How to Grow Murraya Koenigii - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Murraya koenigii is a plant in the genus Murraya. It is native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The plant is commonly known as curry leaf, and the leaves are used in many curries. Murraya koenigii is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets, each leaflet 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) long and 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) broad. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a black drupe 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) diameter.

How to Grow Murraya Koenigii - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Indian bay leaf
  • Cinnamomum tamala
  • Indian cassia
  • Malabathrum
  • Tamalpatra

Basic info

  • Murraya koenigii, also known as curry leaf, is a tropical tree native to India.
  • The tree grows to a height of 10-15 m (33-49 ft) and has aromatic leaves that are used as a spice in many Indian dishes.
  • The leaves have a strong curry-like aroma and flavor, and are used fresh or dried.
  • Curry leaf is an important ingredient in many South Indian dishes, such as sambar and rasam.
  • It is also used to flavor curries, chutneys, and other dishes.
  • Curry leaf is known to have medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda and Siddha for various purposes.
  • Curry leaf is a good source of vitamins A and C, and also contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus.
  • The leaves are used fresh, dried, or powdered and can be added to food while cooking or used as a garnish.
  • Curry leaf powder can be used as a spice or herbal tea.
  • Curry leaf is an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes and has many health benefits.

Growing Steps

  1. For murraya koenigii, first step is to take the cutting from the mother plant.
  2. Cut a stem with 3-5 nodes and snip off the leaves from the bottom 2 nodes.
  3. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened perlite or sand.
  4. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect and place it in bright, indirect sunlight.
  5. Check on the cutting daily, misting it with water if the perlite or sand begins to dry out.
  6. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form and the cutting will start to develop new growth.
  7. Once the roots are well established, transplant the murraya koenigii cutting into a pot filled with regular potting soil.
  8. Water regularly and fertilize every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Murraya koenigii will do best in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun.
  10. With proper care, murraya koenigii will grow into a full, bushy plant.

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Murraya koenigii can grow in various types of soils but prefer well-drained, sandy loams. They are moderately tolerant to salinity and can even grow in brackish water. The soil should be kept moist but not wet and the plant should be protected from direct sunlight.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, Murraya koenigii need sunlight to survive. They use sunlight to create food for themselves through a process called photosynthesis. Murraya koenigii grow best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial sun. If you are growing Murraya koenigii indoors, make sure to place them near a window where they can get plenty of sunlight.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for Murraya koenigii is around 27 degrees Celsius. This plant species is native to tropical climates and is used to warmer weather. If the temperature dips below 27 degrees Celsius, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and fall off. In extreme cases, the plant may die.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The plant can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions, but it will not thrive in extremely humid or dry conditions. Murraya koenigii is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, where the climate is typically humid. If the air around your plant is too dry, you may notice the leaves turning brown and crispy.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this kind of plant need a lot of fertilizer to growth well. And the root of it is very important, it can absorb a lot of nutrition from the soil. So we should pay attention to these two points when we plant it.

About light

Pruning is an important part of murraya koenigii care. pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. It is best to prune in the spring, just before new growth begins. To prune, simply remove any dead or dying branches. You can also cut back healthy branches to encourage new growth. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation of Murraya koenigii is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of branches that have not yet flowered. It is important to make sure that the cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free plant material. To propagate Murraya koenigii from stem cuttings, first fill a planting pot with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the mix and then make a hole in the center with your finger. Next, take your cutting and remove the lowest leaves so that only 2-3 leaves remain. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and then insert it into the hole in the potting mix. Gently firm the mix around the cutting and then water it in. Place the pot in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet and in a few weeks, you should see new growth. Once the plant is established, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate during the vegetative stage is fast, with the plant easily reaching 2 m in height within two months. However, the growth rate of murraya koenigii during the flowering stage is much slower, with the plant only reaching 1 m in height. This is because the plant uses its energy to produce flowers instead of leaves during this stage.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant , or curry leaf plant, are leaf spot, dieback, root rot, and fruit drop. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Gloeosporium sp. and is characterized by small, dark lesions on the leaves. Dieback is often caused by the fungus Phytophthora sp. and is characterized by dieback of the tips of branches. Root rot is often caused by the fungus Phytophthora sp. and is characterized by the rotting of the plant's roots. Fruit drop is often caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and is characterized by the dropping of the plant's fruit.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your Murraya regularly, as it is a tropical plant that prefers moist soil.
  • Fertilize your Murraya every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your Murraya regularly to maintain its shape and size.
  • Place your Murraya in an area of your garden that receives full sun to partial shade.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, as Murraya can be susceptible to both.
  • Harvest the leaves of your Murraya regularly to use in cooking or for other purposes.
  • Propagate your Murraya by taking stem cuttings and root them in moist soil.
  • You can also grow Murraya from seed, although it can be challenging to get the seeds to germinate.
  • If you live in an area where Murraya is not winter-hardy, you will need to bring it indoors during the colder

Alternative Plants

  • Jayeola
  • Jayantakulam
  • Jayawardanapura
  • Jaybergia
  • Jayawardanapura
  • Jaymine
  • Jayex
  • Jaylen
  • Jayla
  • Jayne

Source:
Bergera (Murraya) koenigii | Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection at …
Identification of microRNAs from Medicinal Plant Murraya koenigii …
Furocoumarins of Murraya koenigii seeds | Professor C.A. Adebajo

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category