How Often to Water Lemongrass in Pots: A Comprehensive Guide

Watering is a critical factor in gardening, if you are a fan of indoor gardening and want to boost your house with the green leaves and vibrant aroma of Lemongrass, join this article to tell you how often to water Lemongrass in pots.

Lemongrass has a lot of benefits from culinary versatility to medicine usage. Hence, nowadays, most people like to have a pot of it in their kitchen. I discussed the benefits of indoor growing lemongrass in my previous article.

One of the most common questions that people also ask me is about watering this magic grass. So, I write this post to answer it in deep detail to keep this herb thriving. In addition, I’ll explore the various aspects of caring for lemongrass in a pot, from how to distinguish it from other grass to mastering the art of watering it to prevent root rot. So, keep reading.

 ➡ You can hear the audio version of this article too.

Lemongrass: How to identify it?

Before delving into the watering of this magic grass, it’s crucial to be able to identify lemongrass from other grass. Hence in this part, I will discuss this appearance.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is native to tropical regions. Like other grass, it has long, slender leaves but its distinguished characteristic is its refreshing lemon scent. 

Here, I provide you with a brief guide to identify it:

• Lemongrass typically grows in clumps, with tall, slender stalks that can reach up to three feet in height.
• The leaves are long and narrow, resembling blades of grass, with a vibrant green color.
• If you run your fingers along the leaves, you will its rough texture.
• Lemongrass leaves are slightly serrated, which distinguishes them from smooth-edged grasses.
• If you gently crush a leaf between your fingers, you can smell its lemony scent. This is a telltale sign of lemongrass.

Growing Lemongrass in Pots – Care Essentials

Most people like to grow lemongrass indoors due to its medical usage and it is one of the best grass for rabbits. To successfully cultivate lemongrass in pots, you need to pay attention to several care requirements such as how often to water Lemongrass in pots.  I told you about growing lemongrass in water in my previous article, here’s what you need to know about growing it in soil, keep reading:

Container Selection

Choose a pot that provides adequate space for your lemongrass to grow. A container with drainage holes is essential to prevent overwatering. Ensure the pot is at least 12 inches in diameter to accommodate the herb’s root system.

Light Requirements

Lemongrass thrives in full sunlight, so ensure your pot receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it near a south-facing window or on a sunny patio. If you’re growing lemongrass indoors, consider using a grow light to supplement sunlight.

Watering Frequency

Now, let’s address the central question: how often to water lemongrass in pots? Lemongrass prefers consistently moist soil but detests waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. Here’s a watering guideline:

• Frequency: Water your lemongrass when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to once or twice a week, but it can vary depending on factors like climate and pot size.
• Watering Technique: When watering, ensure that the water penetrates deep into the soil. Watering the base of the plant rather than the foliage helps prevent fungal issues.
• You should avoid planting it in pots without holes to decrease the risk of root rot.

💡 Below you can watch a video about the best practices for watering indoor plants. It can be useful for watering your lemongrass too.

Fertilization

To encourage healthy growth, feed your lemongrass with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the package instructions for dosage.

If you spot tiny bugs on your lemongrass (such as aphids) you should get rid of them in natural ways.

How Often to Water Lemongrass in Pots?

Now, let’s delve deeper into the critical question of how often to water lemongrass in pots to prevent root rot and ensure optimal growth.

Watering Frequency Tips

The ideal watering frequency can vary based on environmental factors. Here are some tips to help you determine when to water your potted lemongrass:

• Climate: In hot, dry climates, lemongrass may require more frequent watering, while in cooler, more humid conditions, watering less often may suffice.
• Pot Size: Larger pots retain moisture longer, so if you’ve opted for a spacious container, you can water less frequently.
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil helps prevent waterlogged conditions. Consider using a mix of potting soil and perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

To gauge your lemongrass’s watering needs, pay attention to these signs:

Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, moldy soil, and a foul odor indicate overwatering. If you notice these signs, allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

Underwatering: If the leaves become dry, crispy, or start to wilt, it’s a sign that your lemongrass needs more water. Water thoroughly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

When you know how often to water Lemongrass in pots, you will prevent the above problems too. 

Preventing Root Rot

Root rot is a common issue when growing lemongrass in pots. To prevent it:

1. Proper Drainage: Ensure your pot has drainage holes, and use well-draining soil to avoid water buildup at the roots.
2. Avoid Watering the Foliage: Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
3. Adequate Air Circulation: Space your pots to allow for air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup.

Conclusion

As you know to successfully grow lemongrass in pots you must careful attention to watering practices.  In this article, I answered the question of how often to water lemongrass in pots. I told you to water when the top inch of soil is dry, however, I showed you several factors have an impact on it. These factors were climate, pot size, and soil type.

If you follow the above guidelines and keep your eye on the signs of overwatering or underwatering, you can enjoy a thriving lemongrass plant with a refreshing lemony aroma right at your fingertips.

Have you ever experienced growing lemongrass indoors? Do you think the above guideline can work well? Do you know points in growing lemongrass that weren’t mentioned above? Please share your experiences with us below this page.

In the following, I answered some of the most common questions of your friends about growing lemongrass indoors. Please read them and ask me your questions.

➡ What is the best time for watering lemongrass?

Keep an eye on the top inch of soil – when it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water.

 ➡ Is tap water good for watering my lemongrass?

Yes, tap water is generally suitable for lemongrass, but if it’s heavily chlorinated, consider using filtered water.

 ➡ Should I prune my lemongrass?

Yes, trimming your lemongrass can promote healthy growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as needed.

 ➡ Can I grow lemongrass indoors?

Yes, lemongrass can thrive indoors if it receives sufficient sunlight.

 ➡ How can I propagate lemongrass from cuttings?

You can propagate lemongrass by planting stem cuttings in a pot with well-draining soil and keeping it consistently moist until roots develop.