ðŸŒą PropagateDirectory
Plants / Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Also known as: West Indian Lemongrass

⚠ïļ Toxic to petsPoaceaeVery easy to propagate

A complete guide to growing and propagating Lemongrass: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.

Lemongrass care at a glance

☀ïļ Light
Full sun; needs 6-8 hours of direct light.
💧 Water
Keep evenly moist; this grass likes plenty of water.
ðŸŠī Soil
Rich, well-draining soil.
ðŸ’Ļ Humidity
Tender perennial hardy in zones 9-11; grow as an annual or overwinter indoors elsewhere.
ðŸū Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) in quantity due to essential oils and cyanogenic compounds. Culinary stalks are edible for people.

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Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

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How to propagate Lemongrass

Water (stem cuttings)

Difficulty: Very easyTimeline: Roots in 2-3 weeks; pot up once roots are 1-2 inches.
  1. Start with a fresh grocery stalk that still has its base intact.
  2. Trim the top and stand the base in an inch of water.
  3. Set on a warm, bright sill and change the water every few days.
  4. Pot into soil once white roots emerge from the base.

Division

Difficulty: EasyTimeline: Immediate; re-establishes within a few weeks.
  1. Lift an established clump in spring.
  2. Pull it apart into sections, each with roots and stalks.
  3. Replant divisions in rich, moist soil.
  4. Water in well and keep evenly moist.

Common Lemongrass problems & fixes

Leggy, sparse stems

Not enough light or overdue for a trim. Give 6+ hours of sun and pinch the tips regularly to force bushier growth.

Wilting

Usually dry soil — herbs drink fast in sun. Water when the top inch dries and make sure the pot drains freely.

Bolting (flowering) and bitter leaves

Heat stress. Pinch off flower buds early to keep the leaves tender and extend the harvest.

Track your lemongrass cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

Get SnipLog →

Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications — if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.