Tue 6 Jul 2010
Curry Leaf Plant (Kadi Patta) Fertilizer
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Curry Leaves are an important part of Indian cooking and quite a few of us take pride in the fact that we have one (or two or three…) at home. Yes, Hetal and I are very proud owners of quite a few of them and treat them like our babies. Taking them indoors during the winter months, feeling sad every time the leaves don’t look green enough, the excitement when there is a new plant… 
Here is a quick treatment to give the Kadi Patta Plant a boost. A lot of folks also put tea leaves and coffee grinds to help them flourish. Take care of your plant and enjoy them for years!
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July 6th, 2010 at 8:49 am
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July 6th, 2010 at 10:33 am
that is a great tip but how often should you put in the egg shells. i’ve almost 2 eggs broken like this everyday but i’m not sure my plant needs so much egg nutrition everyday…:)
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Hi Parul,
We suggest once or twice in a month. Over and beyond that might be too much.
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July 6th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Can they be used for other plants too? Also, what about veggie peels, etc. Can we just dump them below the plants? I don’t have time or patience to make compost. Please let me know if this works. Thanks
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Rasna Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
hi R
i’m not sure abt veggie peels but yes ofcorz can use the egg shells for other plants too… I have been doin this for rose plants since ages…
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Hi R,
Veggie Peels may be good for outdoor plans but Curry Leaf Plant (and others that we bring into the house and that are potted) we think that they would stink and attract insects.
The Egg Shells, Coffee Grinds and Tea Leaves work for other plants as well.
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July 6th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Hi !
Where can i find this plant? how do i do it at home? can u give us any tips?
Thanks.
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Hi Shivani,
Here are a couple of different mail order options:
http://www.seedsofindia.com/
http://www.bhatia-nurseries.com/
Besides these, you can find them on Amazon and Ebay as well
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July 6th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
yes…where can i get this plant ? pls tell me. How much it cost ? Does it require direct sunlight ?
If you guys have one then why don’t you guys give more info on this ??
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Rasna Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
go thru …
http://www.plantcultures.org/plants/curry_leaf_grow_it.html
hope this helps
u can get this plant in indian grocery stores…. n the cost differs again n not very sure….may b around $7-$14
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Hi Sha,
Here are a couple of different mail order options:
http://www.seedsofindia.com/
http://www.bhatia-nurseries.com/
It does require sunlight and warmer temperatures.
Besides these, you can find them on Amazon and Ebay as well
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July 6th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
i would also love more tips on locating and growing my own curry leaf plant. in a previous video you mentioned you had one and i looked for one but no plant shops had them here.
thanks
adam
(p.s. made your kadhai chicken last night it was so delicious)
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Hi Adam,
Here are a couple of different mail order options:
http://www.seedsofindia.com/
http://www.bhatia-nurseries.com/
Besides these, you can find them on Amazon and Ebay as well
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July 6th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
can i plant the curry leaf in the ground or in the pot.If i plant in the ground will it remain for the next summer.
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hi Sudha,
It kind of depends where you live. Here in North Texas, we need to plant it in a pot and bring it indoors in the winter. But in states like Fl, AZ and other really warm states it does really well in the ground.
In the winter the leaves shed and new ones appear in the spring and that is the nature of the plant
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July 6th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
HI HETAL AND ANUJA
I HAD PUT THIS REQUEST SEVERAL TIMES
CAN U PLEASE SHOW THE RECIPIE OF (UNDHIYU)
THANKS IN ADVANCE
GUNJAN
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Hi Gunjan,
Thank you for your patience and we will get it to it soon
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July 6th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi Anuja and Hetal,
I had trouble finding them in our Indian stores, but found that they are sold on ebay as well as amazon.com. Amazon seems to have better prices, but the plants are very small, 4-6 inches. Thanks so much for the tip on helping curry plants surive!!!
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July 6th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Hi Anuja & Hetal,
I give my curry leaf plants, the water from washing the rice. When we wash the rice, we usually just run under the faucet in the kitchen sink, but instead if you pour it out to a curry leaf plant, you will notice in a few days that the plant is greener and fresher and healthier. You can even do it daily, no harm. I read this in a telugu magazine and tried it and it works great. Hope you try it and post here what you find.
I use egg shells like you showed for rose plants, and rose plants apparently need more calcium and so the egg shells are supposed to be great for them too.
Thanks,
Jyothi
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Anonymous Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
wow that’s very good tip for vegetarians who doesn’t buy eggs @ all !
Thank you so much for sharing that with us Jyothi.. We appreciate that !
But one concern that is I have selfwatering pot in which I have to fill the water underneath the pot. So I dont know how good that will be when your water is staying in the pot about a week underneath. It’d probably be stinky isn’t it? I wonder what to do for that.
Thanks anyways !
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Hi Jyothi,
Thanks for sharing
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July 6th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Hi,
Another tip for Kadi Patta fertiliser –
Just pour some Buttermilk to the plant along with water eveyday. Plant grows really well and much greener.
Regards,
Bhakti.
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Hi Bhakti,
Thanks and will give it a try
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kirti Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 2:46 am
i also use buttermilk once in week and it grow more fast, and greener
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July 7th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
hi
any tips for tulsi plant? if yes please give me.i brought three times but it didn’t grow.winter tips also.in summer it growes little bit.
you saw plant grow tips its a good idea.i like planting.thanks.
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July 7th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Great tip, but you should also show us how to start a curry leaf plant. I am tempted to grow this plant because I love curry leaves but not sure exactly how. Maybe that could be one of your future tips.
Thanks.
Pinal
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Hi Pinal,
Unfortunately, it is very hard to start a plant from the seed. The seed needs to be fresh and planted immediately and pretty much be babied. It is easier to come by a baby plant ( http://www.seedsofindia.com ) and a lot of Indian stores have them as well.
Check it out!
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July 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I live in Egypt and I am anxious to find Kari Leaves. I know there are many spice markets here, and also some Indian residents. I would like to know either the Latin or botanical name for this plant, or, even better- the Arabic name for this, and any less familiar Indian spices.
Thanks very much for the informative article. Great site!
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anuja Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Hi Fiona,
Here is the botanical name for it:
Helichrysum italicum.
Hope that helps
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Fiona Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Thank you, that’s great. I will try to track this down over here. I have difficulty finding spices like Sambar powder dried mango powder and of course Kari leaves. If anyone can help me with the botanical names or Arabic names for these other spices, it would really make my life a lot easier.
Thanks once again Anuja
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anuja Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Hi Fiona,
Sambar Powder is a combination of a a lot of other spices. It can be found in a pre-packaged box/package. Dried Mango Powder is also known as “Amchur or Amchoor” in Hindi.
Basheer Reply:
September 9th, 2010 at 4:08 am
Hi Anuja,
Helichrysum italicum is not the name for the curry leaf plant. That is what westerners call a Curry Plant because it smells like curry. The real botanical name is Murraya koenigii. See, here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_Tree
and here
http://www.herbcompanion.com/Gardening/The-Real-Curry-Plant.aspx
Best of luck finding the plant, Fiona.
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July 9th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Hi guys !
does anyone have a good tips for tulsi plant ?
cuz when we buy them they are only lasting for summer when winter come they are dying in the house !
so can you guys let us know if the above fertilizers would be helpfull for tulsi plant or no?
will be much appreciated please !
thank you in advance
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Neha Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Hi,
Tulsi plant needs to stay in one place, and can’t keep on switching places. During winter season specially keep them in the sunny place by the window. Where you get lots of sun during the day. Also only water them every 2 weeks. I have Tulsi plant at home, My pot is big and still water only a glass of water.
Also those who live in US can go to Lowe’s home improvement store, they sell plant meter reader which shows, if the plant is wet, dry or moist.
This scale really helps in checking our plant to see if water is needed or not.
I hope this top helps.
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July 11th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Can I use this for basil & mint?
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anuja Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Hi Alexa,
Both Basil and Mint are very prone to insects and worms so i would not suggest you add the egg-shells to them.
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Anonymous Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
anuja would you have any idea how to take care of a tulsi plant in the house?
are we allow to tream them and how much?
when winter comes do you know how to protect them?
does any fertilizer good for them cuz i used the miracle grow last year it made the plant died! or I dont know how it did that.
some people say do not move them or touch them often is that true?
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July 20th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Pour a bottle of beer in curry patta plant once every 2 weeks, does wonders.
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July 22nd, 2010 at 12:41 am
hi i have just got some herbs orgeano, rosemary, thyme and basil. sould you suggest me how can i use them in indian style cooking. thanks
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August 1st, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Hi anuja! Can you please tell me how to clean the granet counter-top and glass.PLEASE MAKE SURE TO GIVER ME A home remedy. Thank You!
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August 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Hello girls,
I have a tulsi plant at home and has a lot of white flies. Do you have any good tips how to get rid of them and grow healthy.
Your response will be appreciated.
Thank you.
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Neha Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Hi,
Change the soil in the plant.
1. Take plant out from soil and water them from tip to the bottom of the plant including roots.
2. Then change pot and soil and then plant them in that.
3. Dont water a lot. Otherwise the problem will be there again.
4. Also lots of sunlight helps.
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August 12th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Dear Anuja and Hetal,
Thanks so much for your great tip on freezing coriander!
Will the same method work for freshly-grated coconut? Should I add oil or coconut water? One tip I read recommended sprinkling it with sugar, but I don’t want to sweeten it. What do you recommend?
Love and blessings,
Devin (Tokyo)
P.S. Good luck on your Food Network Quest! You deserve to WIN!
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anuja Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Hi Devin,
We usually just grate the coconut and freeze it in airtight containers or ziploc bags. We do not add anything else to it.
Thanks for the blessings and wishes
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Anonymous Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
What is the tip for freezing coriander.
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hetal Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
There is no good tip for freezing coriander. Some people grind it with some chilies and freeze it to use later for green chutney.
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August 12th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Hi Hetal & Anuja
I bought a curry plant 3 weeks ago,has good foliage,but does not seem to be growing.I live in Plano,Texas,Is it ok to keep it on the patio,& do I water it daily.
Love your show.
Neha
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anuja Reply:
August 12th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Hi Neha,
Curry Plant is a very slow growing plant, specially since it’s just been uprooted and replanted. Have patience and give it some time
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September 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
I love your high quality show, and you both are awesome. I am better in Indian cooking, since I started watching your show with great tips.
Thanks for your caring tip on curry plant’s care. Yes,I am also a proud owner of curry plant, which was given to me by sister from North Carolina. I live in Arizona, and don’t have to bring the plant indoor. However, It took good one year to see fresh foliage. I need to know when and how much to cut the curry leaves.
Appreciate,
Zaib
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hetal Reply:
September 3rd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Hi Zaib,
During the summer months, we break off each sprig from the branch as needed for our cooking. In late fall, we prune our plants by cutting off how much ever we want from the main branch. Unless you want a huge tree, you can cut off as much as you want to “shorten” the plant. This pruning action also makes the plant more “wide” then “tall”.
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September 13th, 2010 at 5:24 am
hi,
my mother puts buttermilk( sour one)..to curryplants..almost once a week..it really works!!
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November 3rd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Hi Hetal & Anuja,
This is a really a good tip. I would like to share one of my tip for Tulsi plant. I heard my friends complain that there tulsi die in winter even though they keep inside. They way i take care of Tulsi is – all through the year i keep plucking the tulsi seeds once they turn brown and throw back in the pot. I changed the pot size too and add pottering soil once a while.The good thing about Tulsi is it is perrineal so it will come back in summer again. This helps my tulsi to survive all through the winter and i keep my tulsi pot in the kitchen window. Hope this helps others.
Thanks
Shalini
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January 25th, 2011 at 10:48 pm
hi Anuja & Hetal,
This is my first question/comment for you. Before asking the question, I would like to thank you girls..I visit your website everyday, and has been really helpful, I love cooking now..and the credit goes to you guys!!
I live in Manhattan in a small apartment, the weather is not that supportive for a kaddi patta plant..I love the kaddi patta flavor, I buy in stock from the indian store, but the color is not fresh green, its kind of dark green, and for sure not very fresh.
do you have any tips to keep these leaves fresh/ taste good?
Thanks!
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anuja Reply:
January 26th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Hi Mini,
Here is an option to storing/preserving the Kadi Patta leaves:
http://showmethecurry.com/tips/preserving-curry-leaves.html
The other option is to do the same thing that is done for storing Cilantro – wrap it in a paper-towel and store in a zip-loc bag with all the air removed.
To get the freshest leaves – you will have to grow the plant – keep it in a place that is warm and has a lot of moisture.
Hope that helps
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Mini Reply:
January 27th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Thanks Anuja!
Also, I tried veg Jalfrezi, and it was a big hit!
thanks again!
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Neha Reply:
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Hi,
You can freeze the curry patta leaves in the freezer. The color and flavor will stay the same. You can freeze it by folding in Paper towel, and no air left inside. Then bag in ziploc bag and put in the freezer.
Everytime you take out, make sure to tight the air out before putting it back in the freezer.
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July 6th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
I was given a curry leaf plant recently for which I am very proud. I have not used any leaves yet because i want it to grow bigger. How do you know when it is ready to use the leaves and where is the best spot to snip the leaves.
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hetal Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Hi Jenny,
You really have to judge how well its doing and the growth pattern before starting to pick leaves. If it still looks like a seedling, then just let it grow. If you have plumes of leaves coming out, you can start to pick the larger sprigs from the middle of the plant. Don’t pick off leaves only, the whole sprig needs to be picked off.
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October 4th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Heh I had seen this kadi patta clip some time back and used it for my saplings. Today I have mentioned your clip in this blogpost of mine.
http://souschefmusings.blogspot.com/2011/10/curry-leavesfresh-from-my-yard.html
Just thought would give you a thumbs up!
Keep the great work going!
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hetal Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Thanks Jyothi!
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