How To Grow Lemongrass Indoors And Actually Keep It Alive

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a popular ornamental grass that has a pleasant lemony scent, a great citrusy taste when added to various dishes, and even repels pests like mosquitoes. Although lemongrass doesn't like the cold, it can be harvested all year long when grown indoors.  The three main factors for keeping your lemongrass alive indoors are sufficient light, the right soil, and adequate moisture. Providing plenty of sunlight every day is extremely important for healthy lemongrass. The best way to ensure the right amount of sunlight is to place the lemongrass in a sunny window that is south-facing for at least 6 to 8 hours each day. If you don't have a window that is sufficient, use LED grow lights to make up the difference. 

Planting your lemongrass in the right soil is another important factor in keeping your lemongrass alive. This plant thrives in fertile soil that drains well and has a lot of organic matter mixed in. The soil needs to hang onto needed moisture while letting the excess drain away so the roots are not sitting in water. If you have a tool to measure pH levels of your soil, aim for a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. One thing you can do before planting your lemongrass is to add worm castings or compost to your potting mix and mix well. Lemongrass does the best in soil high in nitrogen.

Lemongrass needs soil to be moist, but it's a short jump from moist to overwatered which can cause the plant to develop root rot. The best way to water your lemongrass is to water it deeply with chlorine-free water, and then wait to water again until the soil feels dry one inch from the top. For added assurance when watering, use a non-coated toothpick to check moisture content. Leave a toothpick in the dirt near the plant's base for a few minutes. If it has changed color and has wet soil stuck to it, the lemongrass has enough water. This is an affordable, eco-friendly hack to never overwater your plants again. 

Temperature is also important to the health and success of your plants. Lemongrass is sensitive to cold which can be challenging to battle in the wintertime. Find a spot that is not near drafts or frequently used doors. Make sure that your lemongrass is brought indoors before temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for these plants is at least 70 degrees or higher. Lemongrass loves humidity and thrives the best in humid environments. Increase humidity either with a humidifier, by misting the grasses periodically, or by setting the pot on a tray of wet gravel.