Catha edulis f. pink (Khat) Plant

Description Catha edulis, known as Khat, originates and is widely cultivated in East Africa (especially Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen) and the Arabian Peninsula. Catha edulis, Pink form, is an erect, evergreen, glabrous tree that grows up to 25m in height. Catha edulis prefers warm arid climates with well-drained soil. Our Pink form of Khat, originally known as Vienna White, was sourced directly from Planthelper, a SAB forum member and well known plant breeder. Planthelper called the plant Vienna White as it came from the university botanical gardens in Vienna. This strain had originated from Yemen. We didn’t agree with the name Vienna White as we felt the name ‘White’ was misleading due to the plant actually having Pink stems. We therefore changed the ‘Vienna White’ form plant to Catha edulis f. ‘Pink’. There are hundreds of different strains. Among communities from the areas where the plant is native, khat has a history as a social custom dating back thousands of years. Catha edulis contains cathinone, a stimulant that produces euphoria and excitement.   Common name. Kat; Qat; Ghat; Chat; Bushman’s Tea; Arabian-Tea; Cat; Quat; Miraa.   Specifications. 50mm Pot Size Cutting Grown Plant   Ideal Growing Conditions. Catha edulis is an arid species so only water as needed. Best to water well, then allow to dry out completely before watering well again. It does not like having its roots kept wet so ensuring your soil and/or pot allows for good drainage. Introduce to increasing sun light gradually as too much summer sun too early can be damaging. However, once adapted this species prefers full sun. It is frost intolerant. Pruning: Trim back any leggy or dead growth to encourage bushier growth. Pests and Diseases: Monitor your plant for pests like aphids or spider mites. Catha is very susceptible to both, watch for leaf curling (mites) and leaves falling off (small shelled looking insects). Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage. Fertiliser: We recommend and use Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. We also stock an Australian Made liquid indoor fertiliser The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food which is easy to use and odourless     We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.   We cannot ship this species Internationally.   We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.   Interested in Khat plants? Have a look at the other strains available Catha edulis (Seed Grown Khat) Plant Catha edulis f. green (Khat) Plant Catha edulis f. red (Khat) Plant