Betula utilis aka Himalayan Birch

Taxonomy

Betula utilis, also known as the Himalayan birch or bhojpatra in Sanskrit, is a deciduous tree that is native to the Western Himalayas. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and is often found in forests alongside conifers and evergreen Rhododendron shrubs. The tree's white, paper-like bark has been used for writing Sanskrit scriptures and texts since ancient times, and is still used today as paper for sacred mantras. The Latin name for the species, utilis, means "useful" and refers to the many parts of the tree that are utilized. However, the tree's native habitat is being lost due to overuse for firewood. Selected varieties of Betula utilis are used for landscaping throughout the world. As a houseplant, the Himalayan birch is a rare and challenging plant to grow that requires regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that is well draining and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. The plant belongs to the Betula genus and is native to the Himalayas. The tree's ovate leaves are 5 to 10 cm long, slightly hairy, and have serrated margins. The tree typically flowers from May to July.

Common names

Himalayan Birch, Himalayan Silver Birch, Indian Paper Birch

How to care for Himalayan Birch

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Himalayan Birch due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Himalayan Birch should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Himalayan Birch loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Himalayan Birch thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Indian Paper Birch.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Himalayan Birch is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Himalayan Birch’s native range is E. Asia - Himalayas to S.W. China.


More info:
Wikipedia