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The citronella plant is one of the most used in the world when it comes to keeping mosquitoes and other undesirable insects away, which is why with this anti-mosquito plant a huge amount of repellants is made.
However, do you know what citronella is and how to care for potted citronella? If you want to learn more about this small and useful plant, join us in this Green Ecologist article where you will find a guide on the citronella care.
Citronella characteristics
The Cymbopogon, citronella plant, lemongrass or lemongrass, as it is commonly known, is an evergreen herbaceous that has its origins in the warm, tropical areas of South Asia. It is recognizable by its leaves, very long in ribbon shape and a striking intense green, but above all because of its markedly citric smell, which is very reminiscent of lemon.
East lemon smell It is precisely what makes it work so well as a repellent against mosquitoes and other insects, who find it very unpleasant and avoid getting close. Citronella is a shrubby plant, which can reach heights of up to one meter in the best conditions. When it is used in the elaboration of other products, its essential oil is almost always used, which is extracted from the leaves and stems.
What is citronella for
The citronella uses They are multiple, although we cannot talk about them without starting with what has made the plant so famous in our days: its great value as an anti-mosquito. It is not necessary to extract the essential oil from the plant to use it in this way, since it is enough to grow it in areas where we do not want mosquitoes to approach. Plant it in the garden before the entrance of the house to keep access free of them, or put pots on the windows, and you will see how it citronella for mosquitoes it is the best natural repellent.
However, and as we have already mentioned, mosquitoes are not the only insects that citronella can keep away. Fleas, which punish our pets so much, can also be kept away from our dogs. It is enough to make a preparation with essential oil of citronella and spray the fur of your animal with it, you will see how the fleas do not get hooked on it again! Of course, this remedy only works with dogs, since citronella is toxic to cats.
Some of the citronella species also have culinary uses as a spice, both fresh, dry and powdered, in many Asian countries. In some African countries, however, citronella tea is commonly made, as well as herbal teas, soups and curries.
Finally, the plant is antiseptic, antibacterial, fungicidal, sedative, febrifuge, analgesic and antidepressant, among other properties, so it has a large number of medical applications.
Location for citronella
Where to put the citronella plant? This plant needs hot climates and lots of sunlight, which is why it is often grown as an outdoor plant when the weather is warm enough. At home, always put it where it will receive more sunlight throughout the day, without fear of direct incidence. Of course, the plant does not tolerate frost at all, so in winter it may not be a good idea to leave it outside. If the thermometer drops below 0º in your area, you will have to move your citronella plant indoors.
Substrate and soil for citronella
As the plant needs frequent watering, the most important thing about its substrate is that it offers adequate drainage, so that moisture does not accumulate and damage the roots. In this case, the mixture that we usually use with equal parts worm humus, peat and coconut fiber is particularly recommended, as it produces a land of excellent drainage and water retention properties, in addition to being very rich in nutrients. You can add a few handfuls of vermiculite and perlite to further enhance its properties.
Irrigation of citronella
The plant requires abundant water, so you should give it moderate watering every time you notice the surface layer of the earth or the substrate dry. The plant must be watered even during winter, although in the warmer months its water requirements will easily double or triple. As a guideline, water about 3 times a week in summer and instead do it alone 1 in winter.
Composting and pruning citronella
Pruning the citronella plant is necessary to prevent the plant from spreading more than desired in outdoor soil, or to keep its size and growth controlled in a pot. Pruning is carried out always in the middle of summer. In addition, it is important to increase the watering of the plant the first days after pruning so that it recovers well.
As far as fertilization is concerned, it will be enough to add some organic matter to the soil or substrate of the plant in the warm months, such as worm castings or compost. If you plan to consume citronella in the kitchen, do not use chemical fertilizers, which would end up in your body. We recommend you read this other post about How to make homemade organic compost for plants.
If you want to read more articles similar to Citronella: care and what it is for, we recommend that you enter our category of Outdoor Plants.
