receives intense afternoon sun. If you are growing betel leaf plant indoors, make sure to choose a spot that receives plenty of indirect light.

Propagation

Although it is always better to buy healthy plants from nurseries, you can also grow paan plants from cuttings. All you have to do is take a long stem of about 5-6 inches and make a slant cut of 45° using a sharp knife or blade. Then remove all the leaves from the cuttings except the top ones. Put them into a glass of fresh water and place it in a bright spot. Transplant the cutting into a deep container with good drainage, once roots start to appear in the glass. Meanwhile, keep changing the water!

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Paan Plant Care

Pruning

If you’re harvesting the leaves regularly, no additional pruning is required. Once your paan plant reaches a height of 1.5-2 meters, start picking the leaves. It is also going to encourage the growth of tender new leaves.

Fertilizer

This refreshing herb is not a heavy feeder, but fertilizing once every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 or  20-20-20 will keep it growing. If you’re into organic gardening, it’s best to side-dress the plant 2-3 times in a year with well-rotted cow manure, which is easily available everywhere in India.

Note: If you see burnt leaf edges or other symptoms of overfertilization, stop fertilizing for a while.

Pest and Diseases

Red spider mites can affect the growth of the plant, and they can be treated with homemade pesticides like a mixture of liquid dish soap and water or try the neem oil spray. It can also fall prey to the fungal infection due to over-watering and overhead watering.

Another pest that can kill your plant is leaf blight, which can cause black oily patches on the leaves of your plant. You can easily get rid of it by removing the infected leaf from the plant.