With its invigorating citrus fragrance and flair for the dramatic, lemongrass makes a stunning addition to any garden. But keeping those graceful, grassy leaves looking their best requires paying close attention to moisture. Learning how often to water lemongrass is key to growing a vigorous, healthy plant.
Like many tropical and subtropical plants, lemongrass craves a steady supply of water to thrive But overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering for this moisture-loving herb Read on to discover the secrets to perfect lemongrass watering.
What Are Lemongrass’ Water Requirements?
Native to monsoon regions of India and Southeast Asia, lemongrass flourishes in hot, humid environments with fertile, consistently moist soil. Mimicking these conditions is crucial when growing lemongrass, whether in the ground or containers.
Lemongrass has very high water needs in the growing season This fast-growing plant can easily become stressed by slightly drier soil Extended drought will cause permanent damage,
In general, the top few inches of soil should never be allowed to dry out. You’ll need to water deeply and frequently to keep roots hydrated.
Exact watering frequency depends on factors like temperature, sunlight, humidity, soil type, and container size. But lemongrass typically needs watering at least every 2-3 days in full sun, and less often in partial shade.
Monitor Soil Moisture Closely
The best way to determine when to water lemongrass is to check soil moisture levels. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and see if it feels dry.
You can also pick up the pot to gauge its weight. Light, dry pots need irrigation. Heavier, moist pots can wait.
Pay extra attention during lemongrass’ active growth in summer High temperatures and long sunny days increase the plant’s thirst,
Water Thoroughly Each Time
When watering lemongrass, it’s important to irrigate deeply. Just moistening the surface won’t sufficiently hydrate roots.
Water until it drains freely from the container’s bottom. For in-ground plants, aim to saturate soil to a 6-8 inch depth.
Pools of excess water should drain away quickly. If puddles remain for over an hour, your soil likely needs amendments to improve drainage.
Morning Is Best For Watering
Try to water lemongrass early in the day. This allows foliage time to dry completely before night, reducing disease risk.
Avoid overhead watering if possible. Lemongrass’ long, slender leaves are prone to fungal issues when kept wet. Drip irrigation or watering at soil level is ideal.
Adjust Frequency For Indoor Lemongrass
Growing lemongrass as a houseplant comes with some extra watering challenges. Lower natural light and humidity indoors often result in less frequent watering needs.
But smaller containers also dry out more rapidly than garden soil. It can take some trial and error to find the right balance.
Plan to water indoor lemongrass every 7-10 days during the short winter days. Ramp up to every 3-5 days in bright summer light.
Reduce Watering In Winter
Lemongrass grows extremely slowly or goes dormant once temperatures drop below 50°F. This winter rest period means you can significantly decrease irrigation.
Water indoor plants just once every 2-3 weeks. Outdoor lemongrass only needs supplemental water during prolonged dry spells.
Don’t be alarmed if leaves yellow or drop during winter dormancy. Growth will resume when warmer weather returns.
Watch For Signs of Underwatering
How can you tell if your lemongrass needs more frequent watering? Look for these clues:
- Leaves turning yellow or brown
- Wilting, drooping foliage
- Stunted growth
- Dry, shriveled leaf tips
- Soil pulling away from container sides
If you spot any of these symptoms, increase watering frequency. Damaged leaves won’t recover, but improved care can encourage new healthy growth.
Avoid Overwatering Problems
It’s easy to overdo lemongrass watering, especially in cool weather. Too much moisture can lead to:
- Root rot – Waterlogged soil suffocates roots
- Fungal diseases – Bacteria thrive in wet leaves
- Nutrient deficiencies – Excess water leaches nutrients
- Rotting center – Crowns and stems collapse
Let soil dry slightly between waterings and pour carefully to prevent these issues. Improve drainage to keep moisture from accumulating.
Use a Watering Can or Hose
For container lemongrass, a spouted watering can provides the control needed for precise watering. Target the base of the plant and surrounding soil.
Gently sprinkling with a hose on low flow also works well. Avoid hard streams that batter delicate leaves.
In garden beds, utilize soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or sprinklers that simulate soft rainfall. Just be sure to hit lemongrass’ entire root zone.
Collect Rainwater
Lemongrass thrives when watered with naturally soft, pH-balanced rainwater. Install rain barrels to harvest ample irrigation water for your thirsty herbs.
Supplement with distilled or filtered water if rain isn’t sufficient. Tap water containing salts, chlorine, or fluoride may accumulate and damage lemongrass over time.
Mist Frequently
Lemongrass craves high humidity on par with its native tropics. In dry indoor air, misting is vital.
Mist leaves at least once a day with a spray bottle on the finest setting. Avoid wetting the crown to limit rot risks.
Outdoors, make your own “monsoon” for lemongrass by misting whenever relative humidity drops below 40 percent. site your plant near water features to boost air moisture.
Grow in Rich, Loose Soil
Lemongrass thrives in loose, fertile soil that holds moisture but still drains well. Amend native soils with plenty of compost before planting.
In containers, use a quality potting mix blended with compost or worm castings. Mix in horticultural charcoal to prevent soil from getting waterlogged.
Use Mulch
Top-dress outdoor lemongrass with 2-3 inches of mulch, leaving the crown uncovered. Shredded bark, pine needles, or compost keep soil evenly moist while reducing evaporation.
Replenish mulch annually as it decomposes. Deep mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for water.
Rely on Self-Watering Containers
For consistently moist soil without hassle, grow lemongrass in self-watering containers. These pots have built-in reservoirs to provide water as needed.
Select a model that allows you to see and adjust water levels. Top off the reservoir regularly so it never runs dry.
Self-watering pots prevent drier periods but still allow soil to aerate adequately to prevent waterlogging issues.
Water Before Fertilizing
Lemongrass needs heavy feeding to fuel rapid growth. But dry soil will limit nutrient uptake. Always irrigate a day before fertilizing.
Then drench soil again right after applying fertilizer to wash nutrients into root zones. This pre-watering and post-feeding routine maximizes benefits.
Check Roots for Pot-Bound Issues
Stunted, stressed lemongrass despite frequent watering may indicate bound roots. Examine roots carefully when repotting.
If they’re densely circled along the edges, it’s time to size up. A larger container allows more moisture retention to support growth.
Vigorous lemongrass often needs repotting every year as its rapid roots quickly dominate pots.
Move Containers to Shelter
High heat and wind dry lemongrass’ soil much faster than indoor or protected plants. Shift pots to shady spots out of drying breezes and full sun.
Grouping containers together reduces evaporation. Just be sure air can still circulate to prevent fungal problems in this humidity haven.
How to Water New Transplants
Establishing recently transplanted or divided lemongrass requires extra care. Prioritize frequent light watering while delicate new roots recover.
Gradually increase watering depth and interval as plants adjust over the first few weeks. By 4-6 weeks, normal watering routine can resume.
Shield tender transplants from harsh sun and wind which accelerate moisture loss. Light shade and humidity tents are very beneficial.
Water Consistently Before and After Harvests
To fuel rapid regrowth of leaves for harvests, lemongrass needs consistent irrigation. Don’t let soil dry out.
But also avoid overwatering right after cutting stalks. Wait until cuts callus over before resuming normal deep watering.
Time harvests so cooler months allow a slow regrowth period. Harvesting in summer heat is stressful.
Getting lemongrass watering right does take some observation and experience. But the rewards of this gorgeous, fragrant plant are well worth the effort. Follow these tips to keep your lemongrass lush and productive in any climate.
5 Tips How to Grow a Ton of Lemongrass at Home
How much sun does lemongrass need?
Lemongrass varieties require at least six hours of sun in order to bloom faster. As a matter of fact, lemongrass doesn’t do well in the shade. Such a home will only encourage pests and insects to find your plant. Ideally, you want the temperatures surrounding your lemongrass to vary between 65 to 80℉ (18 to 26℃).
How often should you water lemongrass?
Lemongrass watering should take into consideration that the plant prefers regular rainfall and humid conditions. In arid regions, water at least every other day and provide mist. In temperate regions where rainfall is plentiful, insert a finger into soil around the plant’s roots up to the first knuckle. If soil is dry, it is time to water.
How do you care for lemongrass?
Caring for the plant is easy, but one thing it is fussy about is water. Knowing when to water lemongrass and how much the plant requires is helpful. As a native of southeastern Asia, lemongrass prefers hot, humid weather. It will thrive in many soil levels but can be killed when temperatures drop below 40 degrees F. (4 C.).
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.