Image: AI generated
Lemongrass Plant Care
Cymbopogon citratus Stapf
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass, is a clumping perennial with an upright growth habit. Its aromatic leaves are commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun
60–90°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lemongrass?
Water Lemongrass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–90°F (16–32°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Lemongrass Native To?
What Is the Lemongrass?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Cymbopogon genus. Lemongrass is native to Maritime Southeast Asia. Lemongrass is also known as Cochin Lemongrass, West Indian Lemongrass, Lemon Grass.
Lemongrass displays a clumping, upright growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lemongrass produces greenish to yellow flowers on elongated, slender stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lemongrass?
Cymbopogon citratus requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lemongrass Need?
Lemongrass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lemongrass Prefer?
Cymbopogon citratus grows best at temperatures of 60–90°F. Lemongrass prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–90°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lemongrass?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Lemongrass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lemongrass?
Feed Lemongrass every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lemongrass?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Lemongrass?
Lemongrass can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.
Is the Lemongrass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Moderately toxic. It can cause rash of skin irritation.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lemongrass Need?
Lemongrass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Lemongrass is native to Maritime Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Lemongrass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Lemongrass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cymbopogon genus — compare its care with other Cymbopogon species on PlantoScan.
Cymbopogon is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Lemongrass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cymbopogon citratus Stapf, family Poaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1906: 322 (1906)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Lemongrass as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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