Troubleshooting
Citronella Grass problems — and how to fix them
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cold damage / frost kill
Cymbopogon nardus is a true tropical and will be killed to the ground — or to the roots — by frost. In USDA Zones 9 and below, bring container plants indoors before the first frost (typically when nights drop below 10°C). Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse or sunny room, keeping the soil barely moist.
Leaf tip browning
Brown, dry leaf tips are most common during winter indoor storage, caused by low humidity and dry central heating. Trim off brown tips with sharp scissors to maintain appearance. Increase humidity around the plant and keep away from radiators or heating vents. Occasional deep watering helps if roots have dried out.
Pot-bound crowding / loss of vigour
Citronella grass is a vigorous grower that rapidly fills and splits containers. Root-bound plants produce less foliage and dry out extremely quickly. Repot into a container one or two sizes larger each spring, or divide the clump — separate the dense rhizomatous base with a sharp spade or saw and replant sections in fresh compost.
Prevent citronella grass problems before they start
Most citronella grass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for citronella grass in general rather than its problems? Read the full citronella grass care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Citronella Grass problems — FAQ
Why is my citronella grass cold damage / frost kill?
Cymbopogon nardus is a true tropical and will be killed to the ground — or to the roots — by frost. In USDA Zones 9 and below, bring container plants indoors before the first frost (typically when nights drop below 10°C). Overwinter in a bright, frost-free greenhouse or sunny room, keeping the soil barely moist.
Why is my citronella grass leaf tip browning?
Brown, dry leaf tips are most common during winter indoor storage, caused by low humidity and dry central heating. Trim off brown tips with sharp scissors to maintain appearance. Increase humidity around the plant and keep away from radiators or heating vents. Occasional deep watering helps if roots have dried out.
Why is my citronella grass pot-bound crowding / loss of vigour?
Citronella grass is a vigorous grower that rapidly fills and splits containers. Root-bound plants produce less foliage and dry out extremely quickly. Repot into a container one or two sizes larger each spring, or divide the clump — separate the dense rhizomatous base with a sharp spade or saw and replant sections in fresh compost.