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How to Grow Lemongrass Indoors (Beginner-Friendly Guide for Aromatic Success)
Lemongrass is a fragrant, fast-growing herb that thrives in warm, sunny spaces—making it a perfect candidate for indoor growing. Whether you love cooking Southeast Asian dishes or want a natural mosquito repellent, learning how to grow lemongrass indoors can be both rewarding and surprisingly simple. In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant, care for, and harvest lemongrass from the comfort of your kitchen windowsill.
Why Grow Lemongrass Indoors?
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) isn’t just flavorful; it’s functional too. Here’s why it’s a great herb for indoor gardeners:
Fresh culinary use: Essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine
Natural air freshener: Releases a light citrus scent
Insect repellent: Helps deter mosquitoes and flies
Easy propagation: Grows well from store-bought stalks
Attractive foliage: Adds height and interest to kitchen herb gardens
How to Plant Lemongrass Indoors
1. Choose the Right Stalks
Buy fresh lemongrass stalks from the grocery store or garden center.
Look for stalks with firm, white bases and slight green tops.
2. Root the Stalks in Water
Trim off the tops, leaving about 5–6 inches of stalk.
Place in a glass of water in a sunny window.
Change the water every 2–3 days.
Roots will appear in about 1–2 weeks.
3. Transfer to Soil
Once roots are 2 inches long, plant stalks in a deep pot (10+ inches).
Use rich, well-draining potting soil.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Indoor Lemongrass Care Tips
Light: Needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily (a south-facing window is ideal).
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Humidity: Average indoor humidity is usually fine, but occasional misting helps.
Pruning: Trim outer stalks regularly to encourage new growth.
This LED grow light can supplement low indoor light.
Try this pot with drainage tray for easy indoor planting.
Harvesting Lemongrass
Wait until stalks are at least 12 inches tall.
Cut outer stalks at the base.
Use fresh or freeze for future cooking.
Leaves can be steeped in tea for a refreshing citrus flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwatering: Causes root rot; let soil partially dry.
Insufficient light: Results in thin, weak stalks.
Neglecting pruning: Can lead to woody, overcrowded plants.
Small containers: Restricts root growth and plant size.
Final Thoughts on Growing Lemongrass Indoors
Growing lemongrass indoors is an excellent choice for both culinary and decorative purposes. With a bit of sunlight and attention, this tropical herb can thrive on your windowsill all year long. Remember to start with healthy stalks, offer plenty of sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Whether you’re sipping lemongrass tea or adding zest to your stir-fry, this is one herb that earns its place indoors.
Read more about growing lemongrass from experts at the University of Wisconsin Extension.
Want more indoor herb tips? Check out our related articles below.