Full Answer
How big does a citronella plant get?
If allowed to grow outside in USDA zones 9 and 10, the plant may reach heights of 2 to 3 feet with a spread up to 4 feet. Citronella plants summered outside grow rapidly, creating a lush plant within a few weeks.
How to care for citronella plants?
This keeps Citronella Plants much healthier than watering a little bit every day. These plants do grow at a pretty fast rate so increase the pot size when the soil becomes unable to hold water. This means the roots have filled the container. Use Organic Planting Mix to repot your Citronella plant.
How far apart do you plant citronella plants?
Ensure Proper Plant Spacing If you are planting citronella directly in the ground, make sure you space your plants 18 to 24 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. 3.
What climate does citronella grow in?
Citronella naturally grows in hardiness zone 10 where it’s fairly warm all year round, but there don’t seem to be any problems with growing it in cooler, temperate climates.
Do citronella plants really work?
Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don't repel mosquitoes. It's the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. You would have to crush the leaves to extract these oils.
What is the range of a citronella plant?
between 2 and 4 feetCitronella plant typically grows anywhere between 2 and 4 feet (0.5-1 m.)
How many feet does a citronella candle cover?
about 3 feetThe Repel citronella candle will keep mosquitoes and other pesky insects about 3 feet away for up to 20 hours. Despite the long burn time, this candle is relatively small, so it's a good choice for tabletops and other small surfaces. The sides of the tin protect this single-wick candle from the wind.
Where should I place my citronella plant?
Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States.
Does citronella come back every year?
An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur. In addition, the stems can become quite woody by summer's end. If you want to overwinter your plant, propagate a new one during the late summer months by layering.
Can citronella survive winter?
Citronella is the common name for a herbaceous relative of geraniums, scientifically named Pelargonium citrosum. These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost.
Is citronella toxic to dogs?
Citronella is toxic to pets Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.
Is citronella a good mosquito repellent?
“Citronella is the name of the essential oil originating from these plants,” says Edward Walker, an entomologist at Michigan State University who researches mosquitoes. “When applied to the skin, it has some minor and short-term repellent properties against mosquitoes.”
Does citronella keep spiders away?
Citronella repels more than just mosquitoes – it also repels spiders! Add a couple of drops of citronella essential oil to your candles or air filters. Spiders hate the smell of citronella and will avoid areas with this oil. Using lemon dust cleaner helps too.
How do you make citronella bushy?
You can pinch back citronella to form a more compact, bushy plant. The lacey, fragrant leaves also work well in summer floral bouquets so feel free to prune often. The stems also can be cut and dried.
Can you plant lavender and citronella together?
Citronella. Citronella has long been favored as one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes. Outdoor candles and bug sprays are often made with its oils. You can plant citronella grass right into your garden, and optimize its efficiency by planting it near other repelling plants, like lavender.
Do citronella plants keep bugs away?
Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass) In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests.
Where is citronella native to?
True citronella is a grass, which can be very effective at repelling mosquitoes. It is native to the tropics of Asia but can be grown in more northern climates.
How long does citronella oil last?
You can also maximize the use of your homemade citronella oil by making a diluted insect repellent, but do note that its effect can only last for up to two hours.
How to make citronella candles?
For your DIY citronella oil candle, here are the things you’d need: 1 Old but clean cans, mason jars, or any item that can hold meted wax 2 A glue gun or tape 3 A double boiler 4 Paraffin, soy, or old candle wax (note its weight in pounds) 5 Wicks with tabs 6 Citronella oil
How long does it take for citronella oil to solidify?
Let it cool a bit. Don’t allow it to solidify! Slowly pour the liquid mixture to each of your cans or jars with wicks. Leave them in a cool, dry place for at least 48 hours for them to solidify completely.
What to do with mosquito plants?
Decorative Bouquets. For summertime gatherings with family and friends, make up a bouquet of the flowers from your mosquito plant to use as a table decoration. Mosquito plants have beautiful purple flowers that will add a lovely color to any setting.
Does citronella help with migraines?
The leaves from citronella have been shown to help reduce fevers and alleviate pain associated with migraines and other tension. Citronella also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is great for a wide range of different ailments. citronella plant.
Is citronella perennial or annual?
In climates with harsh winters, citronella will be planted annually. On the other hand, in milder climates, your citronella can actually be a perennial, in which case, you should take proper precautions to keep it safe until spring. 6. Propagate a New Plant.
How big does citronella grow?
Ensure that you have a wide space for the plant to grow. The plant can grow as tall as 6 feet and as wide as 6 feet too.
How to cover citronella plants in winter?
Make sure the cold of winter does not affect your plant. If you stay in the tropics where winters are warm, cut back your citronella and use compost to cover the surface. If you stay in temperate regions, take a cut, or trim the citronella down, repot those cuts indoors.
How to grow citronella in spring?
If you live in temperate regions and your citronella is in the garden, use a spade or fork to lift and replant in a container, cut back and apply fertilizer on the surface of the mix after two weeks .
How to control citronella?
It is even harder if there are other weeds present in the garden. The best way to control citronella is by making sure it does not grow in your garden in the first place.
What color are succulents?
This indoor succulent variety produces flowers of a different color, which can be white, red, pink, yellow, or orange.
Why do some plants have citronella grass?
Some also grow the citronella grass because of its smell. It has a scent like lemon. The plant is perennial so it can last in your garden for years. If you want to know more about this wonderful mosquito repellant plant and how to grow and care for it, that’s precisely what this article will do for you.
Where does citronella come from?
It is from the Poaceae family and originated from the tropics in Asia. The plant is the source of the popular citronella oil. The citronella plant is tall, tufted, and perennial.
How long does citronella live?
4. Cover the citronella in compost or take cuttings before winter starts. Citronella is a perennial, meaning that it will live for more than 2 years.
How to keep whiteflies off of citronella?
To keep them off of your citronella, fill a spray bottle with neem or horticultural oil and gently mist your plants every month during the growing season.
Can you grow citronella from a cutting?
You can grow citronella from seeds or juvenile plants, but it takes much longer to grow. Without a doubt, the most popular way to grow a citronella plant is from a cutting. You can either buy a pre-potted cutting, or clip a healthy branch off of an adult citronella plant to take a cutting yourself.
Does citronella repel mosquitoes?
Interestingly enough, it does not produce citronella oil, which actually comes from lemongrass. The citronella plant is often touted for its ability to repel mosquitos, there’s no actual evidence that it keeps them away.
How much sun does a citronella plant need?
Your citronella plant will do best if grown in six hours of sun per day. If you need to use a space that offers partial shade, the plant should still do well. Opt for planters or containers if you don’t have a plot of land that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Why is citronella important?
Take a look at a few of the benefits of growing citronella below. 1. Citronella repels mosquitoes.
What is the best plant to plant near tomato plants?
4. Citronella makes a great companion plant. If you like to grow tomatoes, citronella makes a great companion plant. When planted near tomato plants, citronella can help keep destructive pests away from the foliage as well as protect you from mosquitoes while you garden. 5.
Is citronella essential oil good for headaches?
While citronella essential oil is the most effective, just the scent of the crushed leaves can have a beneficial effect. 3. Citronella is forgiving.
Can citronella be grown in a garden?
But before citronella makes its way into these products designed to repel pests, it starts off as a garden plant that looks great, smells great, and is super easy to grow. You don’ t have to be a master gardener in order to know how to grow citronella, in fact, it is a simple plant that even a novice can enjoy.
Is citronella a good plant?
Citronella is forgiving. While some plants can be finicky, citronella is not one of them. Citronella is quite forgiving and will do well whether you have a little space or a lot. Because it can be grown in containers or in the ground, the grower has options even if space is an issue. 4.
Does citronella oil kill bees?
Citronella repels, it doesn’t kill, making it safe for wildlife. When you use citronella plants or citronella oil to repel pests, you don’t have to worry about harming other wildlife. Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will not be harmed by it.
What zone is Citronella in?
It is an evergreen in tropical growing zones 9, 10, and 11. The Mosquito plant can also repel insects indoors as a houseplant. Citronella Plant Care and using the Citronella Plant to repel mosquitoes is very easy.
How should I care for a citronella plant?
Citronella Plant Care takes minimal effort. These mosquito repelling plants are extremely low maintenance. Just water them deeply when the soil dries. They do well in full or part sun. Indoor Mosquito plants should be kept near a sunny window, preferably a south or west facing window. When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. This keeps Citronella Plants much healthier than watering a little bit every day. These plants do grow at a pretty fast rate so increase the pot size when the soil becomes unable to hold water. This means the roots have filled the container. Use Organic Planting Mix to repot your Citronella plant. I would recommend repotting a quart size plant into a gallon container and a 1 gallon plant into a 2 or 3 gallon pot.
Do citronella plants need water?
When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. This keeps Citronella Plants much healthier than watering a little bit every day. These plants do grow at a pretty fast rate so increase the pot size when the soil becomes unable to hold water. This means the roots have filled the container.
What is the scent of citronella?
In fact, you may even have one sitting out on the patio right now. This well-loved plant is essentially prized for its citrusy scent, which is thought to hold mosquito-repelling properties.
How high does a mosquito plant grow?
Outside the plant is fairly drought tolerant. Citronella plant typically grows anywhere between 2 and 4 feet (0.5-1 m.) high and pruning or pinching is recommended to encourage the new foliage to bush out.
What is the name of the plant that repels insects?
Citronella Plant Info. This plant is commonly found under a number of names, such as citronella plant, mosquito plant geranium, citrosa geranium, and Pelargonium citrosum. Though many of its names leave the impression that it contains citronella, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent, the plant is actually a variety ...
Can mosquito plants be grown indoors?
Growing and caring for mosquito plants is easy. And even though it may not be an actual mosquito repellent plant, it makes an ideal plant both indoors and out. Hardy year-round in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11, in other climates, the plant can be grown outdoors during the summer but should be taken inside before the first frost.
