The curry leaf plant is indigenous to India, where it is grown for its flavorful leaves, which are used in numerous Indian traditional cuisines. More specifically, it refers to a little shrub or tree that doesn’t grow taller than 20 feet.
Due to its stunning blue-black berries, lovely leaves, and blooms, it is also commonly utilized as an ornamental tree.
This article explains how to fertilize curry leaf plants, including the best types to use, how to apply them, and when to do so.
Principal Ingredients in Curry Leaf Plants
You should understand the nutrient requirements of this plant. That way, you can develop an efficient fertilization strategy for your curry leaf plant.
A plant can benefit from a variety of nutrients, but we can condense them into a manageable list of just three nutrients.
1. Nitrogen – N
Given that it is a crucial component of the chlorophyll molecule, this nutrient is necessary for the growth of all plants. So, it’s employed to produce new leaves and stems and preserve a healthy shade of green.
A plant with insufficient nitrogen content may:
- Experience retarded growth.
- Have sparsely colored leaves.
- And possibly even drop its leaves.
2. Phosphorus – P
One of a plant’s most crucial processes requires phosphorus, the second key nutrient.
Photosynthesis also aids in the transfer of nutrients, protein synthesis, energy transmission, and the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, among other functions.
Simply put, it aids in the development of roots, the production of seeds, fruits, and flowers, as well as the prevention and treatment of disease.
3. Potassium – K
Potassium is crucial for many biological functions, including protein synthesis, enzyme activation, photosynthesis, and translocation. In conclusion, we can say that it promotes the formation of sturdy stems and a healthy rate of growth, as well as boosts resilience to dry spells and the presence of any illness.
These (NPK) are what we refer to as fundamental nutrients. Secondary nutrients including sulfur, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and so forth are also beneficial to curry leaf plants.
How Do NPK Values Work?
You are already aware of the nutrients that these plants require.
But how will you know which fertilizer to buy when you go out and buy some? In other words, how will you know if you’ve purchased fertilizer with the right amount of nutritional concentration?
There are NPK values that can aid you with that.
Three integers are separated by a dash in NPK values (they have this format 10-15-20).
Therefore, if you purchase a 20-5-5 fertilizer, it means that it has a lot of nitrogen. 10% is potassium, 5% is phosphorus, and 20% is nitrogen.
Since nitrogen is the nutrient curry leaf plants require in the largest quantity, nitrogen fertilizers are frequently employed on them.
Best Natural/Organic Fertilizer for Curry Leaf Plant
As you are well aware, there are numerous types of fertilizers. In this instance, we will focus on the best natural fertilizers for your curry plant.
When we talk about organic fertilizers, we mean those whose nutrients come from naturally occurring organic matter – whether it be from plants, animals, or another source. They are composed of materials or compounds in which the primary nutrients are bonded chemically or are contained in these organic matrices.
The following fertilizers can be applied to your curry leaf plant from this list.
Bone Meal
It is a powder created from various animals’ bones. This fertilizer is an excellent organic source of phosphorus and will aid in more robust and healthy growth.
Dogs may occasionally be drawn to the smell of this fertilizer if you have any at home. You should keep an eye on your pets because this interest could lead them to dig inside their pots.
It is simple to purchase online or at any nursery.
Worm Humus
Worms can return organic materials in a fully degraded state and aid in the dilution of some minerals. That makes it easier for plants to absorb those elements.
This excellent fertilizer is a good supply of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
Blood Meal
Meal with a high nitrogen concentration is the result of drying animal blood. This content (which ranges between 10% and 14%) is higher than many other organic residues of animal origin and comparable to that of some chemical fertilizers.
This healthy amount of nitrogen will promote greater growth in curry leaf plants.
Seaweed Fertilizer
We’ll stay with the marine theme by talking about algae-based fertilizers. The fertilizer’s composition can change depending on the type of algae used to make it.
But in general, they are an excellent provider of nitrogen and other nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
How to Fertilize a Plant with Curry Leaf
A common herb used in Indian cookery is curry leaf. The leaves strong, fragrant flavor can make any dish come alive.
They prefer full sun to partial shade and sandy, well-drained soil.
- Prepare a combination of two parts dirt and one-part manure.
- Combine the prepared manure with the soil.
- Apply the blended fertilizer to the curry leaf plant’s base.
- After adding the fertilizer, vigorously water the curry leaf plant.
Bonus: Curry Plant Care Tips
Curry leaf plants can be grown indoors or outdoors and are simple to care for. There are a few things you should do to maintain the health of your curry plant.
First;
Ensure that it receives adequate sunshine. Curry plants require at least six hours of sunlight each day, so you might need to supplement with grow lights if you reside in an area with shorter days in the winter.
Second;
When the soil on your curry plant seems dry to the touch, water it. A lot of water might rot the roots, so take care not to overwater.
Third;
Fertilize your curry plant with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few months.
Fourth;
Regularly pinch back the curry plant’s tops to promote bushier growth.
