This plant at Exotenherz
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Link to the offer in German. Check the shop for the current price, availability and delivery contents.
Your care table
| Topic | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Keep sunny and warm, gradually acclimatising to direct sun. | Tropical grass needs plenty of energy for strong growth. |
| Water | Provide consistently during growth, letting the surface dry slightly. | Large warm leaf surfaces use plenty of water. |
| Drainage | Ensure irrigation and rainwater can drain reliably. | Persistent waterlogging damages roots. |
| Compost | Use loose, nutrient-containing container compost. | The clump needs space and an airy moisture reserve. |
| Fertiliser | Feed during active growth according to a suitable label. | New shoots need an appropriate supply. |
| Harvest | Harvest outer shoots carefully only from strong plants. | Young clumps must first build reserves. |
| Winter | Overwinter bright and frost-free, watering considerably less. | Cymbopogon citratus is not winter-hardy outdoors. |
| Handling | Protect hands against sharp leaf edges when cutting and dividing. | Grass leaves can cause small cuts. |
Check the compost and pot weight. The care table explains how far the compost may dry.
Water only when needed. The water should reach the root ball without spilling over the rim.
Remove surplus water from the saucer or cachepot. Then return the plant to a suitable position.
A grass with aromatic leaf bases
Cymbopogon citratus belongs to the grass family. Closely layered leaf sheaths form the bases used as stems, above which long narrow leaves grow. It is not bamboo and does not form woody, branching canes. Its lemony aroma is valued in cooking. A well-developed clump can produce several strong side shoots. The young plant in the offer, however, begins with few shoots and is not depicted as immediately ready for abundant harvesting.
The young plant needs more space later
The offer states a 12 cm pot and approximately 35–40 cm overall height. Narrow leaves already look light and airy at this height. The scene shows a young plant with few leaves, not a mature dense grass clump. A larger suitable container can make sense later for strong summer growth. Decorative pot and decoration are examples. Actual leaf number and tips that may be shortened for transport can differ from the image.
Sun and warmth are the foundation
A sunny, warm outdoor position is favourable during the suitable season. Gradually acclimatise to direct sun after delivery or winter quarters. A dark indoor room noticeably slows development. Outdoors, protect against cold wind and bring in promptly before frost. Lemongrass is not a winter-hardy ornamental grass for German outdoor planting. Plan winter brightness and frost-free temperatures together.
Provide regular drinks during growth
Check the surface and water once it dries slightly. A warm, strongly growing clump can use plenty of water. The root ball should not repeatedly dry completely but must not stand in water either. Water thoroughly and remove excess. Daily checking becomes particularly important in a small pot during summer heat. Much less is used in winter; watering then follows condition, light and temperature.
Feed, pot on and harvest later
Loose, nutrient-containing container compost with good drainage suits it. During the growing period, move a well-rooted specimen to an appropriately larger container. Feed during active growth according to a suitable label. Only harvest individual outer shoots from a strong, well-established plant without weakening the entire clump. For kitchen use, select and clean only reliably identified plant parts suitable according to product and treatment guidance. A small young plant initially needs time to build up.
Consider leaf edges and winter rest
Narrow leaf edges can be sharp; protect hands when cutting and dividing. Carefully remove dead outer leaves. Check for pests before bringing in, then continue inspecting the root ball and leaves in bright winter quarters. An older strong clump can be divided during the growing period. Brown tips alone provide no clear diagnosis: consider light, moisture, roots and temperature together. Fresh spring shoots show that the plant is becoming more active again.
One plant, several views
Good to know
Can lemongrass overwinter in a border?
Cymbopogon citratus is tropical and needs a frost-free winter place here.
May I harvest the young plant heavily straight away?
It is better to let it establish strongly first. Later, take individual outer shoots and preserve the clump.
Does it need little water like thyme?
No. During warm growth, lemongrass needs considerably more regular water.
Why are the leaf tips cut?
Tips on delivered plants may be shortened for growing or transport reasons. Healthy new growth is what matters.
Sources and editorial note
Sources checked: 15 September 2026. Product information and delivery contents follow the linked shop offer. Care has been checked against the stated specialist sources and remains subject to plant condition, position and season.