How to Get a Curry Leaf Cutting to Root

The curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii), sometimes called the Chinese mahogany, is a member of the citrus family. The white, fragrant flowers of the curry leaf, appearing in late spring, are very reminiscent of orange or lemon blossoms. Like those trees, the curry leaf's fruit is enjoyed in certain parts of the world. It is the plant's foliage, however, that gives it great value. Used primarily in Indian cuisine, curry leaves add a deep, rich, aromatic flavor to food. Because it's not a large tree -- reaching 15 feet high at maturity -- it thrives in containers for gardeners that live out of U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones, 9 and above. Although typically propagated by seed, semihardwood cuttings, taken in summer, root readily under the right conditions.

Loam
Peat moss
Perlite or sand
3-inch nursery pot
Stakes
Pruning shears
Razor blade or small knife
Rooting hormone powder
Plastic bag
Heat mat (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Create a planting medium by combining 2 parts of loam to 1 part each of peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand. Moistening the ingredients before mixing makes it easier to combine them. Pour the mixture into a 3-inch nursery pot, to within 1/2 inch of the rim. Push four small stakes -- twigs, chopsticks or pencils, all work -- into the soil, around the perimeter of the pot, equally spaced. They should extend at least 5 inches above the soil.
- 2
  Take a 3- to 4-inch cutting from the tip of a curry leaf stem that is just at the point where it is between soft and green, and turning woody. Make the cut 1/2 inch above a node -- the node should be at the bottom of the cutting.
- 3
  Remove all but the top set of leaves from the curry leaf stem. The remaining leaves help the cutting carry out photosynthesis while it roots.
- 4
  Use a razor blade or small knife to lightly wound the bottom inch of the stem on adjacent sides. Don't cut too deep -- just remove a small portion of the outside covering of the stem.
- 5
  Dip the bottom inch of the curry leaf stem into a cup of water and then roll it in rooting hormone powder. Immediately stick the bottom end into the soil and bury it up to within 1 inch of the bottom of the leaves. Spray the entire cutting with water until it drips.
- 6
  Place the curry leaf cutting into the plastic bag, adjusting it over the stakes so that it doesn't touch the foliage. Seal the bag and place it in an area with indirect sunlight. Curry leaf cuttings root within three weeks. Keep it in the bag until it produces new growth.

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