how do you control black spots on curry leaves? if you found bugs on them, How do you Get Rid of Bugs on Curry Leaves? So to answer the question, Why are the leaves on my curry leaf plant turning black? I walked out to my garden this morning and noticed some of the leaves on my curry leaf Murraya koenigi plant are turning black! A few black leaves here and there is one thing, but if the problem spreads, it could damage my precious curry leaf plant.

I did a little digging to get to the bottom of this. Here are three main reasons why the leaves on curry leaf plants sometimes turn black:

Why is there brown spots on my curry leaves?

A common cause of black or brown spots on curry leaves is a fungal infection. Curry leaf plants are prone to fungal diseases like leaf spot, which leads to brown or black lesions on the leaves. This fungus thrives in wet, humid conditions. If the infected leaves are not removed, the fungus can spread to the entire plant.

To prevent fungal diseases, make sure not to overwater your curry leaf plant. Water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry out. Improve air circulation around the plant with a fan to cut down on humidity. Remove any diseased leaves promptly to avoid the infection spreading.

How do you remove fungus from curry leaves?

If your curry leaf plant has fungal leaf spot, don’t panic! Here are some tips to remove fungus and restore the health of your plant:

• Prune away heavily infected leaves and branches. This removes the main source of fungal spores.
• Improve air circulation around the plant to lower humidity levels.
• Apply a baking soda spray. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 quart water and spray onto plant leaves. This helps control fungus and mildew.
• Use neem oil. Neem oil comes from the neem tree and has natural antifungal properties. Mix neem oil with water as directed and spray onto plant foliage.
• Apply a sulfur fungicide. Sulfur products prevent fungus from growing on plants. Always follow label directions.
• Remove any diseased leaf debris from around the base of the plant. This eliminates fungal inoculum.

With diligent pruning and applying antifungal sprays, you can get a fungal leaf spot infection under control. Be sure to treat disease promptly before it spreads.

How to get rid of black spots on curry leaves?

A few options for removing black spots from curry leaves:

• Neem oil spray – Mix neem oil with water as directed on the label. Spray onto curry leaf plants, coating the tops and bottoms of leaves. Neem oil is antifungal and helps control leaf spot diseases. Reapply every 7-14 days.
• Baking soda spray – Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart of water. Add a few drops of gentle liquid soap. Spray this solution onto curry leaf plants. Baking soda raises the pH on leaves to combat fungi.
• Pruning – Remove any leaves or stems with black spots. Be sure to discard them far from your garden. Sterilize pruners between each cut with isopropyl alcohol to avoid spreading disease.
• Improve air circulation – Good air flow lowers humidity and makes it harder for fungus to thrive. Use fans or properly space plants to allow better airflow.
• Avoid overhead watering – Water at the base of plants instead of wetting the leaves. This keeps foliage dry.
• Grow resistant varieties – Look for curry leaf cultivars bred to resist fungal diseases, such as P2 or Gamthi.

With consistent treatment, you can beat the black spots on your curry leaves. The key is taking action quickly before the disease gets out of control.

Always test homemade pesticide sprays on a few leaves first to ensure they don’t damage the plant.

Homemade Pesticide for Curry Leaf Plants

A natural pesticide made from ingredients in your pantry or garden can help control bugs on curry leaves. Here are some effective homemade pesticide options:

Neem Oil

Extracted from the neem tree, this natural oil contains azadirachtin that repels and kills insects. Mix 1 teaspoon neem oil with 1 quart water. Add in 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid soap. Shake well and spray on the curry leaf plant, especially the undersides of leaves. Reapply weekly. Neem oil is safe to use up to the day of harvest.

Garlic Spray

Garlic contains allicin, a compound with insecticidal properties. Blend 5 cloves garlic with 1 quart water. Let sit for 24 hours, then strain. Transfer the garlic water to a spray bottle and spray on affected plants. Reapply every 5-7 days.

Chili Pepper Spray

The capsaicin in hot peppers repels many soft-bodied insects. Add 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper flakes to 1 quart water. Let sit overnight. Strain and transfer to a spray bottle. Spray on curry leaves as needed.

Soap Spray

Insecticidal soap kills soft-bodied insects through direct contact. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons liquid castile soap with 1 quart water. Shake vigorously and spray directly on bugs and larvae. Repeat application daily for a week.

Vegetable Oil

Simple vegetable oil smothers and kills immature soft-bodied insects. Mix 1 cup vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon mild liquid soap. Dilute in 1 quart water. Spray liberally on curry leaf plants. Oil spray works best on young larvae and nymphs.

How to Control Curry Leaf Plant Diseases with Neem Oil

Curry leaf plants can develop fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, anthracnose, and root rot. Neem oil makes an effective organic fungicide.

Here’s how to use neem oil to prevent and treat fungal diseases on curry leaves:

• Mix neem oil solution – Add 1 teaspoon neem oil and 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap to 1 quart water. Shake vigorously.
• Remove infected parts – Prune and destroy any severely infected stems, leaves or roots.
• Spray solution – Thoroughly coat the curry leaf plant, including the undersides of leaves and stems.
• Reapply weekly – Continue spraying neem oil solution weekly to prevent recurrence of fungus.
• Increase airflow – Improve airflow by spacing plants properly and thinning dense growth.
• Treat soil – Mix neem cake or neem oil into the soil around plants to prevent root rot fungi.

With regular neem oil sprays, you can effectively control fungal diseases on curry leaves without the use of harsh chemicals. Always prune out and destroy seriously infected plant parts to prevent spreading.

Curry Leaf Plant Leaves Turning Yellow in Summer

During hot summer months, curry leaf plants can develop yellowing leaves. This chlorosis is often caused by nutrient deficiencies that are aggravated in summer. Here are some ways to deal with yellowing curry leaves in summer:

Water correctly – Don’t over or under water. Curry leaves need about 1-1 1/2 inches of water per week. Insufficient water reduces nutrient uptake.

Mulch – Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the tree. This retains soil moisture and keeps roots cool.

Fertilize – Fertilize the plant with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost early in the spring. This prevents nutrient deficiencies.

Check drainage – Make sure the soil drains well and is not waterlogged. Poor drainage hampers roots.

Prune – Remove excessive, overlapped or dense interior foliage to improve airflow and light penetration. This reduces pests and fungi.

Monitor for pests – Inspect regularly for signs of sap-sucking pests which can cause yellowing. Treat with neem oil if infested.

Plant resistant varieties – Some curry leaf varieties like Pant Shweta or PKM-1 are more tolerant of summer stresses.

Growing herbs, especially curry leaves, can be fun. Their unique flavour adds so much to dishes. And just like any plant, curry leaves can suffer from diseases. Let’s talk about some common ones, so you know what to look out for.

Curry Leaves Turning Black in Fridge

This can happen if you store curry leaves in the fridge for too long. The cold, damp environment causes them to decay faster. Here are some tips to avoid black spots on stored curry leaves:

• Only refrigerate for 2-3 days maximum
• Wrap leaves in a paper towel or perforated bag before refrigerating to allow airflow
• Check for any spoiled leaves and remove them before storing
• Rinse leaves and dry thoroughly before refrigerating

I know it’s tempting to want to make your curry leaves last, but resist keeping them in the fridge for more than a few days. Enjoy them fresh or freeze any extras.

Can We Eat Curry Leaves with Black Spots?

After discovering those black spots on my fridge-stored curry leaves, I decided to check if it is safe to eat curry leaves that have started rotting.

The answer is no; it’s best not to eat curry leaves with black spots or decay. Here’s why:

• They don’t taste good – the flavour will be bitter and unpleasant
• They can contain mould or bacteria that have started growing
• Rotting leaves release ethylene gas that can spoil other produce
• Eating decaying leaves may cause digestive upset

When you see those black spots, pull the leaves out and discard them. Refrain from trying to salvage what still looks fresh. It’s not worth risking your health or the taste of your food. Better to be safe than sorry!

Why is there Black Fungus on Curry Leaves

A fungal disease that can infect curry leaves is black sooty mould, also called black mildew. It shows up as black velvety spots on the top and undersides of leaves.

The key is preventing the fungus from building up heavily. At the first sign of black spots, take action to treat and remove diseased leaves. With diligence, you can keep the fungus in check and save your curry leaf plant.

Why do Curry Leaves Turning Brown

If the edges or tips of your curry leaves turn brown, it’s a sign of a different problem – the leaves are getting scorched.

This tip burn happens when:

• Leaves are exposed to direct hot sunlight
• The soil is too dry
• There’s too much salt buildup in the soil

To prevent scorching:

• Grow curry plants in partial or filtered sunlight
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soaked
• Add compost to improve drainage and reduce salt levels

Prune off the damaged brown parts of the leaves. They won’t recover, but new healthy leaves should grow. Keep your plant out of intense midday sun and watch its water needs. With a little TLC, you’ll have vibrant green curry leaves again.

How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Curry Leaves

Despite your best efforts, those pesky black spots can still show up on curry leaves. Don’t fret – here are some DIY ways to get rid of them:

Neem oil spray – Mix 2 tsp neem oil and 1/2 tsp dish soap with 1 quart water. Spray leaves thoroughly, especially undersides. The oil smothers fungal spores.

Baking soda spray – Stir 1-2 tsp baking soda into 1 quart water until dissolved. Add a few drops of dish soap. Spray on leaves. Baking soda raises leaf pH, making conditions less favorable for fungus.

Hydrogen peroxide spray – Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water. Lightly mist leaves. The peroxide kills fungi and other pathogens.

Pruning – Remove any severely infected leaves at the base of the stem. This prevents spores from spreading.

With prompt treatment, you can avoid fungal diseases and keep your curry leaves healthy and growing strong. Don’t let the black spots win!

Why Does Curry Leaves Turn Yellow?

Nothing looks sadder than a curry leaf plant with yellow, shriveling leaves. But don’t fret – with some troubleshooting, you can get your plant green again. Here are some common reasons for yellowing leaves:

Overwatering – Constant soggy soil suffocates roots and causes leaf yellowing. Improve drainage and cut back on watering frequency.

Underwatering – Too little water also stresses the plant. Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch is dry.

Sunburn – Intense afternoon sun scorches leaves yellow. Move the plant to a shaded or filtered light location.

Pests – Insects like spider mites suck nutrients causing yellow speckles. Check the undersides of leaves and treat any pests found.

Age – Older leaves naturally turn yellow and drop off. Prune these to encourage new growth.

Disease – Fungal or bacterial diseases can cause yellowing. Treat with neem oil or copper spray.

With some troubleshooting, you can nurse your curry leaf plant back to health. I hope these tips help you keep your curry leaves vibrant, green and full of flavor! Let me know if you have any other curry leaf challenges. Happy gardening!

Tips for Keeping Curry Leaves Healthy

Here are my top tips for growing vibrant, disease-free curry leaf plants:

Choose a sunny spot – Curry leaf plants thrive in full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun prevents fungal issues.

Space plants out – Give curry leaf plants plenty of room, at least 3 feet between plants. This allows for good air circulation.

Water carefully – Overwatering encourages fungal and bacterial diseases. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

Monitor for pests – Pests like spider mites can rapidly damage leaves. Check the undersides of leaves regularly and treat any infestations promptly. Neem oil works great!

Remove yellow leaves – Prune off any yellow or diseased-looking leaves to prevent the spread of infection.

Use raised beds – Growing curry leaves in raised beds improves drainage and prevents root rot diseases.

Clean up fallen leaves – Remove and dispose of any fallen leaves around plants. This reduces the chances of reinfection next season.

Apply preventative sprays – Use neem oil or copper fungicide sprays as a preventive shield against fungal diseases.

Disinfect tools – Clean pruning shears and other tools with bleach after trimming diseased plants.

Promote airflow – Thin inner branches and interior growth to allow airflow through the plant.

Harvest frequently – Regularly removing older leaves encourages new healthy growth.

I hope these tips help you avoid issues with your curry leaf plants! Let me know if you have any other curry leaf care questions.

Common Curry Leaf Diseases

Here are some common fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect curry leaf plants:

Being able to identify curry leaf diseases allows you to take prompt action to manage them. Quick treatment helps limit the spread of infection.

How to Store Curry Leaves

Want to make your fresh curry leaves last longer? Here are some storage tips:

• Refrigerate – Place leaves in a perforated bag in the fridge for 2-3 days max.
• Freeze – Wash, pat dry, and freeze leaves in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.
• Dry – Hang bundles of leaves to air dry, then store them in jars. I will keep it for 1 year.
• Oil storage – Blanche leaves for 30 seconds, then stores fully submerged in oil in an airtight jar. Keeps for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
• Vinegar storage – Pack leaves in vinegar in a jar. Refrigerate and use within 1 month.

Proper storage helps retain the flavor and color of your curry leaves. Avoid storing in water or sealed plastic bags, which promotes rotting. Use within a few days of refrigerating for best quality.

Tips for Growing Curry Leaf Plants

As an Indian food lover, having access to fresh curry leaves is a must in my kitchen. The aromatic, citrusy flavor they impart is irreplaceable in dishes like sambar, rasam, chutneys, and more. So I decided to try my hand at growing curry leaf plants at home. Through trial and error, I’ve learned some useful tips for successfully raising these tropical beauties. Let me share what I’ve discovered about location, soil, planting, care, and harvesting for curry leaf plants:

Location

The most important factor in growing great curry leaves is proper sunlight. Curry leaf plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Bright light is crucial to producing an abundance of flavorful leaves.

I’ve found the best locations are in full sun gardens or on balconies and patios with southern or western exposure. Dappled shade under taller trees can work too, as long as the plants get several hours of unfiltered sun daily. If kept indoors, place curry leaf plants right next to a bright, sunny window.

Proper sunlight ensures curry leaves stay healthy and prevents problems like powdery mildew that thrive in shade and humidity. So choose the sunniest spot possible when situating your curry leaf plant.

Soil

Curry leaf plants prefer loose, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Here are some great soil options:

• A mix of garden soil, coarse sand, compost, and dried cow manure
• Store-bought organic potting mixes for vegetables and herbs
• Coconut coir mixed with compost and perlite

The ideal pH range is slightly acidic, between 6.0-6.5. I test my soil to be sure it’s not too alkaline.

Avoid soil that is heavy, dense, or retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot. Make sure your curry leaf plant has soil that drains well but also holds some nutrients.

Planting

You can grow curry leaf plants from seeds, cuttings, or nursery transplants. Here are some tips for each method:

Seeds

• Soak seeds in water overnight to scarify, or remove the outer husk. This helps with germination.
• Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in potting soil. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
• Seeds sprout in 2-3 weeks. Transplant seedlings when they have 4-6 leaves.

Cuttings

• Take 6 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy branches. Remove flowers and buds.
• Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder to spur root growth.
• Plant cuttings 2 inches deep in potting mix. Enclose in a plastic bag for humidity.
• Roots form in 3-4 weeks. Gradually expose to more air circulation.

Transplants

• Check for healthy leaves and intact root balls before purchasing nursery transplants. Avoid root-bound plants.
• Plant in potting soil, keeping root ball level with the ground.
• Water well after planting and provide partial shade for 1-2 weeks while it establishes.

I’ve had the best luck propagating from cuttings, but seeds and transplants work too with proper care.

Care

Curry leaf plants require minimal care once established. Here are some growing tips:

Watering

• Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Curry leaves are prone to root rot if overwatered.
• Water deeply, then wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again.
• Increase watering frequency in summer or in heat waves.
• Water less in winter, as plants are dormant.

Fertilizer

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
• In spring, use a high-phosphorus formula to stimulate flowering and fruiting.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which causes excess leaf growth at the expense of flavor.

Pruning

• Prune back leggy growth and shape plants in spring after the main harvest.
• Prune any diseased or insect-damaged stems to prevent spreading.
• Pruning encourages dense, bushy growth. Don’t remove more than 30% of branches.

Curry plants are pretty low maintenance once settled. Monitor soil moisture and prune judiciously for maximum harvests.

Harvesting

Here’s how to harvest those delicious curry leaves:

• Begin harvesting leaves once plants are about 1-2 feet tall.
• Pick individual leaves as needed, choosing mature, dark green leaves. Avoid taking too many leaves at once.
• For full stems, cut off branches with leaves closer to the tips, leaving the tree framework intact.
• Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor.
• Curry leaf plants offer leaves year-round in frost-free climates but peak in spring and summer.

To store curry leaves:

• Fresh leaves will keep for about 1 week refrigerated in a plastic bag.
• Freeze leaves in airtight bags for several months.
• Dry leaves thoroughly and store in airtight containers.

With the right growing conditions and care, fresh homegrown curry leaves can be harvested for months on end! I hope these tips help you succeed with curry leaf plants in your garden.

FAQs About Curry Leaf Diseases

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about diseases affecting curry leaf plants:

What causes black spots on my curry leaves?

Fungal diseases like black sooty mould or bacterial leaf spots usually cause black spots. High humidity and crowded growing conditions promote these diseases.

How do I treat black fungus on my curry leaves?

Remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply neem oil or copper fungicide spray—thin inner branches to reduce humidity levels around the plant.

Why did the edges of my curry leaves turn brown?

Brown leaf tips or margins often indicate the leaves have been scorched by intense sun or dry, salty soil conditions. Filter the sunlight and improve irrigation to prevent tip burn.

What causes yellowing curry leaves?

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, sunburn, pests, age, or diseases. Adjust growing conditions and treat pests or diseases. Prune old yellow leaves.

Can I still use curry leaves with black spots in cooking?

It’s unsafe to eat decaying leaves with fungal growth. Discard any curry leaves that have started rotting or developing dark spots.

How do I store curry leaves to avoid black spots?

Only refrigerate fresh curry leaves for 2-3 days max. Wrap in paper towels and check regularly for moisture and decay.

Should I remove yellow leaves from my curry plant?

Yes, pruning off aged yellow leaves encourages new growth and prevents disease spread. Just avoid over-pruning.

What natural remedies can I use for curry leaf fungal diseases?

Home treatments like neem oil, baking soda spray, hydrogen peroxide, and copper fungicides are effective organic options for managing fungal leaf diseases.

How do I prevent fungal infections on my curry leaves?

Promote airflow, reduce humidity, avoid overcrowding, prune away infected leaves promptly, and use preventative sprays of neem oil or copper fungicide.

Follow those tips, and your curry leaves should stay fresh and spot-free! Then you can use them to make tasty dishes for your family.

CONCLUSION

With proper care, your curry leaf plant can thrive even in hot summers. Pay close attention to irrigation, drainage, mulching and fertilization. Prune judiciously and monitor for pests. This will ensure your curry leaves stay lush and green throughout summer.

sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070712/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277143748_CURRY_LEAVES_Murraya_koenigii_Linn_Sprengal-_A_MIRCALE_PLANT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree

Ben Martinez

As a creator of gardendata, a blog sharing my 9 years of my experience in gardening.  I’m committed to helping others succeed with as i cover everything from gardening, soil , agriculture, pest , animals, flowers and grasses. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.