Lemon Grass vs Miracle Fruit Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratus
Lemon Grass is a tall, perennial grass characterized by its fragrant, lemon-scented leaves and stalks. It typically grows in dense clumps, reaching heights of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) outdoors. The plant is primarily cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes, with its stalks and leaves used to flavor dishes, teas, and herbal remedies. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and may not thrive as well as it does outdoors. People grow it for its unique flavor and aroma, as well as its potential health benefits.
Miracle Fruit
Synsepalum dulcificum
Synsepalum dulcificum, commonly known as miracle fruit, is a small evergreen shrub that grows to about 1-2 meters in height. It is native to West Africa and is known for its berries that contain miraculin, a glycoprotein that alters taste perception. The fruit itself is not particularly sweet, but after consuming it, sour foods taste sweet. It is grown for its unique taste-modifying properties and is often used in culinary applications and research. It's primarily an outdoor plant, and maintaining it indoors can be challenging.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Lemon Grass | Miracle Fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. |
| Watering | Every 2-3 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter (every 7-10 days) | Every 3-7 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 18-30°C | 20-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Slow |
| Max Height | 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet) indoors, up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) outdoors | 1-2 meters (indoors, typically smaller, around 0.5-1 meter) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining, loamy soil. A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is suitable. | Well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5-5.8. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass
| Scientific Name | Cymbopogon citratus |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand) |
| Also Known As | Lemon Grass, Lemongrass, Oil Grass, Fever Grass, Tanglad |
| Leaves | The leaves of Lemon Grass are long, slender, and blade-like, typically reaching lengths of 30-90 cm (12-35 inches). They are a vibrant green color and have a slightly rough texture. The leaves have a prominent midrib and taper to a sharp point. When crushed, they release a strong lemon scent. |
| Flowers | Lemon Grass rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it may produce flower spikes in warm climates, but flowering is infrequent and not the primary reason for cultivation. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. |
Miracle Fruit
| Scientific Name | Synsepalum dulcificum |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapotaceae |
| Native To | West Africa |
| Also Known As | Miracle berry, Miracle fruit, Sweet berry |
| Leaves | The leaves are elliptic to obovate, leathery, and dark green. They are typically 5-10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with a glossy surface. |
| Flowers | It can flower indoors under optimal conditions, producing small, white, inconspicuous flowers. However, fruiting indoors is challenging and requires hand-pollination. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Lemon Grass
Miracle Fruit
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Lemon Grass
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide mature clumps in spring or summer. Ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots. Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist. Seeds can be sown indoors in early spring.
Miracle Fruit
Methods: Seed, Stem cuttings, Air layering
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For seeds, scarify and soak them before planting. Stem cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and rooted in a humid environment. Air layering can be done in spring.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass is known for its distinct lemon scent and flavor, which is due to the presence of citronellal and geraniol. It is a fast-growing grass that can reach impressive heights under optimal conditions. Unlike many ornamental grasses, it is primarily grown for its culinary and medicinal uses.
- ✓ Adds a unique flavor to culinary dishes
- ✓ Provides a refreshing aroma
- ✓ May have medicinal properties
- ✓ Acts as a natural insect repellent
- ✓ Enhances the aesthetic appeal of a garden or patio
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Miracle Fruit
The unique taste-modifying properties of the fruit are due to the glycoprotein miraculin. This protein binds to taste receptors on the tongue, causing sour foods to taste sweet for up to an hour.
- ✓ Unique taste-altering properties provide a novel culinary experience.
- ✓ Offers a conversation-starting plant for guests.
- ✓ May have potential health benefits for individuals with taste disorders.
- ✓ Provides a unique and interesting addition to a plant collection.
- ✓ Offers a challenging and rewarding gardening experience.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Lemon Grass
Miracle Fruit
🌞 Light Requirements
Lemon Grass
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Miracle Fruit
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Lemon Grass
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown. Ensure good drainage.
Miracle Fruit
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting leaves and dry soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Lemon Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Miracle Fruit
Temperature: 20-27°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Lemon Grass
Cymbopogon citratusExperienced gardeners who can provide ample sunlight and manage its growth.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a fragrant herb for cooking and teas
- You have a sunny outdoor space
- You enjoy the challenge of growing plants that require specific conditions
- You want a natural insect repellent
- You are interested in the potential health benefits of Lemon Grass
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may ingest it
- You lack a very sunny location
- You don't want to deal with a plant that spreads via rhizomes
Miracle Fruit
Synsepalum dulcificumExperienced gardeners who enjoy a challenge and are interested in the unique taste-altering properties of the fruit.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a unique challenge.
- You want to experience the taste-altering effects of the fruit.
- You have a greenhouse or sunroom where you can provide the necessary conditions.
- You are interested in the plant's potential health benefits.
- You want a conversation-starting plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You cannot provide acidic soil and high humidity.
- You do not have a sunny location.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Lemon Grass has fast growth, while Miracle Fruit grows slow.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass Care Tips
Lemon Grass is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and consistent moisture. Growing it indoors can be challenging due to its high light requirements. It also spreads via rhizomes, so it may outgrow its container quickly. Regular division and repotting are necessary.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season
- Divide the plant every 1-2 years to control its spread
Miracle Fruit Care Tips
Miracle fruit requires specific conditions to thrive indoors, including acidic soil, high humidity, and ample sunlight. It's challenging to fruit indoors and requires consistent care. Maintaining proper soil pH and humidity are crucial for its survival.
- Maintain acidic soil by using acid-loving plant fertilizer and testing the soil pH regularly.
- Provide high humidity by using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
- Ensure adequate sunlight by placing the plant in a south-facing window or using grow lights.
- Water with distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Lemon Grass
Miracle Fruit
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Lemon Grass
What are the light requirements for Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass requires at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place it near an east- or west-facing window where it receives filtered light. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. Inadequate light can lead to leggy growth and reduced essential oil production, affecting the plant’s fragrance. Avoid placing Lemon Grass in a dark or shaded area.
How do I care for Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-draining soil. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Lemon Grass prefers warm temperatures and high humidity; consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. Repot annually in the spring to provide fresh soil and space for growth. Protect from frost and cold temperatures, as it is not cold-hardy. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat accordingly.
How do I propagate Lemon Grass?
Lemon Grass can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or air layering. For division, carefully separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and plant it in moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. For air layering, make a small cut on a stem, wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, and cover with plastic wrap. Once roots develop, cut the stem below the roots and plant it in soil. Propagation is best done in the spring or summer.
Miracle Fruit
What are the light requirements for Miracle Fruit?
Miracle Fruit thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing it in a south-facing window without shading. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the intensity of direct sun. If you notice the leaves becoming pale or yellowing, it may be receiving too much light. Conversely, if the plant is not producing fruit or the leaves are dark green and leggy, it may need more light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Consider using a sheer curtain to filter harsh sunlight.
How do I care for Miracle Fruit?
Miracle Fruit requires acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.8), bright indirect light, and high humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, using filtered or rainwater. Fertilize with an acid-loving plant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Maintain a temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage branching. Protect from frost and direct sunlight. Repot every 1-2 years into a slightly larger pot with well-draining acidic potting mix. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for pests like spider mites and scale. Mist regularly to increase humidity, or use a humidifier. Provide supplemental light during winter months if needed.
How do I propagate Miracle Fruit?
Miracle Fruit can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining acidic potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment. Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain moisture. Rooting typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots. Propagation by seed is also possible, but seeds require scarification and a long germination period. Air layering is another viable method.
Last updated: May 4, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.