Citronella Plant Care – How to Grow Mosquito Plants

Citronella Plant Care – You’ve undoubtedly heard of the citronella plant, and for good reason. Perhaps you’re even reading this while one of them is sitting on your porch right now. Although this well-loved plant has several uses, it is most valued for its lemony fragrance, which is said to have mosquito-repelling qualities. Is this so-called mosquito repellent plant, on the other hand, really effective? For more information on this fascinating plant, including advice on cultivating and caring for mosquito plants, continue reading.

This plant is known by several different names, including citronella plant, mosquito plant geranium, citrosa geranium, and Pelargonium citrosum, among others. The plant is really a type of scented geranium that creates a citronella-like fragrance when the leaves are crushed, which gives the idea that it contains citronella, which is a popular component in insect repellant. However, many of its names lead people to believe it contains citronella. The mosquito plant geranium was created by combining particular genes from two different plants – Chinese citronella grass and African geranium – to create a new hybrid species.

The citronella plant (Pelargonium citronellum) is a natural insect repellant that may be used in the garden. These mosquito repellent plants may significantly improve your outdoor living experience without exposing you to harmful chemicals like deet! This attractive plant, grown in a container on your patio or deck, keeps insects at bay while still looking lovely. In addition to having a pleasant lemony fragrance, it is also deer resistant.

In colder climates, this plant may be handled as a patio plant or as an annual plant. When grown in tropical growth zones 9, 10, and 11, it is considered an evergreen. As a houseplant, the mosquito plant may also be used to repel insects from the outside. Taking care of a Citronella Plant and utilizing the Citronella Plant to repel mosquitoes are both fairly simple tasks. Continue reading to learn how to use the Citronella plant to keep mosquitoes away!

As a result, the fundamental question remains unanswered. Is it true that citronella plants are effective insect repellents? Because the plant emits its citronella fragrance when it is touched, it is believed to be most effective as a mosquito repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin, as insects are believed to be offended by the citronella smell. However, according to studies, this plant is inefficient at repelling mosquitoes in the first place.

As someone who has experience cultivating and caring for mosquito plants, I can testify to the fact that this is true. Despite the fact that everything is beautiful and smells nice, the mosquitoes continue to arrive. Bug zappers are a lifesaver, thank god!

The genuine citronella plant has foliage that is similar to lemongrass, while this impostor is bigger and has foliage that is similar to parsley leaves. In addition, it produces lavender flowers throughout the summer months.

The Citronella Plant Care: Variety of Applications

Citronella is a difficult herb to understand for the majority of people. This is due to the fact that there are two kinds of plants that are classified as Citronella. The tropical grass Cymbopogon nardus is widely regarded as the genuine Citronella, and it has been used in perfumery for centuries. This is due to the fact that it contains an essential oil that can be extracted from it.

The fragrant geranium, which is more popular, is quite good in keeping mosquitoes away from your home. Grow multiple plants in the places where you wish to repel insects to ensure that they are as effective as possible. You have the option of growing the kind that appeals to you! They both have a small set of prerequisites and are very simple to use.

The Citronella plant is one of the most effective insect repellents I’ve ever come across in my travels. Because I live in the south, I have experimented with a plethora of products and even created a couple of my own using essential oils. I really like these plants since you get a beautiful plant to adorn your outside living area as well as the fact that they are functional! They perform a good job of repelling mosquitoes.

I’ve found that having multiple plants spaced throughout the area where you spend the most time is the most effective way to use them. When I walk outdoors, I like to “fluff them up” a little bit to get the oils in the leaves flowing a little bit more. This has a significant impact on efficacy.

My preferred method of using the Citronella plant is by taking a leaf or two and pressing them on the skin. Because these plants have a tendency to develop quickly, you actually only need one plant for this technique. This has proven to be very effective for my household. We tend to have sensitive skin, and as a result, we have no negative side effects. For individuals with sensitive skin, it’s best to test a tiny area first to ensure there won’t be an allergic response.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Citronella Plant

Taking care of and growing mosquito plants is a simple process. And, despite the fact that it is not a true mosquito deterrent plant, it makes an excellent houseplant for both indoor and outdoor use. Although hardy year-round in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11, the plant may be grown outside during the summer months in other regions, but it should be brought inside before the first frost occurs.

Citronella plant care is simple and requires little effort. These mosquito repellent plants need little to no care at all. Simply water them well when the soil becomes dry. They thrive in either full or partial sunlight. A sunny window, especially on the south or west side of the room, is ideal for keeping indoor mosquito plants alive and well. When growing plants inside, let the soil to dry completely before watering extensively. This is much more beneficial to the health of citronella plants than just watering them once a day.

Because these plants develop at a rapid pace, it is necessary to expand the pot size when the soil becomes unable to retain water. This indicates that the roots have completely filled the container. Re-pot your Citronella plant with organic fertilizers to keep it healthy. For little plants, I would suggest moving them from their quart pots to their gallon containers and for larger plants, I would advocate moving them to their 2 or 3 gallon pots.

Plants in this category need at least six hours of direct sunshine every day, whether they are planted outdoors or inside near a window, although they can take some partial shade as well. If the soil is well-draining, they are tolerant of a broad range of different soil types.

It’s important to water your mosquito plant geranium regularly and to feed it every few weeks with an all-purpose plant food when it’s grown inside. Outside, the plant can withstand moderate drought conditions.

Citronella plants usually grow between 2 and 4 feet (0.5-1 m) tall, and it is advised to prune or pinch the young leaves to encourage them to bush out as they develop.

In conclusion

Citronella plants are well worth the effort to cultivate! These plants look lovely whether displayed on your desk, terrace, or in your yard. They are adaptable and simple to care for, requiring little effort on your part. When it is properly pruned, it displays a plant with stunning lavender flowers on it.

Citrus geraniums are one of the most popular types of geraniums available today! One of the most significant reasons for growing it is because of its capacity to repel mosquitoes and other insects inside the home. These plants can grow nearly anyplace and have a wonderful appearance and fragrance.

Continue to water them, provide them with 6 hours of sunshine each day, and prune them as needed, and you’ll have a plant whose fragrance will last all day.