Lemony Grass Plant Care
Panicum effusum R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Panicum effusum, commonly known as hairy panic, is a grass native to inland Australia. It occurs in every mainland state, as well as New Guinea.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lemony Grass?
Water Lemony Grass every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Lemony Grass Native To?
What Is the Lemony Grass?
Lemony Grass (Panicum effusum) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Panicum genus. Lemony Grass is native to inland Australia. Lemony Grass is also known as Spreading Panic, Hairy Panic Grass.
Lemony Grass displays a tall, upright grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lemony Grass produces feathery panicles of tiny flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lemony Grass?
Panicum effusum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Lemony Grass Need?
Lemony Grass thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lemony Grass Prefer?
Panicum effusum grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Lemony Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lemony Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Lemony Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lemony Grass?
Feed Lemony Grass every 8 months 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 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Lemony Grass?
Divide clumps every 2-3 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 Lemony Grass?
Lemony Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to panicum lycopodioides plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Lemony Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lemony Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Lemony Grass?
Lemony Grass is susceptible to grasshoppers, cutworms, armyworms. 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 Lemony Grass Need?
Lemony Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Lemony Grass is native to inland Australia. In cooler regions, grow Lemony Grass as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Lemony Grass 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 Panicum genus — compare its care with other Panicum species on PlantoScan.
Panicum is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Lemony Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Panicum Species
Other Panicum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Panicum effusum R.Br., family Poaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 191 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lemony Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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