Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a hardy, fragrant tropical grass widely valued for its bright, citrusy flavor in cooking. It naturally grows in dense, perennial clumps, which often require division and relocation over time to maintain vigor and manage garden space. Following a straightforward method helps ensure the plant’s health and successful establishment in a new location. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely transplanting and dividing mature lemongrass clumps.
Planning and Preparation
The success of moving lemongrass depends on proper timing to minimize stress on the root system. The best window for transplanting is during the cooler periods of early spring or late fall. This timing allows the plant to focus energy on root establishment rather than coping with intense heat, reducing the risk of transplant shock.
The new location requires careful consideration. Lemongrass is a sun-loving plant that performs best when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be well-draining, as standing water quickly leads to root rot in this tropical species.
One to two days before the scheduled move, thoroughly water the existing lemongrass clump. This hydrates the plant’s tissues and moistens the surrounding soil. Moist soil makes the root ball more cohesive and easier to extract without causing excessive damage.
Extracting and Dividing the Plant
The physical process begins with the careful excavation of the established clump. Use a sharp spade or shovel to dig a wide, circular trench around the base of the plant. Digging at least six to eight inches from the center captures a substantial portion of the fibrous root system.
Work the spade under the root ball, using leverage to slowly pry the entire mass from the soil. Lift the plant gently to keep the root ball cohesive, minimizing the tearing of fine feeder roots. Once removed, shake off any large, loose soil clods to assess the root structure.
Division is often necessary, as mature lemongrass forms a dense clump that benefits from separation to rejuvenate growth. Use a clean, sharp knife, soil knife, or the edge of a spade to cut the large root ball into smaller sections. The tool must be sharp to ensure a clean cut through the dense root mass.
Each division must contain a healthy portion of adventitious roots and several intact stalks to be viable for independent growth. The center of a very old clump often becomes woody and unproductive. This material should be discarded before replanting to focus energy on the younger, more vigorous outer sections.
Replanting in the New Location
Preparation of the new site is important for successful establishment. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the plant was originally growing. This wider diameter provides loosened soil, allowing new adventitious roots to easily spread outward.
If the native soil is heavy clay or poor in organic matter, amend the backfill with well-aged compost or a balanced soil conditioner. This modification improves soil structure and water retention while ensuring adequate drainage. Proper drainage prevents anaerobic conditions that cause root disease.
Carefully position the division so the crown—where the stalks emerge—is level with the surrounding soil. Planting the crown too deep can lead to moisture accumulation and stem rot. Planting too shallow can cause the upper roots to dry out.
Begin backfilling the hole, gently firming the soil around the root ball to eliminate air pockets. Once filled, create a small soil berm, or watering basin, around the perimeter. This basin helps direct subsequent irrigation toward the root zone.
Immediately after planting, water the division thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil firmly around the roots. This deep watering establishes good soil-to-root contact, which is necessary for water and nutrient uptake.
Essential Post-Transplant Care
The first few weeks following the transplant focus on recovery and establishment. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil for the first two to three weeks to support developing roots. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as excessive saturation leads to fungal issues and root suffocation.
Monitor the plant closely for signs of transplant shock, such as temporary wilting or yellowing of the outer stalks. If the weather is sunny or hot, providing temporary shade for the first week reduces water loss and eases the transition.
Pruning the foliage immediately after planting helps mitigate stress. Trimming the stalks back by about one-third reduces the total leaf surface area. This lessens the moisture demand on the newly disturbed root system, allowing the plant to allocate energy toward root regeneration.
Delay fertilizer application until the lemongrass shows clear indications of successful establishment, typically several weeks later. Introducing high concentrations of soluble nutrients too soon can burn the vulnerable roots. Once new green shoots emerge, apply a light, balanced fertilizer to support robust growth.