Lemongrass is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. With its refreshing lemony flavor and scent, it’s easy to see why so many cooks love to use it. But growing lemongrass takes a little bit of knowledge, especially when it comes to proper watering.
So how often should you water lemongrass? The frequency depends on several factors, including pot size soil type, climate and whether it’s grown indoors or outdoors. With the right care lemongrass can thrive and provide a steady supply of flavorful leaves.
Lemongrass Watering Needs
Lemongrass is native to hot, humid parts of Asia. It prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Lemongrass is not drought-tolerant and requires regular irrigation throughout the growing season.
The grassy plant transpires a lot of water through its long, narrow leaves. Add high temperatures and wind to the mix, and lemongrass can dry out quickly if it’s not watered frequently enough.
For container-grown plants, it’s best to check the soil moisture daily. Insert your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
In the ground, lemongrass may only need watering every 2-3 days during hot, dry weather. The larger the plant and container, the less frequent watering will need to be.
A 3-inch layer of mulch helps conserve soil moisture so you don’t have to water as often. Organic mulches like wood chips also gradually improve soil quality as they break down.
How Much Water Does Lemongrass Need?
The amount of water lemongrass needs depends on the size of the plant and container. More water is required for larger containers and mature plants.
As a general guideline, provide enough water so it runs freely from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone is thoroughly moistened.
For a newly planted 4-inch lemongrass starter in a small pot, around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water may be sufficient. A large, established clump in a 12-inch container may need 4 cups of water or more per watering.
Outdoor lemongrass should receive around 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge to track how much precipitation your garden receives.
Watering Lemongrass in Pots
Growing lemongrass on a patio or balcony? Pay close attention to soil moisture in containers. Potting mix dries out faster than ground soil.
Apply water until it drains freely from the bottom of the pots. Lifting the pots occasionally can help you get a feel for how heavy they are when wet.
Grouping pots together can create a beneficial microclimate. The evaporated moisture from one plant helps hydrate neighboring plants.
Sit pots on saucers to catch excess water. If the plants are very dry, allow them to soak up water for 30 minutes before dumping the saucer.
In dry climates, daily misting provides added humidity. Automated drip irrigation systems work well for container plants, providing consistent moisture.
If you’re growing lemongrass indoors, watch for dry soil along the edges of the pot where moisture evaporates quickest. Group with other plants to boost humidity.
Watering Newly Planted Lemongrass
New transplants need frequent irrigation while establishing roots. Check soil moisture daily for the first week or two.
Prior to planting, water the root ball thoroughly while it’s still in the nursery pot. Transplant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to avoid excess wilting.
Create a water basin around newly planted lemongrass. Fill the basin with water immediately after transplanting.
Maintain moist soil while avoiding waterlogged conditions until the plants show signs of active growth. Then you can begin easing off on watering frequency.
Watering Established Lemongrass
Once lemongrass plants are actively growing and the soil is colonized with roots, you can cut back on watering frequency.
Established plants won’t need daily watering like new transplants do. But do pay attention during hot, dry weather when soil dries out fastest.
Check moisture levels in both morning and late afternoon. Water when the top few inches become dry.
Rely more on your finger than on a fixed schedule. Probe the soil around the plants’ rhizomes where the active roots are.
Withhold water if rain is forecast. After downpours, allow the soil to partially dry out before watering again.
Watering Lemongrass in Winter
Lemongrass goes dormant once cool weather arrives. Growth slows or stops completely.
When the plants are not actively growing, they have minimal need for water. Overwatering during dormancy often leads to rot.
Allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings. About every 10-14 days is usually sufficient unless it’s quite warm.
In zones 8-10, lemongrass may remain semi-evergreen through winter. Continue watering every 2 weeks or so if winter is dry.
Elsewhere, plants will likely die back after frost. Cut foliage to the ground but don’t remove all growth until spring.
Signs of Underwatering
How can you tell if lemongrass needs more frequent watering? Look for these signs of underwatering:
- Leaves become dull, droopy and folded
- Leaf tips brown and die back
- Entire leaves turn yellow then brown
- Soil pulls away from pot edges
- Poor new growth
Increase water if lemongrass shows these symptoms. Thoroughly moisten the root zone and continue checking soil daily.
Signs of Overwatering
While lemongrass needs lots of moisture, it’s still possible to overdo it. Watch for these clues:
- Mushy, black roots
- Standing water in pot saucer
- Leaves flop over limply
- Rotting lower leaves
- White fungal growth on soil
Allow pots to dry out between waterings. Discard any slimy, rotten roots and repot plants in fresh, dry soil. Avoid compacted, dense potting mixes that retain too much moisture.
Best Time of Day to Water Lemongrass
Early in the day is the ideal time to water lemongrass. Aim to water first thing in the morning if possible.
Morning offers the following advantages:
- Less evaporation so more water reaches the roots
- Leaves dry faster, reducing disease risk
- Cooler temperatures prevent wilting
- Convenient watering before daily activities begin
If needed, you can also water lemongrass in the late afternoon or early evening. Just be sure the foliage has time to dry fully before night falls.
Nighttime watering is not recommended. Prolonged moisture on leaves promotes fungus and disease.
Lemongrass Watering Tips
- Add plenty of sand, perlite or vermiculite to potting mix to improve drainage
- Use containers with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil
- Add a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture in garden beds
- Group pots together to boost humidity around plants
- Mist lemongrass regularly in hot, dry conditions
- Water less frequently during winter dormancy
- Check moisture daily for potted plants, 2-3 times a week in gardens
Getting lemongrass watering right takes some practice. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be rewarded with an abundant harvest of fragrant stems for cooking. Just be sure to stay on top of soil moisture and you’ll succeed with this moisture-loving grass.
SECRETS TO GROW LOTS OF LEMON-GRASS FASTER | LEMON GRASS CARE TIPS
FAQ
Can you over water lemongrass?
Should lemongrass be in full sun?
How often should I water my lemon grass?
Does lemongrass like wet or dry soil?
When should you water lemongrass?
Additionally, the use of a layer of organic mulch can enhance soil water retention while also adding nutrients slowly to the soil. The best time to water any plant is early morning or late afternoon, and watering lemongrass is no different. These plants should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Does lemongrass need a lot of water?
If you have never grown lemongrass before, you may wonder about its care. Lemongrass plant watering is one of the most important aspects to growing healthy plants. These herbaceous grass-like plants can grow fast in hot weather and that rapid growth needs fuel. Lemongrass water requirements will vary dependent upon the type of soil you have.
How do you care for lemongrass?
Feed Lemongrass regularly throughout the growing season with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food. Water regularly until established. Once established, it’s fairly drought tolerant, but it will perform better if the soil is kept moist. Add a layer of organic mulch, like sugarcane or pea straw to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.