Seeing yellow leaves on a lemongrass plant that once looked healthy can feel worrying, especially when the reason isn’t obvious. This change goes beyond appearance. Yellowing usually signals that the plant feels stressed or that its growing conditions no longer suit its needs.
In home gardens, this problem often links to watering issues, lack of essential nutrients, insufficient sunlight, or the presence of pests and disease. When lemongrass leaves turn yellow, they act as an early alert that something needs attention. Rather than just guessing, examine the plant closely. Check whether the soil drains well, confirm the plant gets adequate sun, and look for signs such as spots, holes, or fine webbing on the leaves. Each factor calls for a specific remedy, and identifying the true cause makes recovery much easier. In the next sections, you’ll find practical solutions to help your lemongrass regain its healthy, vibrant green color.
Reasons Lemongrass is Turning Yellow
Understanding how to grow lemongrass properly helps prevent yellowing leaves. Now, let’s look at the possible reasons behind lemongrass turning yellow and why the stalks may start to appear pale or weak.
1. Lack of Essential Nutrients
Nutrient imbalance often causes pale or yellow lemongrass stalks. Lemongrass is a heavy feeder and depends on a steady supply of nutrients to stay green and vigorous. When the soil fails to provide enough nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, the plant starts to lose its rich color, and the lemongrass turning yellow becomes more noticeable over time.
This issue commonly occurs when you grow lemongrass in depleted soil or when you skip regular feeding. Poor soil structure and infrequent fertilization prevent the roots from absorbing what the plant needs, which directly affects stalk color and overall growth.
2. Limited Sun Exposure
Lemongrass grows best in full sunlight and needs at least six hours of direct sun each day. When the plant sits in a shaded location or struggles to compete with nearby plants, the stalks often turn pale, thin, and weak.
Low light conditions force the plant to stretch toward the sun, which reduces chlorophyll production and leads to dull-looking growth.
3. Incorrect Watering
Watering mistakes often play a major role in pale lemongrass stalks. Both excess moisture and a lack of water can stress the plant, which can quickly lead to the lemongrass turning yellow.
Too much water saturates the soil and limits oxygen around the roots, increasing the risk of root rot and poor nutrient uptake. When roots struggle, the stalks lose color and strength. In contrast, insufficient watering dries out the plant, causing dehydration, drooping growth, and reduced vigor.
4. Pest or Disease Issues
Pale or yellowing lemongrass stalks may indicate pest activity or disease. Insects such as spider mites and aphids weaken the plant by draining vital nutrients, which often results in faded or blotchy stalks.
Fungal problems, including leaf spot and rust, also contribute to discoloration and overall decline. These diseases disrupt normal growth and place the plant under prolonged stress.
Solutions to Revive Yellowing Lemongrass
Now that you understand the common causes behind pale growth and lemongrass turning yellow, let’s focus on practical solutions to help your plant recover and regain its healthy, rich green color.
1. Feed the Plant the Right Way
When nutrient deficiencies cause pale or yellow stalks, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid feed formulated for lemongrass or similar herbs. Always follow the label directions and adjust the frequency based on the plant’s response.
You can also boost the soil by mixing in compost or well-decomposed manure. Organic matter improves nutrient access, boosts soil structure, and supports steady, healthy growth.
2. Ensure Enough Sun Exposure
If the plant lacks adequate sunlight, move it to an area that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily. Consistent light encourages strong stalks and deep green color.
When outdoor light remains limited, especially in containers or indoor setups, use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight. Proper lighting helps prevent weak, pale growth and supports long-term plant health.
3. Follow a Balanced Watering Schedule
Water your plant consistently so the soil stays slightly moist without becoming soggy. Check the top inch of soil and water only when the surface feels dry to the touch. At the same time, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can slow growth and weaken the stalks.
If you spot warning signs such as yellow leaves, drooping, or soft stems, reassess your watering routine. Small adjustments often make a big difference in restoring healthy color and strength.
4. Keep an Eye on Pests and Diseases
Regular inspection helps protect lemongrass from pests and infections that can cause discoloration and stress. Look closely for insects, unusual spots, wilting, or faded patches on the leaves and stalks.
When problems appear, act quickly. Use organic pest control options or apply a suitable fungicide to stop the issue from spreading. Early treatment keeps the plant healthy and prevents long-term damage.
5. Prune and Harvest with Care
Thoughtful pruning supports strong growth and prevents lemongrass stalks from turning pale. Cut mature stalks near the base, but keep a few inches intact to allow the plant to regrow without stress.
Avoid harvesting too aggressively, as over-cutting weakens the plant and slows recovery. Regular, moderate pruning encourages fresh shoots and helps maintain a lush, vibrant appearance.
FAQs
Is leaf yellowing dangerous for lemongrass plants?
Leaf yellowing affects the plant’s strength and growth, but it rarely kills lemongrass. When you spot the issue early and correct the cause, the plant often recovers well.
Can I fix yellow leaves without using pesticides?
Yes. Improving soil nutrition, adjusting watering habits, and ensuring proper sunlight often resolve yellowing without chemical treatments. These steps also support long-term plant health.
Does leaf yellowing spread to other lemongrass plants?
Yellowing caused by pests or diseases can spread to nearby plants. However, yellowing linked to poor nutrition or environmental stress usually stays limited to the affected plant.
Does yellowing reduce the quality of lemongrass?
Yes. When lemongrass is turning yellow, it weakens the plant, which can lower the aroma, flavor, and overall herbal quality of the stalks.
