Bergera koenigii
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Bergera koenigii

Curry Leaf · Currybush · Indian bay · Curry leaf tree · Karapincha

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
233
Observations
648

Description

Source: leafsnap

The curry tree, Murraya koenigii or Bergera koenigii, is a tropical and sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae (the rue family, which includes rue, citrus, and satinwood), native to Asia. The plant is also sometimes called sweet neem, though M. koenigii is in a different family to neem, Azadirachta indica, which is in the related family Meliaceae. Its leaves, known as curry leaves, are used in many dishes in the Indian subcontinent.

🎭 Wealth, sickness, difficulties

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun

The curry leaf tree does best when placed in light shade, receiving ample light that is not overly concentrated. It can tolerate strong exposure, but moderate sun is usually necessary for proper growth and development. Variations in sun intensity generally have little effect on it across different growth stages. In its natural habitat it gets abundant yet gentle illumination. Too much or too little light can disrupt its physiological processes.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The curry leaf tree does best in warm tropical climates and prefers temperatures between 68 and 100 ℉ (20 and 38 ℃). It can tolerate cooler conditions down to about 50 ℉ (10 ℃), but prolonged exposure to cold can cause leaf drop and damage. During the summer months, provide adequate shade and water to help it adjust to the hot temperatures.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Fertilizing is essential for caring for a curry leaf tree. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy required for its showy foliage and supports healthy overall growth. Failing to fertilize can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental appeal, and stunted or weak growth that is more likely to break.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When repotting a Curry leaf tree, choose a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring that the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Bergera
Family
Rutaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
3.96 m to 7.92 m
Mature Spread
3.96 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Brunei, China

Tags (8)

Common Names (7)

en Curry Leaf
en Currybush
en Indian bay
en Curry leaf tree
en Karapincha
en కరివేప
en Korokeling