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Citronella Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening enthusiasts love to have plants that not only look visually appealing but also serve as natural remedies.
One such plant that has gained immense popularity for its medicinal properties and repelling capabilities is the citronella plant.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about citronella plants–from their origin to their care tips.
What is a Citronella Plant?
The citronella plant belongs to the genus Cymbopogon in the grass family.
This species of tropical perennial grass is native to Asia and grows up to 6 feet tall in height.
The distinguishing feature of this plant is its strong lemony scent, which it gets from its high concentration of essential oils.
When crushed or bruised, these oils are released into the air and act as a natural insect repellent against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests.
It’s no wonder why people often associate citronella with candles used during outdoor activities!
Citronella Plant Varieties
There are three common varieties of citronella plants:
- Cymbopogon nardus: Also known as Sri Lankan Lemongrass or Mana Grass, this variety contains 80-85% of Citral oil content.
- Cymbopogon winterianus: Known as True Citronella or Java Citrosa, this variety contains up to 40% of Citral oil content.
- Pelargonium crispum: This variety also features a citrusy aroma but doesn’t produce high levels of essential oils like true lemongrass does.
Growing Citronella Plants
Now that we know the basics of citronella plants let’s move on to how you can grow them.
Location and Soil
Citronella plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
They prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5 to 5.5 for optimum growth.
Planting Citronella Plants
- You can either buy citronella seeds or opt for mature potted plants from your local nursery.
- If you are starting with seeds, sow them in a starter pot with good-quality soil and place it in a warm area that receives ample sunlight.
- Once the seedlings have grown to around 6 inches tall, transplant them into bigger containers or directly outdoors if the weather is suitable for planting.
Caring For Citronella Plants
To ensure your citronella plant thrives, follow these care tips:
Watering Frequency
Citronella plants enjoy moisture but don’t like standing water as it can cause root rot.
Water the plant regularly but avoid over-watering by checking the top layer of soil before watering again.
If it feels dry to touch up to an inch deep, then water away!
Fertilizer Requirements
The best time to fertilize your citronella plant is during its growing season–spring through summer–at intervals of two weeks using all-purpose fertilizer diluted at half strength.
Pests And Diseases
The essential oils produced by citronella plants act as natural insect repellents against pests such as mosquitoes and flies.
However, like all plants, they can still be affected by other pests such as spider mites and aphids.
To prevent infestations, water the plant correctly and keep it in a well-ventilated area.
Spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help get rid of these pesky bugs.
Harvesting Citronella Plants
The best time to harvest citronella plants is when the oils are most concentrated, which is typically during early summer before they flower.
Cut the leaves close to the stem using scissors or pruning shears for optimal regrowth.
Conclusion
Citronella plants are not only beautiful to look at but also serve as natural insect repellents against mosquitoes and flies due to their high concentration of essential oils.
By following our care tips, you can grow citronella successfully in your garden while reaping its medicinal benefits as well!
