Can Lemongrass Grow in Water? A Comprehensive Guide

Lemongrass is a popular tropical herb that is coveted for its refreshing citrusy flavor and aroma. With its sharp lemon fragrance and grassy stalks, lemongrass is a unique plant that can be a delicious and ornamental addition to any herb garden.

While lemongrass thrives in tropical climates, it is possible to grow it indoors in water year-round. Growing lemongrass hydroponically allows you to enjoy fresh lemongrass no matter where you live.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about successfully growing lemongrass in water right at home.

An Overview of Lemongrass

Before diving into growing lemongrass in water, let’s first take a quick look at what this herb is all about.

Lemongrass scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus is a tropical perennial grass that is native to islands in the southern Pacific and Indian Oceans as well as parts of mainland southeast Asia.

This plant grows in dense clumps, with groups of long slender green leaves emerging from a bulky stalk base. The leaves have a sharp lemon-lime fragrance.

Lemongrass can grow 3-5 feet tall and does best in warm, humid environments. It has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine, imparting a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes. The leaves are also commonly dried or distilled into essential oils for aromatherapy uses.

When grown as a houseplant, lemongrass makes a unique and attractive addition with its grassy texture and lemon scent. The good news is lemongrass propagating is quite simple.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Lemongrass in Water

Growing lemongrass hydroponically simply involves rooting cuttings in a glass of water. Follow these easy steps for success:

Supplies Needed

• Lemongrass stalks – Purchase fresh stalks from the grocery store. Select firm, green stalks with intact leaves.

• Glass jar or cup – Choose a clear glass container, ideally with a narrow neck. Jars allow you to monitor root growth.

• Water – Use room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water may be too harsh.

• Sunny spot or grow light – Lemongrass needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

Prepare the Cuttings

Cut the stalks to around 6 inches long. Trim off any dead or dried leaves. Keep a few inches of the root system if present.

Root in Water

Place the lemongrass stalk sections in the glass container. Fill with enough water to cover the roots. Leave 2-3 inches of the tops exposed.

Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting. Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water for best results.

Allow Time to Root

Be patient! It can take 2-3 weeks for lemongrass cuttings to form roots in water. Look for white hairy roots emerging from the base and new growth on top.

Transfer to Soil

Once roots are a few inches long, transplant into a pot with well-draining potting mix. Place in a sunny spot and water regularly. Harvest leaves as needed.

Ongoing Care

Trim outer leaves as needed to encourage new growth. Fertilize monthly during the growing season for best results. Bring indoors before frost. Enjoy your homegrown lemongrass!

Growing Lemongrass in Water: Frequently Asked Questions

Growing lemongrass hydroponically is easy, but you may have some questions if you’re new to water propagation. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How long does it take for lemongrass to root in water?

Expect it to take 2-4 weeks on average for roots to form in water. Be patient, as it can sometimes take 6-8 weeks for slower-growing varieties. Warmth and ample sunlight will speed up the process.

What type of water is best for propagating lemongrass?

Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water, changed every 2-3 days. Well water or filtered water works best. Avoid using hard tap water which may prevent roots from establishing.

Should the container be covered or uncovered?

Leave the glass container uncovered. Lemongrass needs air circulation. Covering the jar increases humidity and risk of rotting.

How much sunlight does lemongrass need to root?

Lemongrass requires very bright light to root well and prevent fungal issues. Place the container in a south facing window or provide 12-16 hours under grow lights.

What causes yellow leaves when rooting lemongrass in water?

Yellow leaves generally indicate too little light. Move the container somewhere sunnier or consider supplementing with LED growing lights. Low nutrients can also cause yellowing.

Why are the leaf tips turning brown during water propagation?

Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air. Mist the leaves daily or place the glass container on a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity around the cutting.

When can I transplant lemongrass rooted in water to soil?

Once the roots are a few inches long, the lemongrass is ready to be planted in potting mix. Don’t wait too long or the water roots may not adapt well to soil.

Is fertilizer needed when rooting lemongrass in water?

Fertilizer is not necessary but can speed up the process. Use a half strength balanced liquid fertilizer if growth seems stalled after 4-6 weeks without new roots.

Tips for Growing Lemongrass Successfully in Water

Follow these tips to ensure your lemongrass thrives when propagated hydroponically:

• Change the water frequently to prevent rotting or fungal growth.
• Keep the container in a very warm spot with temperatures between 70°F – 85°F.
• Provide bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
• Mist the leaves daily to increase humidity around the cuttings.
• Add liquid fertilizer to the water after 2-3 weeks to provide nutrients.
• Look for new leaf growth in addition to root development before transplanting.
• Transplant to soil before roots get too thick and tangled or they may suffer transplant shock.
• Prune outer leaves as needed to encourage dense, bushy new growth.

The Benefits of Growing Lemongrass in Water

Growing lemongrass in water offers many advantages over traditional soil propagation:

• It’s quick, easy and has a high success rate.
• Allows you to root lemongrass anytime without waiting for the right outdoor growing season.
• Provides a great way to multiply a lemongrass plant without division.
• Lemongrass stays neatly contained instead of spreading aggressively like in soil.
• The glass container prevents soil-borne diseases.
• Water roots are very efficient at uptaking nutrients from the water.
• Takes up less space than potting mix and eliminates mess.

Enjoying Homegrown Lemongrass

The best part about growing lemongrass in water is being able harvest fresh lemongrass anytime! Here are some ways to use your homegrown lemongrass:

• Add stalks, leaves and bulbs chopped to Asian soups, curries, noodles and stir fries.
• Infuse hot water with crushed lemongrass to make a refreshing tea.
• Purée lemongrass with oils to create scented soaps and candles.
• Mix chopped leaves into rice dishes, marinades and salsa.
• Craft lemongrass-infused spirits, vinegars and syrups.

With just a little time and effort, you can enjoy fresh homegrown lemongrass using water propagation. This tropical herb adds incredible flavor and aroma to many dishes. Give lemongrass hydroponics a try!