Do not grow it in damp areas or in the winter season; it will die due to frost. Snip off any lanky stems to shape them up. Then you can move the plants to a more exposed area. These plants are pretty sitting in your office desk, patio, or your garden. Each day, leave the citronella plants outdoors for a little longer, like an hour or two, until theyre spending the whole day outside. Keeping your citronella plant indoors during the winter helps you prune it more regularly, which can produce a lusher plant once spring comes back around. Wait until all chance of frost has passed in the spring before planting citronellas outdoors. It is possible to utilise the essential oil in a spray or lotion formulation or in a diffuser. For those with sensitive skin test a small area first just to be sure you wont have a reaction. Prune your plant every few weeks to avoid cramping of the foliage. Best Soil For Your Citronella Look for a loamy, moderately-rich soil that will retain moisture. It's really better if you can plant it outside, though. How do I care for my citronella plant in the winter? Heres The Answer! Make a clean cut while procuring the cutting. This plant is available as a starter plant but not as seeds. Required fields are marked *. As a rule of thumb, plant them about the same time as tomatoes, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart in the ground. Gardeningdream.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This plant grows up to about 2 feet tall. How To Grow And Care For Curcuma (Turmeric), How to Grow and Care for a Butterfly Bush, How to Grow and Care for Autumn Bonfire Encore Azalea, How to Plant and Care for Sweet Pea Flowers. If you have citronella seeds, you can plant them directly on the soil after the final frost of the season or start growing them indoors six weeks beforehand. Foliage: mid-green grass blades, reddish at the base. Growing citronella plants indoors is the best way to enjoy them year-round and keep them as part of your collection for years to come. Be sure you can correctly identify the plant you're using, and never use one treated with pesticides or insecticides. The blooms even make an unexpected addition to cut flower arrangements. How much light do citronella plants need? Make sure that your soil is not too wet or too dry. Citronella plant is a scented geranium native to Asia and known as a mosquito repellent. They are versatile and easy to take care of without much hassle. Citronellas need six to eight hours of sun each day, preferably cool morning sun and afternoon shade. Remove any leaves that turn yellow which is a normal occurrence. Hold the covered stem in place with a rock or bend a piece of wire or paper clip into a U . Continue with Recommended Cookies. Choose The Right Hose For Your Needs, 4 Best Cordless Garden Vacuums For Your Yard, Best Pruning Saws That Will Make Your Life Easier, Tips On Caring For Your Citronella Plant Over Winter. Water Requirements. That means most gardeners will need to either raise their citronella plants indoors or bring them inside in the winter months if they want to enjoy their citronella plants on a long-term basis. This popular plant is mainly valued for its citrus scent, which is Prevent these issues by only watering the soil at the base of your citronella plant. After a few weeks, the stem will root. She is a life-long gardener whose work has been featured in many notable print and digital publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, HGTV, The Spruce, Southern Living, Old Farmers Almanac, Massey-Ferguson's Farm Life, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and others. It is recommended that Citronella plants be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours per day in order to thrive. Apply neem oil or horticultural oil to the infected plants. Citronella plants are known for their strong, citrusy smell that can keep mosquitoes and other pests away. After roots form, in three or four weeks, they'll be ready to transplant. Also, excess water on foliage can contribute to the spread of fungal diseases. How To Care For Scindapsus Treubii Dark Form: 8 Tips For A Healthy Plant, Aglaonema Emerald Beauty: Care and Growth Tips, Do Onions Grow Underground? When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Citronella plants are worth growing! even on sensitive skin with no side effects. The first thing you need to do is make sure the plant gets enough sunlight. Can You Use Vegetable Fertilizer On Flowers? Check with your doctor before applying it or ingesting any parts of the plants. Overwintering your citronella plant is not difficult. That way the seeds will stick to the soil and not fly away. Most have moderate water requirements and don't like to be soggy, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering. Its easy to take new cuttings from an outdoor citronella plant using the layering technique to bring indoors for a container garden. A good fertilizer will contain nitrogen and phosphorus in equal amounts. This plant can be treated as a patio plant or an annual in cooler areas. Get a container that has small drainage holes near the bottom. Make sure to add enough soil to cover the roots of the plant and make sure that the soil is moist. Citronella plant care and using the citronella plant to repel mosquitoes is very easy. Weve got everything you need to know about keeping a citronella plant as a houseplant. The citronella plant also known as the mosquito plant, The strong scent fro. Living in the south I have tried countless products and even concocted a few of my own out of essential oils. Although, the Scented Geranium will do okay with almost any kind of soil as long as it is well draining. That means once the temperature starts to dip below the 59-degree mark, its time to move your citronella plants indoors for the winter. Bury the stem, making sure to get a node (where a leaf is growing) underground. Make use of a wide-range insecticide near the plant, away from new buds. Climate: sub-tropical to temperate; grow in pots indoors in cooler areas. Use a loose, rich soil or potting mix. You can now move the pots to a sunny location and keep watering to encourage more growth. As a rule, as a good starting point you should use a larger pot thats at least 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Save pruned, non-woody stems or make three-to-five-inch cuttings of non-woody stems. Using a sharp shovel or spade, slice through the plant and its root system at the point you would like to divide it. Is It Possible For Citronella Plants To Come Back Every Year? Last Updated on February 2, 2022 by Cinthia, APEC Water Systems 5-Stage Certified Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis, Hydro-Logic 300-GPD Stealth-RO300 Reverse Osmosis Filter, Hydro Plus Hydroponics System LED 300W Grow Light, Growing Tent, Carbon Filter Fan, King Plus 1200w LED Grow Light for Greenhouse Indoor, DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit 90 Sites 10 PVC Pipes, VIVOSUN Mylar Reflective Grow Tent for Indoor Hydroponic Growing System, Are you wondering how to care for the citronella plant in order to effectively protect you and your loved ones from the troublesome mosquitoes? Plant the stems three inches above the ground and place them under a grow light. Revive your thirsty plants by letting them soak in water for a few hours. To prevent this from happening, you need to bring your citronella plant indoors and place it in a sunny spot near a window where it will get plenty of light. Citronella plants need a lot of water and care, so they must be watered very frequently. These plants are pretty tough and can withstand a lot of abuse. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A good schedule is giving the first dose when you plant the citronella, and then giving small amounts every few weeks. If you live in an area where citronella plants are native, then youre in luck. Place your container next to the outdoor citronella plant. . Water well. You can do this from time to time to remove any stubborn infestations. If the temperature falls below 59 degrees, the citronellas should be moved indoors. These mosquito repelling plants can make your outdoor living experience much better without exposing yourself to harsh chemicals like deet! Add a dispersion agent to your solution, such as soluble. The plant should be kept at temperatures between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Even though they require up to six hours a day of sunlight, it doesn't necessarily require direct sunlight. Remove any affected leaves and allow the soil to dry out before watering any more. Fertilizing will support the plant's steady growth and maintain the health of its bright green, dense foliage. If you have a citronella plant, you know that they need to be watered regularly to stay healthy. Give citronella plants occasional doses of plant food diluted to half strength to make sure they grow healthy and strong. It is an evergreen in tropical growing zones 9, 10, and 11. This will help to keep the leaves hydrated and prevent them from drying out and becoming susceptible to pests and disease. Simply stick a finger into the soil where your citronella plant is growing, going at least an inch under the surface. Instead of reaching for chemical sprays or bug zappers, some gardeners grow citronella plants to repel mosquitoes naturally. Why are citronella plants great for gardens? Place the pot on a heat mat if you have one to improve the germination rate. Many people grow citronella plants on or near their patios as mosquito repellents. Citronella plants do best at temperatures between 60 and 70degrees Fahrenheit. Its important that your citronella plants are provided with soil that drains well. Fertilize using a balanced water-soluble fertilizer of NPK 5-5-5 or 10-10-10. 2. Remove all but the top two or three leaves and stick the stems or cuttings in fresh potting soil. Your citronella plant will root in about 4 to 6 weeks. Fill the pot with soil and place the Citronella plant in it. 4. There is also a possibility that the plant is receiving too much sunlight. Choose your cutting. Slowly work the roots of the divided section away from the parent plant. How to Grow Citronella in a Garden 1st Step: Select a spot in your garden that gets a good dose of six hours of direct sunlight. Remove all but the top two or three leaves and stick the stems or cuttings in fresh potting soil. Make sure plants have good drainage. Give root-bound plants bigger pots. You may have heard of the citronella plant care. When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Spend just [[ Shopify.formatMoney(ship_cost[ship_cost.length - 1].limit - cart.total_value) ]] more and get FREE shipping! If you want to plant your citronella in a pot, make sure that pot or container is deep. Lets Perkem Up! Move container-grown plants into a brighter spot. Its also a good idea to remove any dead leaves or debris from around the plant, as this can provide a breeding ground for pests and disease. Citronella plant is a well-liked herb that has acquired a wide range of nicknames over time. If youd like to learn more about the two different citronella plants, you can check out our article Citronella Plant Vs. Citronella Grass. After the first two weeks, renew the substrate and fertilize it with worm castings or compost. Find a spot for your indoor citronella plant that gets plenty of direct sunshine. Since these plants grow so fast and do tend to get woody as they age I would trim the plant back to about 6 inches or so sometime before moving them back outside. Even if they can't completely banish these buzzy insects, citronellas are attractive and easy-to-grow. More than one plant out there has the moniker of citronella plant, so lets take a moment to clear up any confusion about the two different plants. Once again, the pot should be well-draining, only that this time, you should use potting soil. Citronellas are water-loving plants and will appreciate the soil remaining moist for longer than average. If citronella remains outside when temperatures fall much below that. Fill a pot or a shallow container with soil and compost then water it to make it damp. Cut off all but two leaves. Not only is it possible to grow citronella plants indoors, but in most zones with cooler climates its a requirement to keep your plants alive all year. 1 tablespoon of oil added to 1 quart of soapy water is the correct proportion. Many people consider citronella as a great plant for adding a little bit of fragrance to their garden. If you are happy with the size and shape of your plants just hold off and prune them back in spring before you move them back outside. One of the most beautiful aspects of the citronella plant is that it is able to survive in shade, as well as direct sunlight. While inside, the plants still need adequate sunlight, so placing them near a south- or west-facing window is best. Be sure to use a good well-draining potting mix and fertilize regularly for best results. Feed regularly with water-soluble plant food for abundant blooms. etc. You can monitor the soil's moisture with a moisture meter to help point you in the right direction. When growing citronella grass, place it in a location where it can receive bright but filtered sunlight. Most plants are easily revived this way. Follow the tips in this article, and your plant will be healthy and happy all winter long. Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light. It was originally brought to the country by settlers from Europe and is now common in gardens, backyards and parks.Citronella plants will grow well with most any type of soil which makes them great plants for those who are just getting into gardening. It's a cross between a rose-scented geranium and Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardis), a tall grass with a lemony-fragrance. When you water them, make sure that the soil is moist and not wet. Ensure good air circulation around the plant throughout the day. Gardening Channel. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Citronella plant is that it is able to survive in shade, as well as in direct sunlight. After all, you want to make sure that the plant is getting what it needs to grow successfully. So it is best if you get a container that is 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide. However, you must remove any dead leaves before new growth appears. By following these simple tips, you can keep your citronella plant healthy and vigorous throughout the winter months. There are a few easy ways to propagate mosquito plants. You can bring them outside again in early spring, when the cold weather passes. They are easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. They also say you'd need to grow a citronella field to drive mosquitoes away from your home or yard. 5. Answer: Best famous for their mosquito-repellent properties, Citronella, is known to be a non-toxic plant variety. To ensure the stem can root, only leave two leaves from the stem, ideally at the tip of the cutting. Citronella plants that you keep indoors benefit from a bit of light pruning over the winter. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The node that is currently producing the leaf is where the roots of the new citronella plant will grow. Ive been keeping some in my outdoor garden, but Id like to try raising one as a houseplant. Paul C. ANSWER: Yes, citronella plants do quite well indoors. Be sure potted plants have drainage holes and dump out any water than collects in saucers under them. If you have a citronella plant, youll want to prune it in the winter. Prune off any spent leaves to keep the plant looking attractive. Citronella Plant Care Light Soil Water Temperature and Humidity Fertilizer How to Propagate Citronella Plant vs. Citronella Grass Spring through early summer is the perfect time to plan. You can also root non-woody cuttings in water. The care includes: Clovers Garden 2 Large Citronella Mosquito Repellent Plants in 4-Inch Pots, Read more about The Best Way to Get Rid of Mosquitoes. Water Your Plant Regularly Wipe or spray the leaves of your plants with this mixture. To Help Prevent Pests and Disease, Regularly Mist the Leaves with Water. Dormant Plants: Your Top Questions and Answers. These plants flourish almost anywhere; they look and smell amazing! You'll need to make sure that the soil is moist, but not too wet. Check soil moisture every few days and water when the top inch becomes dry. Commonly called mosquito plant, citronella (also known as Pelargonium citrosum or citrosa geranium, among other names) is in the geranium family. They also grow in shady areas and can thrive even under partial shade, so if you have limited space to work with they are quite ideal. Winter is a tough time for citronella plants. Water at the base of the plant only! Get out your humidifier and position it in the same room as your plant. However, you dont want to jerk your citronella plants from the luxury and temperate climate of indoor living to the great outdoors, with its beating sun and harsh winds. 10 to 15 drops per ounce (29 milliliters) of water. Citronella Plant Care takes minimal effort. The sunshine helps the citronella plant develop a bushier shape and more robust foliage. The cutting should have two nodes (the bumps that grow stems, leaves, and buds). The ideal constant temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees F. Place a dried leaf and pine needle compost on top of the soil in the pot. Following the instructions here, youre prepared to plant, propagate, and care for citronella geranium plants indoors and enjoy the lovely citronella scent all winter. Brown leaves and stems can be caused by too much or too little sun or too much water. They also make good garden plants for those who do not have enough sunlight. Citronella plants are susceptible to root rot, so its important to make sure they are not overwatered. Use or store the leaves you remove to take full advantage of peppermint's benefits. After roots form, in three or four weeks, they'll be ready to transplant. See how to grow citronella plants indoors. Make sure to only use diluted fertilizer (usually at a rate of teaspoons per gallon of water) and don't fertilizer more often than every 3-4 weeks. Keep the citronella away from heater vents and drafty areas. The key to keeping your citronella plant thriving is to give it a good drink of water every other day. Pests also affect the Citronella plant. It can be difficult to know when a citronella plant needs water because its leaves are typically dry when it gets hot outside - this is why you should monitor your potted citronella plant's soil moisture level with a moisture meter or by using your finger to feel for moisture on top of the soil. When the temperature starts to drop, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. They both have minimal requirements and are hassle-free. Do you cut back citronella plants in winter? Place the plant near a window where it will get six to eight hours of sun each day. Deep, infrequent waterings will promote good health while indoors, and one or. Try to water more often, and see to it that the water reaches all the way to the roots. If you want your citronella to root faster, you can cover the cuttings with a clear plastic wrap to close in moisture and warmth. Keeping the leaves hydrated can also be accomplished by misting them with water once or twice a week. Whitefly, mealybugs, and caterpillars are the main pests that target this plant. If you prefer, bend a stem that's still attached to a plant and put it on top of the soil in a nearby pot. Citronella plants are one of the most popular geraniums out there! Citronellas are great for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes or beside decks, patios, porches, and doors, where you can touch them as you go by and enjoy their pleasant fragrance. Bring the citronella plant indoors when the temperature starts to dip into the low 60s (Fahrenheit) at night. If you have a potted citronella plant, you'll want to make sure that you can get the leaves wet during the summer months when it is hot out. This will coach the plant into a compact, bushy silhouette and make sure you have plenty of new growth during the spring. Note: Citronella oil may be irritating to some people and/or cause allergic reactions. Soaps and candles can also be made with the plant's extracts. Citronella Plant Care and using the Citronella Plant to repel mosquitoes is very easy. The plant's roots are located just below the surface of the soil, so it is important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Finally, cut back the main stem by a few inches. Ensure there are at least 2 nodes (bumps on stem where leaves grow out of). Check your plant regularly. Water the plant regularly and make sure that the soil remains moist but not wet. Feed your plants with an all-purpose plant food, following the product directions. These plants do grow at a pretty fast rate so increase the pot size when the soil becomes unable to hold water. A herbaceous variety of Geranium (though not completely related to it), It enjoys sunny windows, east-facing balconies and sunlit terraces. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Apply neem oil or horticultural oil to the infected plants. Then theyre ready to be left outdoors all day long. It is an attractive annual plant with small lavender flowers that do well both in the garden and as a potted plant. Maybe you are thinking of growing a few of them around your patio or indoors to keep the mosquitoes away. You will need to wait for the soil to be warm enough to let the plant grow well. This is the most important factor when it comes to growing citronella geranium from cutting. They do well in full or part sun. If you are planting additional citronella plants, make sure you space them at least 12-18 inches apart. If youre planting citronella outdoors but you know your citronella plants are destined to move indoors at some point, you may wish to consider planting your citronella plants in containers. Your email address will not be published. During winter move it indoors until the ground warms up in the spring. If citronella remains outside when temperatures fall much below that point, it will have a hard time adjusting to indoor growing conditions. A potting soil that is rich in nutrients should also be used. Make sure you keep the soil moist but not soggy, and your plant will be happy and healthy. To make a liniment that you can rub or spray on your skin, Citronella plants are one of the most popular geraniums out there! Citronella plants thrive when the temperature is between 59 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 20.6 degrees Celsius). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you do not have a spot for your citronella plant that provides full sun, the plants will tolerate partial shade but will just not perform as well. Citronella is quite confusing to most people. The temperature should stay somewhere between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius without sudden drops. Leave only 2-3 leaves. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Gently bend a long stem from the outdoor citronella plant over to the nearby container, being careful not to break the stem. Like many species of grass, the citronella plant requires a great deal of water. This article is about the citronella geranium, Pelargonium citrosum. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Why Do Sunflowers Close Up? Prune citronellas at any time. If you do want to plant the citronella in an indoor pot, do it early in the spring to give it a lot of light in the early growing stages. This extends the life of your plants and saves you money. Mosquito plants can tolerate some drought, but don't let them dry out completely. Citronella plants growing indoors that are not getting enough sunshine will let you know by developing etiolated foliage. Again, remove all but the top leaves and give the cuttings bright, indirect light. The citronella plant's essential oil has a strong aroma that repels insects. Quick Fixes. Ideally, you want the top inch of the soil to dry out without all the soil in the container drying out completely. Start about 6 weeks before the last frost. My favorite way to use the Citronella plant is by removing a leaf or 2 and rubbing them on my skin. You also need to make sure that the pot has good drainage so that the roots don't get waterlogged. If you grow them as houseplants, give them a sunny window. Water your plant well after planting and keep the soil moist always but not soggy. Feed regularly during growing season. If youve been growing your citronella plants outside, unless youre in zones 9 through 11, youll need to bring them indoors if you want them to survive the winter. While citronella plants dont need a lot of fertilizer, a light application of a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the winter months will help keep them healthy and vigorous. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Don't fertilize too often; feeding ivy once a month during the warmer months is usually a good bet. 18 House Plants With Red and Green Leaves: Stunning and Attention Grabbing. What Is Causing The Browning of The Stems of My Citronella Plant? At best, it may protect you for a little while. Use well-drained soil for potted plants. Copyright 2022. With a little preparation, you can have a thriving plant come spring. First, youll need to choose a container thats the right size for your citronella plant. This sedge grows in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12 just . You may choose to grow the variety that entices you! This works very well for my family. (Citronella plants can only be kept outdoors year-round in specific zones 9 through 11.) If you need to overwinter them, pot them up or propagate some stems to bring in before the temperatures drop. Allow the top inch or so of your indoor citronella geranium's soil to dry out before watering it again. Citronella is an extremely popular plant in the United States, but not many people know about its origins. Citronella plants that start to look stretched-out are probably trying to get more light. Their ability to repel mosquitoes and other insects within the house is one important aspect of why its grown. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. But did you know that you should water your citronella plant even during the winter months? You can even grow your own indoor houseplant using a combination of water and nutrients. Use a fertilizer once per month to keep the leaves green. Care for the Citronella plant, like many other plants, requires no less than six hours of sunlight per day. You can use a rock or a landscape staple if you need it to keep the stem in place. Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone and plant it in rich potting . Citronella plants are commonly used to repel mosquitoes, making them a popular choice for summertime outdoor activities. This is because there are two types of plants considered as Citronella. Growing Citronella indoors is a great way to keep mosquitoes away from your . These plants flourish almost anywhere; they look and smell amazing! Start by preparing a container just as you would for growing citronella plants indoors. Order your very own Citronella Plant today from our online plant nursery! Fall is a Great Time to Plant - Learn More. It has a light, fresh fragrance; does not get smelly like many other plants do. They need a well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or aged manure to grow properly. Be sure to choose a pot that has ample drainage. Plant your Citronella in the spring season in well-drained soil. But how do you know when to bring your citronella plants inside? Your citronella plants stems could be browning for a few reasons. To prune your citronella plant, start by cutting back any dead or dying leaves. Citronella plants also need to be watered on the regular basis, but you should not overwater them. However, gardeners dont only enjoy these plants for their scent and their use as natural mosquito repellents. The Mosquito plant can also repel insects indoors as a houseplant. They are most common in countries in the southern hemisphere, particularly Australia. You can do this from time to time to remove any stubborn infestations. Citronella plants can be grown indoors in a variety of ways. Even though they require up to six hours a day of sunlight, it doesn't necessarily require direct sunlight. Your indoor plant might go. Your indoor citronella plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. - Water your plant well after planting and keep the soil moist always but not soggy - Remove any leaves that turn yellow which is a normal occurrence. Pests also affect the Citronella plant. Citronella is a plant that needs full sunlight, so you should place it somewhere in your garden where it can receive at least six hours of sun a day. effectiveness, grow several plants in areas you want to deter insects. Keep your Citronella on the drier side, only watering until the top inch of soil begins to dry out. To overwinter your citronella plant indoors, move it into your home when night temperatures dip to 45 in the fall. Hold the covered stem in place with a rock or bend a piece of wire or paper clip into a U-shape and pin it down. Don't cover the seed with soil citronella seeds will sprout better if it's exposed to light. Yes, they need plenty of light because they are not able to produce their own.
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