Lemongrass Care Guide
Cymbopogon citratus
Quick Answer
Most Lemongrass problems trace back to two things: insufficient light and inconsistent watering. It needs genuinely bright indirect light — not just near a window, but in the bright zone where you'd comfortably read without a lamp. Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry rather than on a schedule, and keep humidity above 50% for the best results.
⭐Difficulty
Easy
☀️Light
Full sun to bright indirect
💧Watering
Every 3–5 days
🌫️Humidity
Medium–High (50–60%)
🌡️Temperature
40–95°F
📈Growth Rate
Fast in warm conditions
Toxicity
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Watering
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Winter
Every 7–10 days
Method: Keep soil evenly moist; does not like to fully dry out; water when top inch is dry
In summer, aim to water lemongrass approximately every 3–5 days; in winter cut back to around every 7–10 days. Rather than following a calendar, keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, then water thoroughly so it drains from the bottom. Drooping with moist soil means roots may be struggling; drooping with dry soil is a simple thirst signal.
Light Requirements
Full sun to bright indirect
Lemongrass does best in a south- or west-facing windowsill where it gets at least 2–4 hours of direct sun. Without direct light, Lemongrass stretches toward the light source, loses its compact shape, and colour or markings may fade.
Soil & Potting
Soil: Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix
Pot: Large, deep pot with drainage — lemongrass grows large
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 40–95°F (4–35°C)
Humidity: Medium–High (50–60%)
Fertilizing
Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks in spring/summer
Type: Balanced liquid fertilizer; nitrogen-forward for leaf growth
Common Problems
Brown leaf tips
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or cold temperatures. Increase humidity; keep above 40°F. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Slow growth
Slow growth: Insufficient light or pot-bound. Move to full sun; repot to larger container. Catching the problem early makes it much easier to fix — watch for early warning signs and act before the plant is in serious distress.
Pale yellow-green leaves
Pale yellow-green leaves: Low nitrogen. Increase fertilizing frequency. Pale or washed-out leaves usually mean too much direct sun or light that's too harsh. Move the plant slightly further from the window or add a sheer curtain to filter the light. Variegated plants can also lose colour in low light, so find the right balance for your specific variety.
Spider mites in dry conditions
Spider mites in dry conditions: Spray with neem oil; increase humidity. Check under leaves and along stems regularly, since pests establish colonies before becoming visible from above. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering the undersides of leaves, and repeat every 5–7 days for at least three rounds.
Propagation
The most reliable way to propagate Lemongrass is by division at repotting time. Unpot the plant and gently work the root mass apart with your hands or a clean knife, ensuring each section has healthy roots and at least 2–3 leaves. Pot each division into fresh mix and water lightly. The common mistake: being too tentative. It's fine if some roots are disturbed — the plant is resilient once it has its own established root system.
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌸 Spring
Spring is when Lemongrass starts actively pushing new growth as day length and light intensity increase. Increase watering frequency as the plant becomes more active, begin fertilising every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser, and this is the ideal window for repotting or taking cuttings.
☀️ Summer
Summer is peak growing season — Lemongrass is working hard and using water and nutrients faster than at other times of year. Water more frequently but check the soil rather than going on a fixed schedule, since heat and higher light accelerate drying. If you move it outdoors, introduce it to conditions gradually to prevent sun scorch.
🍂 Fall
Fall is a transition: Lemongrass grows more slowly as light levels decrease. Reduce watering frequency slightly, stop fertilising by late October, and move it closer to a window to compensate for shorter days. Avoid drafts from opening windows as temperatures drop.
❄️ Winter
In winter, Lemongrass enters a slower-growth phase and uses water more slowly than in summer. Water less frequently to avoid root issues from soil staying wet too long in low light. If your home is heated and the air is dry, a pebble tray or humidifier keeps the plant comfortable.