Lemongrass Plant (Cymbopogon citratus) is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Tall, citrus-scented grass used for tea and cooking. Also helps repel mosquitoes naturally.
Buy lemongrass plant online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: tea herb, mosquito-repelling aroma. Plant a few stalks near a seating area on a balcony; the citrus aroma is often used to deter mosquitoes.
Lemongrass plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 60-100 cm. Good spots include: balcony, garden.
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Cymbopogon citratus
- Also known as: Hari Chai
- Care level: Very easy
- Mature size: 60-100 cm
- Best placement: Balcony, garden
- Light: Full sun
- Watering: Every 2-3 days
- Pet safety: Mildly toxic to pets
Lemongrass Plant Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: full sun. Most herbs and edible plants need plenty of sun to build flavour and yield. If you grow it indoors, choose the brightest window and rotate the pot regularly so it grows evenly.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: every 2-3 days. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry, and aim for consistent moisture rather than extremes. Water at the base, early in the day, so the foliage can dry and stay disease-free.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Fertile loose mix: 50% garden soil, 30% vermicompost, 20% cocopeat. Choose a pot at least 25-30 cm wide with drainage holes, and refresh the top layer of soil every few months. Repot into a larger container once roots fill the pot.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Vermicompost or neem cake every 3-4 weeks; diluted liquid compost fortnightly. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 15-35?C. It grows well in typical Indian conditions. Give some afternoon shade in extreme summer heat, and protect it from heavy monsoon rain and from very cold nights in winter.
How to Propagate It at Home
Divide the clump, or root stalks in water, then plant them in a large pot.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Lemongrass Plant Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is brown tips in poor drainage. Our pro tip: cut stalks at the base to harvest.
Check leaves regularly for aphids and whiteflies. Because you may use this plant in food, stick to organic options such as a diluted neem oil spray, and wash leaves before using them.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: balcony, garden. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and contact a vet if any part is chewed or swallowed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: vermicompost + potting mix from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lemongrass for tea?
Yes. Fresh leaves and stalks are commonly used for tea and cooking. Rinse well, and use only plants grown without chemical sprays.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: every 2-3 days. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
Lemongrass plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Cymbopogon citratus overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more herbs & edible plants in our store, or pair lemongrass plant with Cuban Oregano (Ajwain Patta) and Lemon Plant (Kagzi Nimbu).
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