Learning Strategies for Nurturing Lemongrass Indoors: Cultivation as a Home Decor or for Harvest
Lemongrass, renowned in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, is a widely used herb. Its common name originates from its lemony scent, and it can be cultivated as both an annual and a perpetual houseplant. The tropical plant is versatile and can be used in brewing tea, stir fries, and other culinary dishes.
Growing lemongrass at home requires some knowledge about appropriate fertilizers and pot sizes. Additionally, given its tropical origins, it requires specialized care. In this article, we consulted with herb experts to provide you with tips for cultivating this aromatic and multi-purpose plant effectively.
Planting Time
Lemongrass can be cultivated as a houseplant whenever you want, thanks to its easy adaptation to indoor conditions. "Lemongrass is well-suited to indoor environments," says Susan Betz, a master gardener and the author of "Herbal Houseplants." "[It] creates a striking, useful, fragrant accent plant when provided with appropriate light and nutrients."
Outdoor growth of lemongrass is possible, but it only thrives in Zone 9 and higher zones, avoiding freezing temperatures. Indoors, the plant can be grown almost anywhere. If you are unable to find lemongrass at a nursery, Betz suggests visiting your local grocery store's fresh produce department for lemongrass pieces with stems.
Planting Techniques
If you're ready to cultivate lemongrass, there are several methods to choose from, with seeds being less common. The most common way to propagate lemongrass is by division or stem cuttings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Propagation by Division
Divide the existing plant and its rootball into multiple smaller clumps, then transfer each into its own container to cultivate separate plants. This method is easy and effective since lemongrass rarely flowers. Look for plants from reputable nurseries, and once you have an established specimen at home, you can create more plants through further division.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Cuttings are another simple method to propagate lemongrass. "I generally acquire lemongrass cuttings with roots attached, then plant them in water to encourage additional root growth," says Zongxee Lee, an herbalist and community partner at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. "Once I notice the roots are at least 1 to 2 inches long, I plant them if I'm growing the plant indoors."
When the plant begins to root, transfer the container to a window where it can receive direct sunlight. "Ensure good drainage and avoid letting the soil completely dry out," says Betz. "Lemongrass has shallow roots that cannot tolerate dry soil."
Repotting
Lemongrass plants can rapidly outgrow their containers. "Indications that your lemongrass needs repotting include roots growing from the drainage holes, the plant becoming root-bound, or the plant toppling over due to its weight," says Betz.
Given its tropical nature, lemongrass can grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall, which calls for a large pot. "You should opt for a pot with a minimum diameter of 12 inches," says Kim Roman, owner of Square Foot Gardening and the author of "Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts."
Care Instructions
Your heat-loving lemongrass can thrive indoors if provided with the ideal conditions:
Sunlight
Lemongrass comes from sunny tropical regions in southeast Asia, so it requires an environment that mimics these conditions. "Lemongrass needs at least 6 to 8 hours of intense light to grow indoors," says Roman. "If you do not have suitable natural light, such as a south-facing window, you will need to rely on grow lights. Keep in mind, however, that every plant needs a period of darkness to grow well, so avoid keeping the light on all night." She suggests a room temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for lemongrass growth.
Soil and Water
Lemongrass thrives in moist soil but is susceptible to overwatering if not managed carefully. "You should plant it in well-draining soil and water frequently, ensuring that the roots remain moist but not wet," says Roman.
The best approach to determine the moisture level is to insert your finger one inch into the soil and water if it's dry. Keep in mind that lemongrass is sensitive to chlorine, so "filtered or aged water will prove beneficial for the plant," advises Roman.
Humidity
Lemongrass prefers high humidity levels. "If the indoor air is too dry, mist the plant daily or every other day, use a humidifier near it, or place a large saucer filled with pebbles and water beneath the planter," says Roman. Alternatively, you can grow the plant in a greenhouse to meet its humidity needs.
"My lemongrass grows in a greenhouse with higher humidity than a typical home," says Debra Knapke, horticulturist and author of "Herb Gardening in the Midwest." "I generally water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the amount of sunlight we receive. In a house, the tips of the leaves may brown due to lower humidity levels."
Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, particularly for the production of chlorophyll during photosynthesis. It also aids in leaf development. Since your lemongrass consists mainly of leaves, adding a half-strength dose of a liquid, nitrogen-rich fertilizer every other week can benefit its growth, according to Roman.
Harvesting Methods
Your lemongrass is ready for harvesting after a period of around three months, once it reaches a minimum height of 12 inches, as advised by Roman: "The bottom portion of the stalk will be noticeably thicker than the upper blades and will have some flexibility. The drier upper portions of the leaves can be used to make a lemony brew, while the more fleshy lower stem is ideal for cooking."
Betz suggests harvesting lemongrass on an as-needed basis by removing individual leaves or stems from the plant at its white, bulbous base, which is surrounded by fibrous leaves. Due to its tough texture, Lee recommends primarily utilizing lemongrass for flavoring purposes.
Closing Remarks
Although lemongrass is a great ingredient for cooking or as an addition to your garden, it's crucial to exercise caution while handling it. "Like many grasses, the leaf edges are sharp and have the potential to inflict tiny cuts on your skin," shares Knapke. "Prevent this by wearing gloves and long-sleeved clothing."
"The leaves have quite a rough texture and can leave cuts if you run your hands or arms over them," adds Roman. "My first encounter with the plant resulted in cuts, but since then, I have developed a newfound respect for it and always wear gloves while handling it."
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Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in gardening and home decor, recommends using lemongrass pieces with stems from the local grocery store's fresh produce department when starting a lemongrass houseplant. After cultivating the plant, proper care is crucial to ensure its growth. Kim Roman, an author and Square Foot Gardening expert, suggests using a pot with a minimum diameter of 12 inches for lemongrass, given its potential to grow up to 3 to 5 feet tall.
