Tips to take care of your Curry Leaf plant to survive the winter and grow through summer.
Fall seemed so short this year! It feels colder than last November as far as I can recollect and I couldn’t help turning the heater on rather early as opposed to Thanksgiving last year. Winter is undeniably here already and it is also that time of the year to care for our garden plants, especially the vulnerable tropicals like the Curry Leaf plant.
Curry leaf is synonymous to, as much it is in-disposable in South Indian cooking where almost every seasoning starts or ends with it. That said, a curry leaf plant in the garden be it in the backyard or the balcony, is quite a handy and precious possession. Nothing comes close to the satisfaction of growing one’s own herbs and using them fresh from the garden as and when the need arises. It is the kind that belongs to the tiny joys of life..
With the kind of simple pleasure one gets to enjoy during spring, summer and early fall having a curry leaf plant potted in the garden, comes the responsibility of caring for its survival through the American winter. Being a tropical/sub-tropical plant/tree, it wasn’t meant for cold climates and hence, we need to go the extra mile for it.
Here are a few tips from my learning and experience with growing the curry plant in Houston:
Because it needs full sun, it is well suited to grow outdoors. However, even if you have a huge backyard garden, it is better to grow it potted as it is conveniently movable indoors away from the harsh weather during the winter months.
Place them in the sun during the day and move indoors before it gets dark and colder.
Pour warm water instead of cold.
Occasionally sprinkle salt water on the leaves to wash away dirt, bugs and mites or mold if any.
Place indoors in a warm spot away from the draft or windows
Make sure there is plenty of light wherever you place them indoors. White light works well if you do not have enough sunlight coming in.
If you must leave them outside for whatever reason, cover the plant with black trash bags and secure them around the pot. Few support sticks about the height of the plant inserted into the pot can help hold the trash bag in place. Plastic acts as a barrier to the cold winds and keeps the plant warmer by about 5°-10°F
If you are travelling, request a willing friend or neighbor to routinely water the plant and move it outdoors and indoors during daylight and at dusk respectively.
In the absence of another caregiver, they can be placed in the bath tub with some water filled in, for the roots to absorb. Do not forget to leave the lights on.
Follow this routine especially strictly around February frost or freeze. No matter how much you care up until then, if you give in for one day on the frost, the plant might slip away from you forever
Do insert plant food sticks if the plant has been potted for more than 4-5 months.Even though the plant might seem to shed all its leaves (which is natural for the season), just let it hang in there. Once the plant survives past couple or more winters, it will be strong enough to withstand the weather.
If you haven’t potted the plant, do so next spring and preferably in a wide pot with a spout at the bottom, so it can hold extra water for the roots when you are travelling.
Lastly, even if the leaves are yellow, resist the temptation to pluck the leaves or prune the plant. It needs all those to survive the harsh winter.
NOTE: Most or all of these tips are equally applicable and helpful for the Tulsi plant or “The Indian Holy Basil” except that it does not like acidic Yogurt or buttermilk or any kind of fertilizer.
culinaryherbguide and mylogmyblog have useful information on growing herbs and winter care for tropical plants respectively
Bonus Tip for Prolific Curry leaf plant: (Updated Summer 2013)
This summer, I have had the biggest revelation for a prolific curry leaf plant. It seems that bath salt or Epsom salt is the magic potion that makes them grow like bushes. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which is great for plants. It can be used for most plants including vegetable, fruits and flowering plants.
Which reminds me, we had a curry leaf tree in my grandfather’s house and we were told to feed it with Sambar and buttermilk and it would grow well. I never understood then. Now I know why!
Do the Buttermilk feeding during warmer months when possibility of mold growth is low.
How to use: Use a tablespoon of Epsom Salt diluted in a gallon of water and feed it to the plant when the soil is relatively dry and about twice a month, not more than that (or it burns the root)
Try it and you’ll surely come back and tell me tall tales of pride about your great looking curry leaf or any other plant. Good Luck!
What to do if the Curry Leaf Plant bears fruit (update: 2020 july 9th)
I have a Curry leaf plant here in Bangalore (we moved!) which bore beautiful purple fruit despite growing in a small pot in a balcony container garden.
While I was feeling happy that it bore fruit, I didn’t quite know what to do next. It stopped growing and slowly started to show symptoms of decline. When tending to other plants nearby, I happened to accidentally break one its fruit bearing stems and was so heartbroken.
Interestingly, I was super surprised to see new growth after a week or so. New shoots sprang up from below. Then, it started growing vigorously upon tending with some buttermilk intermittently and topping up with vermicompost later.
Lesson learnt that when it starts to bear fruit, chop off the fruit and save the seeds. Begin to prune the stems, so the plant can begin to grow leaves again. Hope this helps somebody
Must Try Recipes to make good use of Curry leaves
Karibevu (Curry Leaf) Chutney Pudi
Mysore Saaru Pudi- Mysore style Rasam Powder
Kola Kenda – Srilankan Herbaceous Rice Porridge
Homemade Herbal Hair Oil for Dandruff and Hair Fall Control
chinmayie says
Beautiful Plant and lovely photos 🙂
Notyet100 says
Very informative thnks
Manju says
i havent yet gotten a curry leaf plant and have been postponing that for ever. Now, I think I’ll wait for spring to get one..great tips, Radhika!
Kathy Gori says
I’ve been wanting one of those for years…now I’m going to have to make a point to hunt one up. Thanks for the tips in growing and protecting them
sreelu says
i planted curry leaves in the back yard few years ago, it seems to have survived, if u plant it outdoors be aware of freeze warning and cover the base with mulch or decomposable tarp to save the roots from frost bite.
Radhika says
Sreelu, thank you for sharing tips for the backyard plant. my experience rests with my balcony garden with potted plants.
dassana says
lovely pics and an informative post…
Radhika says
Kathy & Manju,
If you are keen on planting one, chances of finding the plant are high in Indian temples or bigger Indian grocery stores or world food markets. That is where I found mine. If you happen to know someone who owns a decently tall curry leaf plant, a stem cutting can be used to propagate as well. In any case, spring will be your best bet..
Good luck with the hunt Kathy 🙂
Baker Street says
what a gorgeous plant! lovely tips and even more lovely are your photographs radhika! 🙂
Sonia says
Hi Radhika,
This is an awesome post…i’m on hunt for curry leaf plant for so long but cudn’t find it. Plesae let me knw where exactly i can get it. Will a stem frm grcocery store be successful in a pot, if transplanted ???? thanks and enjoy ur holidays, sonia !
Radhika says
Sonia,
So glad you found it useful. I’m afraid a curry leaf stalk from the grocery store (if that is what you meant?) will propagate into a plant.
You’d need a stem cutting from a healthy plant for that. South Indian temples, Indian grocery stores or world markets like I said in the post are some of the likely places to find one.
Good luck!
Rosa says
I stay in the state of Washington I have a curry plant that affect a few of them stay in touch with me they will be producing seeds soon and I can give you some or a small plant
sree says
Could I get some seeds please.
June Fiorito says
I purchased seeds from Amazon.com. Desperately trying to sprout them…tried many, many times! Is there a way to achieve success? If not, do you have seeds to share with me? In live in Alberta, Canada.
Vilma Nair says
If and when you get the seed, try soaking it in water for couple of days. Thereafter, put it in a paper towel and leave it in a warm place may be above the fridge. When you notice roots, put in good soil and keep it close to where there is plenty of sunlight.
I have curry leaf plant.. it used to grow very well, bushy. Once I changed the soil I ran out of luck with proper growth.
Good soil is a must, my experience.
I hope this helps.
Am in Edmonton, AB.
Curry leaf seeds says
The thing is that seeds need to be super fresh. On Amazon almost all seeds are scams, just check out the reviews. You can only get seeds from reliable sources and only when they are in season (depends on where you where, when that season is).
Ganga108 says
Oh plants propagate from a cutting? Great!
I have several plants in pots. One got far too dry this winter and I thought it had died. I cut it back quite hard, and come Spring, it sprouted new leaves. Now it is the healthiest of my four plants! 🙂 [It is summer here now.]
Radhika says
You have a Curry Leaf plant Ganga? How nice!
Yes, it needs a good amount of cutting and pruning to keep it growing through spring and summer. A good healthy plant is a thing of pure joy, no doubt 🙂
Enjoy your summer! Brrr… it is cold here..
Lakshmi says
Thanks for the tips, Radhika. I will see if the leaf stalks from a grocery store will grow roots when placed in a glass of water next time I get hands on them. However, as you said, I also doubt it will work out. I’ll let you know 🙂
Radhika says
Lakshmi, I’m afraid the stalk won’t be of much help. You’d need a stem cutting. Spring would be a good time for the experiment 🙂
Pam says
Thanks. Any special tips for re-potting the volunteers at the base of a Curry Leaf Plant? Any special soil I should use? Should I wait until spring? Help!
Radhika says
Pam, think you could wait until spring as they’d have little chance surviving the feb frost on their own..
Potting mix worked fine for me, just gotto make sure to re-vitalize it every 3-4 months with either liquid plant food or pellets, sunshine and water should take care of the rest 🙂
pervin says
can u plz tell me how to grow a curry leaf plant (is it a seed which has to be planted or is it a plant which has to be planted I would love to have a plant and I live in canada so plz let me know regards pervin a
Prem says
You can grow curry leaf plant from seeds, from clipping off a sucker plant from the roots of an existing tree or propagating a stem. I find it easier to grow from seeds but there is a specific procedure to prepare the seeds for germination. If you want to grow from seeds then the seeds have to be ripe on the tree or recently fallen off the tree. It needs to be planted right away. Keeping the seeds for too long will reduce its chances of germinating. In USA and Canada the seeds become ripe in late October. Since its winter you have to germinate it indoors at temperatures over 70 degrees F unless you have a climate controlled green house.
There are a number of websites that sell curry leaf plants for around $10 to $15 which you can order online. You can search for it from your web browser. Best time to buy would be spring time when the dangers of frost have gone by.
If you want to get some ideas of how to plant I have a facebook page which may give you some ideas. https://www.facebook.com/Mycurryleaf.
ps: I am not selling any plants or seeds……..
Shreya says
Hi , this post is very informative.
I heard from couple of my friends, that the leaves cannot be plucked before the plant reaches a certain height. Is it true and how big the plant should grow before I start plucking the leaves. I have planted the curry leaf plant in the ground. I am from Phoenix, AZ…
akshata says
Hi ,i read your post ,but i had a question i got a plant from my friend ,i planted it all the leaves dried so i plucked them away and the stems are getting dark day by day,i just want to know if these conditions persists will the plant die..
C.C.Udani says
For curry plant, I have question is what size of pot should be required which is ideal for the plant which is almost 1.5′ high and two cold seasons old
Thanks and have a nice day
C.C.Udani known as CK
ranjini says
I have about 20 plants,I live in Michigan which has some of the coldest winters.I am happy to inform that my plants are thriving and anyone who wants one can write to me..this year there were flowers and seeds on the plant and now I hv so many more growing,dont have the heart to pluck them out,but my house is full of the potted plants.Also have kanagambaram,tulsi,jasmine(fragrant ones),mogras,hibiscus,gardenia,all types of herbs,haldi,ginger
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Ranjini, wish you were my neighbor! Aha! Kanakambaram, hibiscus.. Simply awesome.. We could swap our saplings :)) how do u care for Tulsi? Have a green house or something?
PERVIN says
I live in canada and wish somebody would give me seeds or tell me where i can get them
Sam says
Hi, if you want you can text me on +12895057528 thanks
sanjeev says
i would love to have one of the curry leaf plant, if possible
June Fiorito says
Do you still have seeds to spare, please?
annie says
Ranjini, would love to have one of your curry plants if possible. Thanks so much, annie
Neena says
that’s great ranjini.any idea where I can get jasmine here, or if you can share it.
Susmita says
Hi Ranjini,
We are going to buy a house and first thing I want to plant is curry plant. But I don’t know where to get one. Can you please be able to ship it to MA and I would be happy to pay you the plant and shipping price.
Thank you,
Susmita
Gurmeet says
Hi Rajani, I just accidentally lost my 8 year old curry plant and the seeds never sprouted. I live in Ann Arbor, anyway I can get a plant from you?
Dorothy Lamb says
Hi! I just now read your post about you having many curry leaf plants. I live in MN and I know now would not be a good time to mail a plant. I would be interested in obtaining a plant or seeds from you later in the Spring if you still have extra’s. I had one and it died. I got another one and over the winter it is not looking real healthy, but I am hoping that once Spring gets here that if I repot it and put it out in the sun maybe it will survive. What is kanagambaram and also tulsi and mogras and again haldi. I think I will look those up as I have not heard of those and I love herbs and unusual plants. Thanks Dorothy
sini says
i have one curry leaf plant in my kitchen.some one advised me to cut the top part of the plant, so it will grow new branches from the bottom part of the plant.is that right? mine is only 1 and a half year old plant.please advice.
Mag says
Hi Ranjini, Read your message about the curry leaf plant and I am in Awe. I live in sunny Ca but I have managed to kill 2 plants so far. I am back with a vengeance to grow one this year. I have bought a curry leaf plant , about 6 inches tall. They are outside now.. Can you give me pointers on fertilizers, when to prune etc and when I should bring them inside.
Aisha Ahmed says
I would love to a curry leaf plant, is there any where I can get a plant or seeds? I live in West Virginia
RNRN says
Ranjini, I am in Rochester Hills, MI. Do you mind sharing some with me? Let me know. thanks
Aisha Ahmed says
could some one please, please send me a curry leaf plant, I would love to have one, I live in Charleston, West Virginia
Dorothy Lamb says
I would love to have a plant. I live in Shakopee MN and have a small one, but it is not doing so well. It has lost most of it’s leaves and has some blossom like things at the very top. It is about 10 inches high. It had one baby last summer when I had it out side, but then it didn’t make it. How much are you asking for one and how much would the postage be? Thanks!!!! Dorothy
Dorothy Lamb says
Ranjini, I live in Shakopee Mn and would love a plant. I have one that is about 10 inches high, but it has lost all of it’s leaves and at the very top there are blossom like things on it. Don’t know why it lost all of it’s leaves. It had a baby last summer when I had it outside, but it didn’t make it. I was hoping that it would have more babies but so far there hasn’t been any. How much for the plant and postage also? Thanks so much!!! Dorothy
sital says
Are you selling them or just giving them away? I would like to have some Tulsi and curry leaves, cilantro if you have.
please let me know,
thank you
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Sital, I do not sell plants.
Rashmi Agarwal says
Hi Rajini,
Do you want to sell your plants or giving it away?
How much is your Curry leave plants for and how much is for Tulsi plant?
I want to have a look first.
Linda Warren says
Hi…
I just read your post and wonder if the leaves on your curry leaf plants turn yellow in the winter? A Malaysian friend of mine suggested putting brewed green tea leaves on top of the soil. Someone on this blog also recommended Epson salts. What do you use for fertilizer and how often? Also i planted a piece of ginger last summer that grew very well until winter and then all the foliage died. Both the ginger and the curry leaf are in pots. I am living in the foothills of the Sierras at about 3000 ft elevation.
Linda
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
I have used Epsom salt mixed in water. It does help
Priya says
Hi Ranjini:
How do you care for the murraya koenigi (curry leaf ) plant in the winter. I have mine in a pot outside at present and it is lush and wonderful. It gets very very unhappy looking when I bring it in winter, I am in NYC. The leaves start oozing a gummy sap, not to mention develop little bumps and of course also turn yellow and fall. I cannot wait for spring when I can take it out. How do you keep your plants healthy indoors in Michigan?
Would love to hear.
debi says
Your plant shows symptoms of having an infestation of scale. Scale is a sap-sucking insect that may also attract ants to your plant. When it is mature, it looks like a bump that doesn’t move, and it makes the plant sticky. You can treat it with a spray that contains neem oil. I bring my curry leaf plants in over the winter and they always get scale before spring.
Vatsala says
where are you in michigan? i am in troy, michigan i have big plant about 7′ tall in the 20′ diameter pot and now looks dry in the pot so what shall i do? any idea? it’s almost 20 years in the pot in house my email is vatsalapatel@yahoo.com Thanks in advance
Karuna says
HAVE u still got curry leaf seeds ?
Trisha says
Hi, that’s so generous of you. My name is Trisha. I am in Lexington KY. I would love to have a baby plant if you still have some to spare and if you are still offering. My email address is srishsmit@yahoo.com
sumo says
Question, even in winter (non snow days for sure) do u take the plant outside and bring it back in? Will the morning cold / wind not hurt it?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Yes Suma. I would do that. Better yet if you can setup a makeshift greenhouse using thick black plastic bags (trash). It will keep the plant several degrees warmer and protect it from the cold wind as well.
Jalpa says
I have my curry plant in my backyard in pot.. Its been now 1& half year.. Suddenly i found that fruits or flower came & now its not growing.. Its stop increasing.. Can u please advise me what i should do?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Jalpa,
That means your curry leaf plant is getting all the sunshine and nutrients it needs. It is not easy for this plant to bear fruits and flowers. so, That’s awesome! But, since you noticed that it has stopped growing now, it may be a good idea to shift it out of the pot into the soil in a good sunny spot, if you do not stay in a cold place. If, you do stay in a colder place, then try feeding it some plant food in the form of pellets or liquids. Let me know how it goes..
Indiangirl (@Indiangirl19) says
my neighbours gave me baby curry leave plant in august and I have had it in my kitchen near the window where the sunlight comes thru but recently I have notice it has something like cobwebs on them and I dont know what to do and why is this happening? can you please help…I live in NJ and am in apartment so I have no garden either..Thanks
Indiangirl (@Indiangirl19) says
Thank you for your help.. I will try from your help suggestion..
Uma says
I live in San Jose, CA. My curry leaf plant is attacked by some insects. How should I protect them from insects and they are also getting black. How do I protect them?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Uma, I feel your pain. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing your curry leaf plant suffer and feel helpless about it.
Leaves turned black does not sound good. Could you describe the kind of insects you see.
Is it in a pot or in the ground? San Jose weather should be good for this plant.
Leaves turned black does not sound good. In the meanwhile, please make sure it is in the sun full time, no over watering. As for the insects, try applying a mix of baking soda, dish soap, salt and vinegar diluted in a mug of water, wiped over the parts of the plant where u see the insects( if clinging) using a tissue. Make sure you are wearing gloves.
Hope this helps.
Uma says
Thanks Radhika for replying back. I have put the curry leaf plant in a big plastic black bucket. Insects look very tiny and white in color. When I look closely they seem to crawl over the leaves. Can the leaves getting black be due to less fertilizer?
me says
hii…m staying in Arizona & planning to plant curry leaves. but the problem is, m not able to fing curry leaves seeds or small plant…can anyone help me.
thanks in advance.
Uma says
I live in San Jose, CA. As the spring is in now, I have put some plants like Squash, Cucumber etc. My problem is squirrels come and eat them up. How can I take care of this issue?
Iloveplants says
My curry leaf plant is very healthy with lustious green leaves and has been growing very well ever since I changed it to a bigger pot. But today I kept it outside because it started getting warm in Chicago but because of wind it just broke at the bottom. Literally it broke my heart. Wondering if I cut it at the bent point the surviving stem beneath it would sprout or what? also should i plant the stem from the broken side as well? Let me know.
Thanks a bunch!
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Oh, I can imagine how heartbreaking that must have been for you!
Make a slant cut with scissors and hopefully, it should spring back soon. Fingers crossed.
Iloveplants says
Hi Radhika,
Just wanted to let you know that the stub sprout out 😀 it is growing really beautifully now. Thanks for the blog I learnt quite a bit about this plant and how strong it is. It took a long while for it to come back but it did. If not for this blog I would have given up hope and would not have waited this long to check on the plant.
Thanks a bunch!
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
I’m so happy to hear about your plant!
Really. Because, mine went through that phase once and I know how great it feels to not give up on them when they turn around almost miraculously..
Yay! To you lovely survivor!
Pâticheri says
I’m not sure how I came across your utterly beautiful blog, but I’m glad I did. A bit late, I might add — we had a home in Houston until just the other day, and relocated to India after living there upwards of two decades. It would have been fun to meet you, or to connect with the other food bloggers who call Houston home. I write still about Houston some on my blog now, and still miss the place dearly. Ah well, perhaps it’s a sign I ought to organize a retreat in Pondy someday?! On cultivating curry leaf plants in Houston, I found that planting mine in the hot-hot sun never worked (I nearly killed my plant, and they are among the hardiest things around) but part shade did the trick. We soon had a tree that nearly brought the house down. In India, we’re in an apartment, so the potted route might well be mine–just for the simple pleasure of picking the leaves directly from a plant before seasoning anything. Would love to stay in touch!
Alany says
Some people curry leave smell so good how come?
Ranjini says
I brought my curry plants indoor for the winter. It is in a warm place with part direct and part indirect sunlight. Now they are shedding leaves. Is that normal? Also one of them is growing straight, about 4 ft. Some suggest that if the top is trimmed, the branches will grow from the side. Is that true? When should be trimmed? When is a plant ready for picking the leaves?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Ranjini,
Shedding leaves is not uncommon.
Trimming or plucking the strands helps keep only the stem from growing straight and tall. Yes, it does begin to grow branches off the side. Trim the plant only after the weather begins to be warmer i.e after spring. When the leaves appear mature, dark green in color and the stalks long, they are ready to pick. In fact, picking promotes more growth. Just make sure to not pick the plant empty.
S says
Thanks! This is wonderful. How can I carefully separate the smaller plant from the orginal pot?
aisha says
Hi, I recently acquired two small curry plants that are grown in plastic cups. I want to move them to a bigger pot,should i put them together or in a different pot. Which potting soil should i use? My apartment is cold, so how should I take care of it? Also, I was told to not grow them in plastic pot,but to put in clay pot is that true? Does it matter which pot I use? I am in chicago .thanks
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Aisha, winter is not the best time to move them around. However, do it asap if u can. Plastic or clay shud not matter that much even though clay pots absorb extra water if any.
You’ll need to keep them in the sun when available & move it inside without fail.
aisha says
Thank you for replying
Uma says
Hi,
I am Uma from San Jose CA. I planted a curry leaf last year and this year that plant gave out some seeds. I just wanted to know whether can I store the seeds and plant it in next year spring or if I plant it now will it germinate. Also wanted to know being the first time that I am grow a curry leaf plant from a seed how to plant them? I would appreciate if you can reply me back.
Uma
Kiran says
The cold in the Bay Area shocked my Curry Plant which dropped all it’s branches. The main stem is still green and the spots where the old branches existed are still green. Will the plant revive in the spring? The plant is a year old.
Kai says
Thank you for a very informative article!
I received a very small plant from a friend during summer months & it grew so well into a nice big beautiful plant with babies until one day cold breeze got it by accident & it turned black & seems to have died on me 🙁 one baby plant in the pot seems green. Is there something I can do to save it & help it grow well! We live in PA, currently it’s snowy-icy winter times so the pot is indoors. Thank you for all your tips!
Rose says
Hi Radhika, came across this blog today n really liked it. I live in Canada. I have few curry leaf plants in pots.I keep them indoors the whole year through. Was wondering if you have any tips on what soil mix to use when its time to re pot. Thanks
Sunil says
This is a great article, thank you for the information.
I have a unique (??) curry sapling problem and would appreciate some help. I potted two of these late spring last year. These do not appear to have taken well over winter. They have shed all their leaves. Is there a chance they will come back this spring? Is there anything i can do for them to come back? Thank you so much.
Bala says
I have a curry leaf plant in a 13″ pot and the plant is about 44″ tall. I have had this over a year. The plant does not look healthy, looks stringy & now I see the leaves are turning black. However I do not see any insects. I do periodically clip leaves from the top for cooking. The pot is in a semi shaded area outside (Dallas area). I do water daily. Could I be over-watering? Please give some tips
Prem says
If you are watering it daily then you are definitely over watering it. You may want to change to watering it once a week for now. During winter one should water it only when the top soil is dry. Make sure there is decent drainage at the base of the planter container. Water collecting at the bottom of the plant will lead to root rot. I could be wrong but I never pluck leaves from the top. its usually the leaves at the bottom which are most mature and helps to rejuvenate the plant. Good luck with your plant.
Geetha M. Pillai says
I grow my curry plant in a pot. I spray neem extract mixed with water for the spider mites. I use this for my roses too. In the spring I feed miracle grow to my curry plant and the plant grow very healthy.
Geetha M. Pillai says
Bala, you could be over watering your plant. Leave it for a day or two to get the soil dry. Make sure they get plenty of sun.
Aisha Ahmed says
Hi, I live in West Virginia, USA, could anyone tell me how I can get curry plant here?
Vasi says
I purchased a curry leaf plant in March 2014, and now that we’re heading into the end of October, I’d like to know what daytime temperature and nighttime temperature would be the time to bring the curry plant indoors here in the Central Valley of northern Ca. Our daytime temperature right now is 67-70 degrees and our nighttime temperatures are down to 53 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, should I continue feeding Miracle Grow to the plant every two weeks or so? Would that be too much if the plant is going dormant for the winter.
Thanks in advance for your advise.
Geetha M. Pillai says
Aisha, you can buy the curry plant Amazon or Ebay.
Good luck.
Mick says
I am actually living in Valencia Spain and last September i bought a curry leaf plant from Reunion island on a visit and it is about 10 inches tall.Since January it has lost its leaves and now its small branches too first the leaves becoming yellowish then a bit dark or brownish.Now i only have the stem ( small trunk) in photo nº 1
I also brought couple of small pants uprooted from a garden and i planted then in a pot and one started to shoot as can be seen in PHOTO Nº 2.About 3 inches high and then it lost its leaves and now even the stem is drying from the top.
is it possible for you to answer both questions or shall i write the second one in a different post?
What can it be?i tried to see if there were bugs etc but could not find any.What could it be? what treatment can i use to help it or any treatment which could be generic for any kind of bugs.Thank you very much for your time and help .
Mick
Read more: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1327702/#ixzz3VbH7RV00
mickps says
I am actually living in Valencia Spain and last September i bought a curry leaf plant from Reunion island on a visit and it is about 10 inches tall.Since January it has lost its leaves and now its small branches too first the leaves becoming yellowish then a bit dark or brownish.Now i only have the stem ( small trunk) in photo nº 1
I also brought couple of small pants uprooted from a garden and i planted then in a pot and one started to shoot as can be seen in PHOTO Nº 2.About 3 inches high and then it lost its leaves and now even the stem is drying from the top.
is it possible for you to answer both questions or shall i write the second one in a different post?
What can it be?i tried to see if there were bugs etc but could not find any.What could it be? what treatment can i use to help it or any treatment which could be generic for any kind of bugs.Thank you very much for your time and help .
Mick
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
From what you say, it seems like the weather is the culprit. Keep the plant indoors and bring it out when there’s better sunlight
mickps says
Hello RADHIKA,thaks for your time and your help.Actually the two pots were inside in winter and in a place with sunlight.Today the weather is starting to be much better and i have watered the plants with organic fertilizers and i have elft then in the sun and in a protected area-Is it normal for them to lose their leaves?Thabnks once again
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Yes. It does during winter. And if the plant if big enough to withstand the winter, it grows back after spring and summer. It needs a lot of good sunlight.
mickps says
Thanks a lot for your time and help , RADHIKA 🙂 Am trying to send you two photos of teh pwo curryleaf plants without leaves so you can have an idea of my problem.I apologise if am botehring you with this. From: Just Homemade To: mick_ps@yahoo.com Sent: Sunday, 29 March 2015, 5:56 Subject: [New comment] Tips to care for your Curry Leaf Plant in winter #yiv3663791875 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv3663791875 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv3663791875 a.yiv3663791875primaryactionlink:link, #yiv3663791875 a.yiv3663791875primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv3663791875 a.yiv3663791875primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv3663791875 a.yiv3663791875primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv3663791875 WordPress.com Radhika @ Just Homemade commented: “Yes. It does during winter. And if the plant if big enough to withstand the winter, it grows back after spring and summer. It needs a lot of good sunlight.” | |
mickps says
Thanks very much RADHIKA ) Am sending a couple of photos for the two plants without leaves now.I have sent two photos on email.
Arun says
Hello,
I have 2 curry healthy curry leaves plants. I am seeing a sticky substance covering the top of leaves ( which washes away easily). I am wondering if it is a common thing. The leaves are dark green and perfectly healthy, the stickiness is bothering me a bit.
-Arun
Mags says
Thanks so much I have learnt so much from this!
Mags
RS says
My curry plant is in a medium size pot but it is growing vertically and has a few branches at the top. Is this how it should grow. I have seen them as short thick bushes in some houses. In the fall I bring it indoor and starts shedding all the leaves. At that point can I just pluck the dark green leaves and use it instead of it shedding and going to waste?
Uma says
Do you change the mud in the pot when you take it in?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
No Uma. I do add a fresh layer during spring.
Uma says
Hi Radhika,
I have a Curry leaf plant which is quite big now. The curry leaf plant h
has given out seeds. Is there any way that I can store those seeds and use them in spring.
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
You mean it is bearing fruits. Curry leaf plant can be propagated either from the thick stem or from seeds. I have not grown them from seeds before. You can surely clean the seeds, store them dry and try next spring. Do keep us updated.
Uma says
Hi Radhika,
Thanks for replying back. Should I remove the outer black layer and keep those seeds? How can I store them?Should I keep them in freezer or fridge in ziplock bags airtight or should I keep it in a airtight container outside.
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Uma, I’d clean the seed off any fruit, wash, let dry fully on the counter and store it when fully dry
PERVIN says
dear radhika u have written that we can grow curry leaves plant from a thick stem when i buy curry leaves it comes on a thick stem can i grow the plant from the stem plz guide me as i live in canada
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Pervin, not the leaf stalks, but a stem cutting from the plant from where the branches shoot out
Mimi says
I have managed to get the stems from the Indian shop to root and sprout leaves. Don’t know how to post photos here
Meera says
Hi Uma, just read your post.. In my experience, curry leaf seeds lose their viability if stored. They have the best germination rate if planted within a week of being picked. Make sure, they are ripe and remove the fleshy purple/black layer before planting…hope that helps
Chandrika molugu says
Hi
Am leaving in elpaso and i have a curry leaf plant which was planted 5 months ago. It grows very fast upto 3 to 4 months but suddenly stops growing , from 1 month am not seeing any growth in the plant and any one please suggest how to regrow the plant fast
Thanks
Chandrika
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Chandrika, It has been a similar experience here as well. Curry leaf plant grows well during summer, maintains during fall and withers during winter. It comes back to life in spring though. It is a tropical plant and needs good sun throughout the year.
Kumar says
I have curry plant that is about 5 ft tall. I had it for about four years. For last three years I have brought the plant indoors in winter, we live in PA and it becomes very cold in winter. Indoor the leaves produces sticky gooy stuff that falls on floor and makes the floor sticky, although it can be wiped with water.
Does anyone knows how to prevent this? Are these insects?
rita says
spray with insecticide soap.you should actually hose the plant down completely before bringing it indoors.Do you know they bloom white flowers in clusters?cut the top of the plant in june while it is outside.
Nila says
Hi my name is nila,
I have curry leaves plant ,but right now I have only stems but no leaves at all , do u think it died, please advise what should I do to grow back.
kepomo_88 says
spray the soil with epson salt+water. hope it’s help it grow. good luck
Uma says
Hi Radhika,
I live in San Jose CA. Since i had many fruits coming out I just potted some seeds 2 days back. How can provide warmth to that newly potted plant? Does the plant grow indoors in winter with normal bulb light?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Uma, I have not tried planting during this time of the year.
From my experience, curry leaf plant grows ferociously from spring on wards especially during summer.
Do try it and see how it goes. Nothing to lose. And let us know how it progresses so we learn something new.
Nila says
Rashika, please advise where do u get the seeds to grow curry plant
Thanks
Nila patel. Niladpatel@gmail.com
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Nila, I haven’t tried growing curry leaf plant from seeds. I feel, best bet would be to grow from a sapling if you can get hold of one.
Appu says
Hi Uma,
I live in San Jose too. I am currently looking for a cutting or seeds of curry leaf plant. Did your seeds germinate? Could you spare me a cutting if possible?
Thanks,
Appu
Uma says
Hi Appu,
Sorry Appu the seeds did not germinate. I have put them in a small pot but it looks like it will germinate only in summer.
Uma
Sasee says
Hi do you have any recommendation on the right way to harvest the leaves. Most importantly during the winter times when the plant is not growing, can we harvest the leaves from the bottom of the plant
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Sasee, I do not know where you are located. Assuming that you are in the US or another cold place, harvesting the leaves is a very good idea. I would do that before fall season, before the leaves start showing symptoms like yellow leaves. During winter, when they have already turned yellow, it is better to leave them on the plant so the plant can sustain through the cold weather until spring.
During spring when the new leaves and sprigs begin to grow, you can prune the old sprigs off to make way for new.
Hope this helps. And don’t forget to bring the plant inside if the temperatures are near freezing
Srikanth says
HI, I am IN NJ, I had this little big Curry Plant, i noticed the New leaves come and Dry out Quickly , Any remedy, Please .
Right now, there are No leaves on the Plant,
thank you
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Srikanth, During the winter, i’m afraid there might not be much growth..
Hope you are keeping the plant indoors. Is it potted?
Adelene says
I have a curry leaf plant which was doing well in a garden bed (about 2.5 feet tall). Then I decided to move it into another garden bed. Now most of the leaves have dropped off and the ones that remain are brown. It’s been almost 3 weeks now. I scratched the stem and it’s still green (apart from the top ones) so I’m hoping it’s just sulking and reproducing roots but not dying a slow death. I have been feeding it with Seasol (seaweed extract) to boost the root growth but it’s not showing any signs of life yet. Any ideas how long it will take before things start to pick up?
I live in Australia so it’s summer now. Please help.
Pyewacket says
Curry leaf plants have a tap root and seldom transplant well. If it hasn’t recovered by now, its probably not going to. You should be able to get fresh seed and start over – I get mine in fall from Hawaii. Not sure when the fruit ripens in Australia.
HJC says
I live in Sydney and one thing I’ve noticed with my curry leaf plant is that it thrives in warm weather but not in direct sunlight. Just wondering if your tree was repositioned in direct sunlight perhaps? Seasol is good but try adding some Epsom salts which you can buy from Woolies / Coles.
ANU says
I have curry plant at home and its been 4 months already I see some black tiny something is spreading all over the plant . I tried so many times to wash my plant with soap and also wipe out all that black stuff but still not working. I don’t want to loose my plant . Please help me ASAP.
Pyewacket says
The yellow leaves show that your plant is chlorotic. This can be caused by overwatering, by poorly draining soils or potting mixes, or iron deficiency. I never see yellow like that unless something is very very wrong. I have found that watering thoroughly with an iron supplement is needed 2 or 3 times a year.
It is also important to make sure you are using a light, well-draining (yet still moisture-retentive) potting mix to avoid fungus gnats and chlorosis. I use a mixture of bark, Growstone #2 (I would use pumice of the same size if I could get it), and long-strand peat moss if I can get it – otherwise whatever peat moss I can lay hands on.
Vardeep says
Hi Radhika …my curry leaves plant is tall and just have few branches at the top of the plant. How can make the stem thicker?now i have to give support to stem to stand straight. I hv seen some curry plants have thick bushes right from the base
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Vardeep, is it potted?
Rajeshree says
I moved my curry plant from ground to a pot while I moved to South Carolina i lost all the leaves and is now sprouting from few places but there is green mold on one of the branch can you please tell me what to feed and how to get rid of the mold
Sunil Gulrajani says
Hello, and many thanks for the tip. Fantastic blog and discussion.
My curry leaf plant has spouted flowers for the first time ever – nice small white flowers at the tip of the stems.
Is this good or bad? Should i just leave it as is or cut out?
Radhika @ Just Homemade says
Hello Sunil, that is such a good news.. Let it be.. It will bear fruit as well if it has sufficient nutrients..
Sunil Gulrajani says
Hello Radhika,
My flowers did indeed bear fruit, small button sized blobs that are just starting to take on a tinge of red color. Can you pl. advise when is a good time to harvest and start a new sapling?
Thanks,
Sunil
Niranjan says
spray it with neem oil it worked for me
Farida says
I have a curry leaves plant for few years now. My plant has spider mites on it and my leaves don’t have that nice smell anymore. I want to save my plant. Why doesn’t my leaves have any smell anymore?
Serene Seah says
Hi, this sounds silly but you’d mentioned using salt water to spray on the leaves to remove mites and bugs. I have scales on my curry leaf plant so how much salt do i put in the water? Do you use salt or epsom salts? thanks
Anu Goel says
Hi, my curry plant has not grown from spring till now. Leaves are curling up and turning yellow on edges. Please help!
Vicki Brand says
I’m a curry leaf tree freak and would love to read the comments of like minded freaks !!
I live in the SW of Western Australia…and been a certified curry leaf lunatic since first
smelling its aromatic aroma when crushed between fingers and held close to the nostrils.
Some days you don’t have to lift a finger to get the same effect…especially on hot sunny
days when it literally chucks its smell at you when you brush pass it !
Then we come to its culinary delights! What a unique flavour Devine ! Chuck a few curry
Leaves into just cooked rice…for the simplest tasty dish you could ask for. Chop fresh
Leaves finely, and sprinkle on top of poached eggs for another taste sensation!
I look forward to further correspondence….. Vicki
Anamika says
I have curry leaf plant at times I find baby centrepides how to get ride of them beging winter I have place the pot inside remedies please
preetha mathews says
my curry plant is indoor now.One of them is all yellow leaves now.Is it magnesium deficiency?/
justhomemade says
Preetha, what is the weather condition like where you live? In very cold weather, that is how Curry leaf plant behaves. It will stay alive if you keep it in a sunny spot indoors by the window.
It will regain normalcy in spring after the frost has passed.
Kiran says
You can grow curry leaf plant from seeds which are freshly harvested. Just peel the cover and you will see roots on the seed which can be planted immediately. In winter months when the day light is not enough you can use grow lights. Try LED grow lights which are very cost effective and do not emit heat.
Feed the plant with very diluted butter milk mixed with epsom salt and a balanced feed.
Soni says
I have a four year old curry tree. I now realise I should have been pruning it to create a nice bushy growth. It has grown and looks healthy, but the stem is long and bare. Can you please tell me can I safely cut it right back to the main stem to make it bushy, or will this harm the tree. thankyou.
justhomemade says
Hello Soni,
I know what you mean. If it is just the looks your are worried about, don’t. As the tree grows bigger, little plant-lings will grow from the bottom.
If you are really bent on pruning it, do it around spring after the frost has passed.
It will take time about 25 days to a month, but should grow back nicely. Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on the soil surface, it acts as an antifungal.
Soni says
Oh dear, I have been removing the little plant -lings, hopefully more will grow. Thankyou so much for your very helpful reply. Interesting about the cinnamon.
justhomemade says
More will grow. Don’t worry
Priya says
Ranjini, would love to have one of your curry plants if possible. How can get it I am in living saline Michigan, United States.Thanks so much
Jagpreet says
Hello Radhika, I love your website and beautiful pictures. I have a question about curry leaf plant. You mentioned using “epsom salt” for faster growth. Can I use it if I want to keep my plant “organic” ?
justhomemade says
Jagpreet,
Firstly thank you so much 🙂
That is a good question and I’m glad you asked.
Epsom salt is nothing but Magnesium Sulfate – magnesium and sulfur both are naturally occurring and essential elements for plant growth.
It is beneficial for organic gardening especially for container gardening where soil needs to be nutrition fortified when depleted.
In my personal experience, I have seen it being a huge help for many plants especially curry leaves, jasmine and roses
It helps keep the plant healthy, results in good leaves and great blooms.
Hope this helps
Munira says
Hello,, do you have any suggestions for growing curry leaves plant in New Jersey. I bought my tiny plant from the garden place and it was doing ok outside for the fact that I bought it in late June. Before bringing it in I changed the soil added egg shells and organic plant food mixed in potting soil. Also added fertilizer and vermicompost 2 weeks apart. The leaves of the plant started falling off as soon as I got it in. Some of the leaves are looking droppy now. Any suggestions to make it thrive indoors, i dont have a window with ample sunlight so is now under a grow light (recommenced by a friend) by a window with partial sunlight and added miracle grow to it. I water it sparingly.
Thanks
justhomemade says
too much fertilizer kills the plant as well. it needs sunlight. keep it in sunlight and bring it indoors at dark with grow light.
Munira says
Thank you for your reply. Do you recommend keeping it outside in sun now as well while the day time temp drops to 50F or lower?
Karthika says
Hello Radhika,
Thank you so much for the informative blog.. We live in central US and have harsh winters. I bought my plant indoors. Should I do the epson salt/ buttermilk treatment in winter too when it is indoors ? Will that help keep the plant alive ?
justhomemade says
Karthika, The buttermilk treatment is better suited for summers when the risk of wetness and mold is less.
Fern says
This curry leaf plant actually looks very unhealthy! Chloritic and sad. Try watering less often and give it some fertilizer.
jmw says
Murraya koenigii are highly susceptible to scale when kept in indoor environments. If you notice sticky leaves, brown bumps all along the stems and under the leaves and wilted appearance, you are likely infested and will want to treat the entire plant with an aphid oil mixture such as neem oil, unscented dish soap and water once a week until gone.
Charles Raj says
If you get a few curry leaf seeds, pot them in a Saxon Mini Green House with Seed Tray with seed mix. Put the seed about 1mm deep in the soil so you can almost see the seed. Spray it with water and keep it in a warm place in the house with the lid on and the seeds will sprout with in 2 weeks. The trick is do not let the seed dry and keep it moist and keep it humid.
Sonal says
Thank you for the post and the comments. Very helpful. I like in CA, USA, I have this plant for last 4+ years now. Its growing fine. The color of the leaves is green and smells great however the leaves are all drooping, as if its going to die. I see that the growth has also stopped.
Any thoughts? I will try the episom salt and buttermilk again I did a few weeks ago will do it again. Any other thoughts?
Radhika @ justhomemade says
if the plant is potted, you might want to add some new soil/potting mix to it.
Do it asap before winter sets in. After that the plant will pretty much be in maintenance/survival mode.
Do the buttermilk/epsom salt only later after spring
Hope this helps
Sowmya says
Hi Radhika, I found your post useful and was wondering if you’ve ever tried reviving a dead plant. I forgot to bring my plants in and the curry leaves have turned brown and see the tip dried out. I’m unsure if I should remove the brown leaves but the stem still looks freah. Any suggestions on how to revive or save the plant?
Radhika @ justhomemade says
Glad it is useful Sowmya
So long as the stem is looking fresh and alive, there is hope.
continue to care for it as usual. You can trim the stem after frost and then it will begin to shoot out saplings from the bottom again.
good luck!
Naomi V says
I moved house last November and my old curry leaf had black fruits last summer which (thanks to youtube) I learned to propagate and I now have 3 baby curry plants. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring it in one night and the temperatures dropped to 48°F!! Our daytime temperature in Northern California in Spring is around 75° – 80°F. Anyway I hope it survives and grows. I have it indoors at night now. Your tips on caring for them indoors is invaluable. Thank You.
One thing though, the curry leaves of my last plant in the old house didn’t have that dark green color leaves. It was almost more lime green. Are there different species of lighter and darker leaf curry plants? Truth be told, I’d planted it against the fence in a south facing backyard so it was mostly in the shade more times of the year than in the sun. That could be the reason. What do you think?
Thanks in advance.
Radhika @ justhomemade says
light green colour is due to deficiency. check the soil and change some of it with new soil
Hope it helps
It certainly loves direct sunlight.