Start by removing all dead wood and diseased leaves from the plant. According to the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, while concentrated citronella oil does repel mosquitoes, the citronella scent of the plants alone does not affect mosquitoes, so growing citronella plants will not in itself lower the population of mosquitoes. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil before planting. But if you are using the cutting method to grow them, I will highly recommend that you plant them in a gardening container. The citronella plant is a low-maintenance perennial that boasts attractive, green foliage with pink flowers and a citrus-like smell. Citronella prefers a pH level between five and six but can adapt to different soils depending on where it is being planted. Citronella is a tropical plant, so it likes to be close to the heat. Citronella plants have lacy foliage, and they have a lemony scent. Make sure that you use a potting mix for overwintering, as opposed to using garden soil. Use your shears and snip off the top of each stalk and replant them to produce a new plant. Choose a site with bright sunlight and, if possible, a little afternoon shade to protect the plant's delicate leaves during the hottest parts of the day. 5. Light. The best way to propagate a mature Citronella plant is through cuttings. Even though they require up to six hours a day of sunlight, it doesn't necessarily require direct sunlight. Shake the soil from the roots. Prune your plant on a regular basis - this will encourage healthier growth! You can either use cuttings from the mother plant or transplant them to their own soil. It propagates easily from cuttings and makes a good indoor edging plant. How Fast Does It Grow? Mashing the stem may cause the growth of new shoots to be staunched. Save pruned, non-woody stems or make three-to-five-inch cuttings of non-woody stems. Fill a clean pot with a drainage hole with moist, sterile planting mix at least half of which is peat, vermiculite or sand. Top 25 Perennial Flowers To Plant In Spring, 8 Practical Steps To Energize Your Raised Garden's Soil, Moses In The Cradle Growing Guide (Tradescantia spathacea), Flaming Katy Growing Guide (Florist Kalanchoe), Philodendron Mayoi Vs Xanadu (Difference & Similarities). Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. In warm zones 10 and 11, replant the citronella plants 3 feet apart in the garden immediately after dividing. Once the seeds germinate and grow to be about six inches high, you can take cuttings. Choose a site with afternoon shade and space the plants 18-24 inches apart. You can also propagate them by cuttings or layering. Keep the soil very moist and ensure that planting temperatures are between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it doesnt actually repel mosquitoes, it is a popular plant for its attractive appearance and low maintenance needs. Step 1: Prepare the planting site The plant should be planted in a sunny location, which is well-drained and does not dry out too quickly. Plant them in the same type of soil you would use for adult citronella plants and keep them moist until they grow new leaves and stems. Its best to use a well-draining potting medium so as not to cause root rot. Citronella has a very shallow root system so it won't feed on its own. Soil pH varies in different soil types. Its grass can also be used for flavoring various kinds of food dishes. Citronella needs at least six hours of sunlight to grow properly. They can wither in areas where the heat of the sun is too intense, so providing a partial shade when the weather is too hot is not a bad idea. To make more plants without the monetary investment, you can easily learn how to propagate Citronella. If you dont have access to micronutrients, you can also add magnesium to your plants food. Use clean secateurs to snip a 3 to 4-inch long tip from the plant. Your email address will not be published. Citronella is a clumping plant, so you need to separate it to grow new ones or share with friends. The final step in cutting back your citronella plants is done from mid-autumn through winter when no leaves or blooms remain on the plant. When this happens, gently remove the stem, cutting with the new roots from the soil, and pot it up in a pot. The best way to do this is by taking cuttings from the parent plant. Stick 1 inch of the reduce finish into the rooting medium tray. Citronella mosquito plants grow as tender perennials in USDA zone 7 and need winter protection. Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus, USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 12) is an inedible relative of lemongrass native to tropical regions of Asia. Fertilizing a Citronella Plant is a crucial part of growing a healthy plant, and you can use a variety of fertilizers. Citronella is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Propagating the citronella plant will help you increase your supply of this beautiful flowering shrub. When clumps become congested, lift, divide them up and replant in autumn. Make a small hole in some moistened peat-based rooting mix and set the stem cutting inside. Choose a good quality potting soil and add compost or a slow-release fertilizer to it. It's best to keep citronella near other plants that are similar so the soil type and pH level will not be vastly different from one another. The citronella grass can grow to a height of around 6 feet (1.8m) and a width of 4 feet (1.2m). This will help to loosen up the root system and allow it to absorb more water during the next watering session. Soil pH testing kits can be purchased at garden centers or online. They need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, such as composted manure or mulch. You can pinch back citronella to form a more compact, bushy plant. You can also add compost to the planting hole to improve soil quality. Caring for citronella. Hold off the water until the top couple of inches of the soil is dry. Some authorities recommend applying products with the following ratios at most: 2 percent citronella grass, 0.1 percent lemongrass, 6 percent citronella geranium. Then dip this in rooting hormone before inserting it into moistened potting soil mix for citronella plants. Give in-ground plants 18 to 24 inches of space between plantings. However, the quality for which most gardeners cultivate citronella plants is their alleged mosquito-repelling properties. Water. To ensure the health of your citronella plant, add some compost to the soil around the plant. Citronella plants can grow 2 to 4 feet tall. The tips outlined above will help you maintain your citronella without worrying about the size or location of where it's planted. When mature, it will produce plantlets with roots and shoots. The plants grow best in full sun or partial shade, where they make an excellent ground cover plant in warmer areas. To propagate citronella geraniums, first take a cutting using a good pair of gardening shears or pruners to ensure a clean cut. In most cases, they are not grown from seed by experienced gardeners. Required fields are marked *. Look no further than propagating citronella plants! The cymbopogon nardus needs some tender love, and care to grow and even potentially flower. It is majorly used to produce citronella oil, which is used to make soaps, insects repellent, candles, disinfectants, and so on. Fertilizer. Just plant the citronella seed and it will grow into an attractive plant. Cut off a stem piece and strip all but two or three leaves from it so that only bare stems remain. These are the bumps on branches and stems where side shoots and leaves emerge. What are the difference between Bermuda grass and St. Augustine. Mix together and let the solution cool to room temperature. The cuttings should be planted about two to three inches deep. It does best in a well-drained garden or a patio pot. After Cutting, you would have a bare stem to insert into your pot filled with a soil mix. Ensure that you keep the stem ends of citronella cuttings in rooting hormones before planting. The first step of cutting back your citronella plant should be done in early spring. Choose a pot that has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Luckily, it is OK to cut back or "pinch" your citronella plant. Theyre often confused with citronella geranium, a plant with a similar citrus scent. Remove the plant from the pot and place it in a bowl of water. Water your Citronella plants at least once a year in spring. A mature Citronella plant can grow to six feet tall and four feet wide. Then, place a rock over the stem. The first step in the soil pH testing process is to collect a sample of soil 6 to 12 inches below the surface. Too many leaves or leaves that are too large can dry out the cutting before it has a chance to form roots. you can use a rooting compound to promote growth. Keep your soil moist until new growth appears; once this happens use a little fertilizer once every two weeks until new growth starts forming again (around three months after planting). Soil. You can plant the whole clump of citronella and not worry if some pieces were left behind during division because it will keep spreading. Use sharp, clean pruning shears or knives to make an almost complete ring cut at least one inch below where you want the new roots to grow from. Balanced soil chemistry is necessary to ensure a good rooting process. Remove all but the top two or three leaves and stick the stems or cuttings in fresh potting soil. Allow to cool down and place it in a clean glass bottle. They are best propagated by dividing the clumps of the herbaceous perennial, which are usually divided in spring. Outside the plant is fairly drought tolerant. If you. Pour in water, but avoid saturating the soil. I have one that needs cutting back. If the mixture bubbles or fizzes, it means that the soil is alkaline or acidic. For each plant, prune the citronella to a third of its size before placing it in a pot. When burying the citronella, ensure that the base is level with the top of the growth medium. Add a tablespoon of organic honey (you can use processed if its all you have). Citronella seedlings are easy to grow and care for, making them great houseplants if you live in a relatively warm place. How To Grow And Citronella Plant Care In Your Home Garden. It doesn't have running roots, but its seeds can be carried by the wind onto neighbouring properties. Stem cuttings should be taken when citronella plants are not actively growing and are done by taking a piece of stem about pencil size, removing all leaves except for three at its top, then cleanly severing them just above where you want the new roots to grow from. These plants can flourish both indoors, as well as outdoors. Your email address will not be published. A plant growing in the ground should be watered when its soil. If you're going to grow ONE plant this summer, it should definitely be citronella, also known as the mosquito plant! In extreme cases, you may need to repot the plant if the soil is too dry. Your citronella plant will root in about 4 to 6 weeks. They also come with a digital reader for reading results. How to Propagate. The kit contains pH test strips and a color chart to determine the pH of the soil. And if you are planting the cuttings in the ground, you could just follow the same process above, but ensure that the soil is well prepared and is fertile enough to support citronella cuttings. As a result of the division process, each new section will produce roots and stems as it grows into one or more mature plants that can be transplanted into separate pots or gardens. Too much water and the leaves begin to turn yellow before dropping off the stems. They register the natural electrical energy between them and provide a rough estimate of pH and sunlight. When the weather cools, check the soil or potting mix every few days and water if it feels or looks dry. If you want to still make winter planting, it's best you take them indoors in gardens or greenhouses, and once the winter frost has passed, you can bring them outside. Citronella is a clumping plant that divides easily to give rise to more plants. You can obtain this information by using a soil pH testing kit. Regardless of the plants location, youll want to apply a balanced water-soluble plant food to it every two weeks during the spring and summer months. The stems of the plant are made up of clumps, and dividing them is an easy way to produce more plants. You can use toothpicks as support for the cuttings to keep them from leaning over. In both methods, you should collect a sample from a consistent area each time. MasterClass suggests taking the cutting with at least two nodes included. This is a great tool for those who dont have a lot of time to read test results. Both, when applied on the skin or clothes can help repel moquitoes for up to 12 hours. The Citronella plant is one of the most versatile plants to grow. water the plant regularly. Take care of the citronella plant and prevent any pests from harming it. Citronella plants thrive better in moist, loamy soil. While citronella grass is hard to find, citronella geraniums are commonly available and may be grown from cuttings. Plant cuttings can be struck in perlite, rock wool cubes or vermiculite. How long do I need to keep the citronella plant cutting in the homemade Root hormone? Cut back all branches until they are around six inches in height, then trim the tips of each branch to encourage new growth for next spring and summer blooms. Can I Propagate Asparagus Ferns From Cuttings? One of the best ways to do this is to regularly mist the leaves with water. After roots form, in three or four weeks, they'll be ready to transplant. Citronella is a herbaceous perennial that can be propagated from cuttings -- meaning you need to take a cutting of the plant and keep it in water until roots develop. How much water does a citronella plant need, Do citronella plants work against mosquitoes. The plant itself does not repel mosquitoes. With a pair of scissors or pruners, cut two to three inches from a healthy stem. To ensure successful growth, place the cuttings in soil that is rich in organic matter and water every day. Well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7 is ideal for the success of this plant. It doesn't matter if your pot is plastic or ceramic. This plant exudes a refreshing citrusy scent and has flowers among its distinctive lacy green leaves. This type of grass grows 5 to 6 feet tall and has purplish-pink lower stems. I am planting them in pots. Then, you can plant it in a sunny location. If you're interesting in learning how to grow citronella, AKA mosquito plant, keep reading our gardening guide below! Break apart a plant and pull it into smaller parts containing at least one node or set of roots attached. In addition, while citronella grass contains significant quantities of the oil, citronella geraniums do not contain the chemical. 2. Citronella plants are propagated through stem tip cuttings. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it's important to take extra care of your citronella plant to prevent pests and disease. 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. The best time for propagating the citronella plant is during springtime, when temperatures are milder. Before you start propagating your citronella plant, you need to make sure that the cuttings are properly sterilized. You can also remove any branches that are crossing one another. It is a great choice for beginners. The cuttings should be placed into well-prepared soil, and they should be watered frequently to ensure that they grow roots. Unfortunately, this plant can breed quickly and become invasive if not treated properly. Find a healthy stem and make a snip about 3-5 inches down the shaft. After preparing your sample, divide it into equal portions. If you're planting more citronella plants, ensure that you maintain a 12-inch space between them. Use a sharp knife or scissors to make the cut cleanly through both sides of the stem. The plants should be at least two years old. Citronella is a perennial herb that spreads quickly on its own, so you don't have to be concerned about planting it. Soil temperatures below 65 F can cause the cuttings to rot. After collecting a sample, you can perform a soil pH test at home. When growing mosquito plant geranium indoors, keep it watered and fertilize occasionally with all-purpose plant food. The following tips will help you take care of your citronella plants to prevent them from becoming too large or out of control: The first step to take is locating where you would like to plant your citronella plants. Boil two cups of water. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Citronella needs full sun to part sun. Spray water on top every day until you see new growth at the node area from which roots will grow. Rooting should occur within two to three weeks. Below are some more essential tips to growing citronella plant from cutting: Hopefully, after going through this guide, you've learned how to grow citronella plants from cutting as well as the best time to grow citronella plants. Citronella needs plenty of water and nutrients but likes well-draining soil to avoid wet roots. The next step is to add organic compost to ensure proper soil drainage during rainy periods. One method for propagating mature Citronella plants is by dividing clumps. Add handfuls of organic compost at the bottom of each pot before planting the cuttings. The Citronella plant can be easily propagated using cuttings. How to Do Hardwood Cuttings From Fruit Trees. Citronella plant, which is sometimes referred to as lemongrass, Cochin grass, silky heads, mosquito plants, and so on, is a plant that is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and other tropical areas around the world. Plant seedlings in a well-drained potting mix and allow them to grow until they reach a height of 2 to 3 feet. Rising Citronella From Seeds. In this article, we'll show you how to propagate citronella plants from stem cuttings, so you can enjoy the mosquito-repelling benefits all summer long. True citronella is a grass, which can be very effective at repelling mosquitoes. Make sure there are proper drainage holes at the bottom of the container. 27022020 Propagating Citronella in water or succulent combine the most effective crops to maintain Mosquitos away. It's easy to propagate citronella geraniums from cuttings. This essential oil is extracted by crushing the leaves. Feb 17, 2016 - Now that the citrosa geranium's (Pelargonium citronellum, Pelargonium citrosum "Van Leenii") reputation as a mosquito-fighter has been exposed as a marketing gimmick, it can be enjoyed for its pleasant, spicy scent. Theyre part of the geranium family. First, it is a natural remedy that can repel mosquitoes. Ensure that this area is near the house or some other building on your property to be closed for maintenance purposes. However, it is not always desirable or practical to have such a tall potted plant in your home. We omitted models that didn't meet our standards for specific needs and those which lacked a discreet profile. You don't have to dig and bury them in the ground. When it comes to potting your citronella plants, remember to choose premium plant food. Plant one citronella plant division per pot. The best time to take these cuttings is in early spring or late autumn, before the first frost. This will give you the best possible shot at successful growth. Keep the cutting moist throughout this process. Trim the leaves from the bottom of the stem. While they are hardy in most soil conditions, it is best to avoid wet and heavy soil as this will reduce the plants ability to absorb nutrients. Make sure that there is no flower bud on the newly cut citronella stem. When is the best time to plant citronella? If planting in your garden, add compost to the hole when planting. Cuttings of the citronella plant do not grow roots very easily. The latter tends to be heavy and does not offer sufficient aeration and drainage necessary for indoor planting. Citronella has such a strong scent that it is added to candles designed to eradicate pet and smoke odors as well as repel insects. A loamy soil pH of 6.5 is best. Planting / By Oliver Kahn. Just let the hormone coat the base of the cutting. Next, youll need to add half a cup of white vinegar to each. If you have any problems growing your citronella plant, check out our blog post here on how to propagate cilantro. Remember, these are stem cuttings, and sterilizing your cutting tools will ensure that you do not harm the mother plant.
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how to propagate citronella plant