My curry leaf plant is growing in a pot, it is about 5 years old. I bought the small seedling from the nursery, and over the years, I have cut off the stem several times, leaving only the small main trunk as it was infested with the Leaf Beetle, which is a threat to the plant. As as always, this plant has sprung back to life with new branches and leaves. I have found to my horror, a couple of days ago, these beetles and their larvae on some of the leaves. I cut off the top branches since the ones below seems healthy and green and do not have any signs of being infested yet! I'm keeping a close watch daily for any more of this irritating pests. The only way to get rid of them is to remove them manually, to read a little about this yucky creature and how disgusting they look, you may refer to one of my earlier post, here. And the most effective way to save your plant (from my experiences) is to cut off the stems and branches, don't worry, it will grow again rather quick.
I found this pupa on the curry leaf plant. I googled and found out that this pupa belongs to the Swallowtail butterfly, here. Notice the way the pupa is being supported. At one end, it seems to be attached itself to the stem, and if you see the picture closely, you may notice a thin line of thread that is supporting and going round the pupa in the centre, almost like carrying it, attaching to the curry leaf stem.
Another one, could this belong to the same swallowtail species?
Can you see the thin thread supporting the pupa? I did not notice it when I took the photo, it is only visible when I downloaded this photo. It has been raining everyday and as I am writing this post, it is raining very heavily right now. Hopefully the pupa would hold on against the heavy downpour. But then, nature always has a way to survive against all odds.
Update on my pineapple fruit. It has grown so much bigger and the crown has developed beautifully! I'm all smiles!
Happy Gardening !
Hi Joyce! Ah, the pineapple is doing very well. My curry plant was also infested by pests. I think my pests are different from yours. They position themselves on top of the leaves. Dark brown in colour and look like something from Aliens movie. At first I thought they were insect droppings but they moved! Very yucky creatures. Now my plant has no leaves. I hope it is still alive. Will do something about it on Sunday. That is if I can wake up hah! hah!
ReplyDeleteHi Phong Hong,
DeleteThe yucky creatures may be the same ones. You can refer to my earlier post, link below. There are some pictures taken of the yucky creatures and of the matured beetle. The only way to safe your curry plant is to cut off the branches that are infested. Don't worry, if the main trunk is healthy, new branches will soon grow, with nicer and healthier looking leaves. After that, you need to constantly check on the plant, make sure the mother beetle does not hide under the leaves, they love to do that! Get rid of them immediately before they start to make a nest and destroy your curry leaves!
Good luck!
http://mypottedgarden.blogspot.com/2011/02/beware-of-white-beetle.html
Thank you, Joyce! I checked your earlier post and yes those are the yucky creatures! And hah! hah! I had goosebumps too when I looked at them. Will be on a quest to save both my curry plants. Thanks again!
DeleteI love your photos of the pupa being suspended under the leaves with just a tiny thread. How marvelous is Mother Nature. Your pineapple is getting very plump and lovely. I wonder if you can hold off harvesting until it is very ripe. By then, I'm sure your pineapple will taste heavenly.
ReplyDeleteWait till we r there only you can harvest the pineapple.. wanna taste the sweet juicy pineapple..haahaha.. wait for us ah! lol
ReplyDeleteHi! I have been thinking about you. :) Plans changed. Not moving anywhere. Are you on Facebook? Kwee Peng
ReplyDeleteHi KP,
DeleteSo nice to hear from you! Thank you for stopping by!
I am not using any facebook account, sorry! Really miss your posts and your beautiful photography! Are you thinking of getting back into blogging soon? Hope it is a yes, as I'm sure I'm not the only one who is looking forward to it! I take it that Clifford is still with you? I really hope so! Do keep in touch!
The curry plant leaves do look healthy... and what fun it is to have the butterflies laying their eggs there...
ReplyDeleteWow your pineapple cepatnya besar. Mine still small hardly growing. Probably lack of sun and I don't water it. Harapkan hujan saja.
ReplyDeleteThat's fresh lloking curry leave!
ReplyDeleteWhat a juicy pineapple! Mine is just left unattended....
Now your curry leaf plant is doing very well and you have a big pineapple - very "ONG"! The curry leaf plant is a hostplant for the lime butterfly and also common mormon butterfly. Hope you see some lovely butterflies in your garden. Kwee Peng, me, Lrong, Malar and MKG are members of My Nice Garden Chat - facebook group for gardening. Hope you'll have facebook account soon and join us there.
ReplyDeleteHello and good day..Wow, that is one big pineapple you got there! I'm just wondering, did you plant the pineapple from the crown or did you germinate the seeds? I planted one before but it did not grow well and it didn't bear any fruit. :-(
ReplyDeleteYou sure have the green thumb in you!
Have a nice day! :-D
Where buy curry leave seed?
ReplyDelete