There’s a good chance you have serai (lemongrass) in your kitchen right now. Whether you use it for tom yum, rendang, or sambal belacan, it’s one of the most iconic herbs in Malaysia. But did you know you can actually grow lemongrass from store-bought stalks — for free?
Yes, really. It’s one of the easiest edible plants to grow at home, and it thrives in our hot, humid climate. Perfect for busy Malaysians, beginners, and anyone with a balcony or small garden.
Let’s show you how!
🍃 Step 1: Pick the Right Stalks
✅ Head to your local pasar tani, supermarket, or grocery store. Look for fresh serai stalks with the base intact — ideally with a tiny bit of root or node visible at the bottom.
💡 Pro tip: Choose the fattest, firmest stalks. Avoid those that are dry, soft, or trimmed too short.
💧 Step 2: Start Rooting in Water
Take 3–5 healthy stalks and trim the tops, leaving about 15–20cm length. Peel off 1–2 outer layers. Place them upright in a glass of clean water.
✅ Where: Keep the glass in a bright, warm spot (like near a window or outside under shade).
✅ Change water: Every 2–3 days to keep it fresh.
⏳ In 5–10 days, you’ll see tiny white roots forming at the base!
🪴 Step 3: Transfer to Soil
Once the roots are about 3–5cm long, it’s time to plant.
🥣 Pot method: Use a deep container (min. 25cm) with drainage holes.
🌱 Garden method: Choose a sunny patch with loose, well-draining soil.
Use soil mixed with compost, sand, and cocopeat if possible. Bury the rooted stalks 5–7cm deep and gently firm the soil around them.
🌞 Step 4: Give It Sunshine & Water
Lemongrass loves sunlight — give it at least 5–6 hours of direct sun daily. In cloudy areas or balconies, just make sure it gets good morning or afternoon light.
💧 Watering tip: Water daily for the first week, then adjust to 2–3 times a week once established. Always let the topsoil dry slightly between watering.
🛠 Step 5: Ongoing Care
- Fertiliser: Feed once a month with compost or organic fertiliser for faster growth.
- Trimming: Don’t harvest too early. Let the plant establish for 2–3 months first.
- Spacing: If planting multiple stalks, space them at least 15–20cm apart.
✂️ Step 6: How to Harvest Lemongrass Properly
Once your plant is healthy and mature (usually 3–4 months), you can start harvesting!
✅ Look for thick, fat stalks at the outer edge of the clump.
✅ Use a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut as close to the soil as possible.
💡 Bonus: After cutting, new stalks will continue growing from the base — so you’ll get a long-term supply!
🐛 Common Problems (and Fixes)
- Leaves turning yellow? Could be overwatering — let the soil dry slightly before next watering.
- Plant leaning or weak? It may need more sun or a deeper pot.
- Too slow growing? Add organic fertiliser or compost tea.
📸 Tag Us!
Growing your own lemongrass? We want to see it!
Snap a photo and tag @projectharvest.my on Instagram to be featured.
Hashtags:#ProjectHarvestMY #GrowSerai #LemongrassMalaysia #EdibleGardenMY
🌈 Final Thoughts
Lemongrass is one of the easiest herbs to grow in Malaysia — affordable, fast-growing, and incredibly useful in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this is the perfect project to build your green confidence 🌱
Start with a few stalks, and in no time, you’ll have a thriving clump of fragrant, homegrown serai — ready whenever you need it.