Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant known for its fragrant, citrus-flavored leaves that are widely used in culinary dishes, herbal teas, and essential oils. It is valued for its medicinal properties and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates.

Key Features of Lemongrass:

1. Foliage:

   • Lemongrass has long, narrow, and vibrant green leaves, typically growing in clumps.
   • The leaves emit a strong citrus scent when crushed, which is why they are a popular flavoring in cooking and herbal teas.
   • The leaves can grow up to 3–4 feet (1–1.2 meters) tall.

2. Growth Habit:

   • Lemongrass is a perennial grass that forms dense clumps. It spreads through underground rhizomes and can grow quite large when well-established.
   • It is best suited for sunny, tropical environments but can be grown in pots or containers in cooler climates.

3. Flowers:

   • Lemongrass flowers are small, pale, and often insignificant compared to the plant's leaves. The plant is mainly cultivated for its aromatic leaves.

Growing Lemongrass:

1. Light:

   • Lemongrass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It prefers bright, sunny conditions for robust growth.

2. Watering:

   • Lemongrass requires consistently moist soil but does not like standing water. Water the plant regularly, especially in hot weather, but ensure that the soil has good drainage.
   • During the winter months, reduce watering slightly as the plant's growth slows down.

3. Soil:

   • It prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).
   • In a garden, amend the soil with compost or organic material to improve fertility and drainage.

4. Temperature:

   • Lemongrass thrives in warm temperatures (70°F to 85°F or 21°C to 29°C) and is sensitive to frost. It cannot survive in freezing temperatures, so if you're in a cooler climate, it should be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.

5. Humidity:

   • Lemongrass enjoys humidity, but it is relatively tolerant of drier conditions compared to other tropical plants.
   • For indoor plants, occasional misting or placing the pot on a tray with pebbles and water can help maintain humidity.

6. Fertilizing:

   • Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). A slow-release fertilizer can also be used for continuous feeding.
   • Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant.