Can Lemongrass Grow in Water? Tips for Propagating Lemongrass in Water

Lemongrass is a tropical plant that is popularly used in Asian cuisine. Its citrusy, lemony flavor adds a refreshing zing to soups, curries, and teas. While lemongrass is commonly grown as an annual in temperate climates, it is actually a perennial grass. With a little care and effort, it can be propagated indoors year round. One of the easiest ways to propagate lemongrass is by rooting cuttings in water.

An Overview of Lemongrass

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical, perennial grass native to southeast Asia. It is known by many names including citronella grass, fever grass, and oil grass. Lemongrass grows in dense clumps up to 5 feet tall with long, slender green leaves. The leaves smell lemony thanks to the citral and geranial oils they contain.

Lemongrass is valued both as a cooking ingredient and as an ornamental plant. In the kitchen, it adds a refreshing citrus flavor to soups, curries, teas, and more The stalks and leaves can be used fresh or dried. Lemongrass essential oil is also highly valued in aromatherapy

As a landscape plant, lemongrass makes an attractive addition with its grassy clumps and lemon scent. It is popular in herb gardens, borders, and containers.

Growing Conditions for Lemongrass

Lemongrass thrives in hot, humid tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers full sun and warm temperatures between 70°F and 100°F. It needs fertile, well-draining soil and ample moisture. Lemongrass has low frost tolerance.

In temperate climates, lemongrass can be grown as an annual during the warm season It must be brought indoors or heavily mulched over winter Fortunately, lemongrass propagates readily from cuttings. This makes it easy to regrow new plants each year.

Propagating Lemongrass in Water

One of the simplest ways to propagate lemongrass is by rooting the cuttings in water All you need to start is a lemongrass stalk from the grocery store Select fresh, green, healthy stalks. The lower portion of the stalk where the leaves emerge is where the roots will sprout.

Follow these simple steps for propagating lemongrass in water:

Step 1: Trim the Stalk

Cut the bottom 4-6 inches off the lemongrass stalk with a sharp knife. Remove any dried or wilted leaves. You want some bare stem at the base for the roots to emerge.

Step 2: Place the Cutting in Water

Put the trimmed stalk in a glass or jar with room temperature water. Only 1-2 inches of the cutting should be submerged.

Step 3: Change the Water

Replace the water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting. Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water for best results.

Step 4: Watch for Roots

In 1-3 weeks, you should notice white roots emerging from the node where the leaves meet the stem. The roots may take longer in cooler temperatures.

Step 5: Transplant

Once the cutting has developed a good root system 2-3 inches long, it is ready to be transplanted. Plant it in a pot with well-draining potting mix in a warm, sunny location.

Step 6: Grow and Enjoy

Care for your new lemongrass plant by watering regularly and providing bright light. Harvest stalks as needed once the plant is established.

Tips for Propagating Lemongrass in Water

Here are some useful tips to get the best results from propagating lemongrass in water:

• Use fresh, green, healthy stalks preferably with the bulbous base intact. Old, damaged, or diseased stalks likely won’t root well.

• Cut off any dried or dead leaves before placing in water.

• Change the water frequently to prevent rotting.

• Warm temperatures between 70-85°F will encourage faster root growth.

• Bright, indirect light helps the stalk stay healthy and root rapidly.

• Cuttings without roots may last 4-8 weeks in water before new growth occurs. Be patient!

• Transplant to soil once an extensive root system forms. Don’t wait too long or the roots may suffer transplant shock.

• Well-draining potting soil amended with compost is ideal for the newly rooted cuttings.

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

Sometimes lemongrass cuttings fail to root well in water. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Rotting: Stalks turning mushy and brown are rotting from too much water and not enough air circulation. Change the water frequently and ensure the vessel has drainage.

No new growth: With time, nutrition in the cutting becomes depleted. Transplant stalks with some roots into fresh potting mix.

Leaf drop: Slow growth and leaf drop may indicate the cutting is not getting enough light and warmth. Move it to a sunnier spot.

Poor roots: Weak, stubby roots often mean the water is too cold. Propagate in warmer conditions of at least 70°F.

Transplant shock: If new leaves turn yellow after transplanting, the roots were disturbed. Next time, transplant sooner before extensive roots form.

Caring for Lemongrass Grown in Water

Lemongrass can be maintained in water for an extended period of time after it has rooted. Here are some tips for caring for lemongrass growing in water:

• Provide bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.

• Keep the water fresh by changing it 1-2 times per week.

• Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water for best results.

• Add diluted liquid fertilizer to the water occasionally to provide nutrients.

• Prune outer leaves as needed to encourage new growth in the center.

• Transplant to soil if roots completely fill the water vessel or growth stalls.

• During winter, transition plants to soil and move somewhere bright and frost-free.

Enjoying Homegrown Lemongrass

The best part about growing lemongrass in water is having this flavorful herb available fresh anytime! Here are some ways to use your homegrown lemongrass:

• Add stalks or leaves to soups, curries, stir fries, and seafood dishes.

• Infuse boiled water with lemongrass to make refreshing herbal tea.

• Blend lemongrass with oils to create scented candles or homemade soaps.

• Mix chopped leaves into cooked grains or rice dishes before serving.

• Craft lemongrass-infused vinegars, spirits, and syrups.

• Make relaxing