A lot of different kinds of food around the world use lemongrass. It smells and tastes like fresh lemons and gives both sweet and savory dishes a unique citrus taste. Lemongrass comes from Southeast Asia, but it can be grown easily in many climates as long as it gets enough water. To keep your lemongrass plants happy and healthy, you need to know how often to water them.
An Overview of Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical, grass-like plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its long, thin leaves emerge in clumps from bulbous stems at the base of the plant. The leaves and the inner white stems are the edible parts, valued for their strong lemon flavor.
Lemongrass does best in hot, humid places, but it can also be grown as an annual in mild climates. It prefers full sun exposure. Established plants don’t need much care, but they do need enough water.
How Much Water Does Lemongrass Need?
Lemongrass naturally grows in consistently moist, tropical conditions To thrive, it needs a similar environment
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Consistent moisture: Lemongrass should never completely dry out. It does best when the soil is kept consistently moist.
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Humid conditions: Mist lemongrass regularly to increase humidity around the leaves.
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Watering deeply: Water slowly and deeply to soak the roots all the way down. Shallow watering leads to dry pockets in the soil.
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Watering often: In the middle of summer, water at least every other day. In cooler weather, reduce frequency.
The exact watering schedule depends on climate, soil type, and whether it is grown in the ground or containers. Adjust as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
How Often to Water Lemongrass in the Ground
When growing lemongrass directly in the garden, how often you need to water depends primarily on your climate and soil:
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Hot, dry climates: Water every 1-2 days to keep soil consistently moist. Water slowly to soak deeply.
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Humid climates: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. This may be every 2-4 days.
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Sandy soil: Water more frequently as sandy soils drain quickly. Loamy soils hold moisture longer.
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Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to slow moisture loss from the soil.
Check soil moisture before watering by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the ground. If soil is dry, it’s time to water. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
How Often to Water Potted Lemongrass
Growing lemongrass in containers requires more frequent watering than in the ground. Pots exposed to sun and wind dry out rapidly. Check soil moisture daily and water container plants as needed to keep the soil consistently moist:
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Water when the top 1⁄2-1 inch of soil becomes dry.
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Apply water until it drains freely from the bottom.
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Allow excess water to drain fully after watering.
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Add mulch over the soil to slow moisture loss.
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Move containers to a shady spot to reduce water needs in hot weather.
Watering daily or even twice a day may be needed in the peak heat of summer. Reduce watering frequency in cooler weather.
When is the Best Time to Water Lemongrass?
Early morning or early evening are the best times to water lemongrass. Avoid watering midday when evaporation is highest. Evening watering allows the leaves to dry overnight, preventing disease issues.
Check soil moisture at the same time daily and water as needed to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Watering Lemongrass in Winter
Lemongrass goes dormant in winter when temperatures drop below 40°F. During dormancy:
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Gradually reduce water to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Water only when the top several inches of soil are dry.
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Water just enough to moisten the root zone without saturating it.
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Let the plant remain dormant and water sparingly until spring.
In cold climates, you can keep lemongrass growing indoors in winter. Maintain temperatures above 65°F and continue watering whenever the soil surface becomes dry.
Signs of Under or Overwatering
It’s important to monitor lemongrass and adjust your watering routine to meet its needs. Watch for these signs of under or overwatering:
Underwatering:
- Leaves turning brown or yellow
- Leaf tips drying out
- Stunted growth
Overwatering:
- Yellow, drooping leaves
- Soft, mushy stems
- Rotting roots
- Mold or fungus on leaves
Key Takeaways
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Check soil moisture before watering and irrigate when the top few inches become dry.
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Water deeply and slowly to soak the entire root zone.
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Increase frequency during hot, dry weather. Water at least every other day.
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Water container plants more often as they dry out rapidly.
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Morning or evening are best times to water.
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Reduce watering in winter but don’t allow dormant plants to dry out completely.
Knowing exactly how often to water lemongrass may take some trial and error. But following these tips will ensure you meet the water requirements for robust growth. With a little attention to moisture levels, you can enjoy this flavorful grass in your garden for years to come.
How do I tell if my dog has fleas?
Flea bites can cause irritation and excessive itching. If you see that your dog is scratching more than usual, has skin bumps, or is losing a lot of hair, it may have fleas.
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common flea disease among pets. However, some dogs could become anemic or get tapeworms if they ingest the fleas. Bartonellosis, caused by the bacteria Bartonella, has also been linked to fleas. In this case, the dog may experience nausea, fever, an irregular heartbeat, and loss of appetite.
Where are fleas found in the US?
Fleas generally thrive in hot, humid climates, preferring temperatures between 70 – 85°F and about 70% humidity according to PetMD. That said, fleas hate direct exposure to the sun, and as you may imagine, this can come in handy when taking preventative measures against this pesky parasite.
In 2012, data from the Banfield Pet Hospital in Birmingham showed Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington as the most flea-infested states. These states can have fleas all year round, while other states like Arizona and Utah are almost free of fleas.
How to Grow Lemongrass and Propagate it FOREVER
FAQ
Can you overwater lemongrass?
When Lemon grass isn’t receiving the right amount of water, it may stop growing. In the case of overwatering, it will begin to display yellow leaves with brown tips. Underwatering can produce drooping leaves, weak seed head production, and browned leaves.
Does lemongrass need full sun or shade?
Plant lemongrass in an area that gets full sun, even in hot climates. At least six hours of direct sun per day meets the plants’ energy needs. Plants growing in shade will be sparse and may attract pests.
How often should you water your lemon grass?
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. Irrigate deeply to get to the roots when watering lemongrass.
Does lemon grass like to be wet?
Small container plants can be overwintered indoors. Divided or containerized plants need to be grown in a warm, bright, sunny location. Water: Lemongrass is native to tropical climates, so it prefers regular rainfall and more humid conditions.