Citronella As A Houseplant – Can You Keep Mosquito Plant Citronella Indoors
Have you enjoyed your citronella plant outdoors and wondered if you can have citronella as a houseplant? The good news is that you certainly can grow this plant indoors. This plant is actually a type of geranium (Pelargonium genus) and is not frost-hardy. It is considered an evergreen perennial in zones 9 through 11.
If you live in a colder region, you can bring your plant indoors and continue to grow it there. Although these plants bloom, they are grown for their citrusy scent that is thought to repel mosquitos.
Mosquito Plant Citronella Indoors
One of the most important parts of growing citronella plants inside is to give these plants as much direct sun as possible. If you can give citronella plants six or more hours of direct sunlight every day, it will keep the plant bushier and more sturdy.
If your houseplant citronella is not getting enough light, the stems will stretch out, weaken, and tend to fall over. If you see this occurring, prune the weakened stems back and place the plant in an area with more direct sun.
Allow the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so of your indoor citronella geranium’s soil to dry out before watering it again. You’ll want to keep the potting mix relatively moist and take care not to allow the soil to dry out completely. Be sure to use a good, well-draining potting mix and fertilize regularly for the best results.
If you have grown your plant outdoors and you don’t want to take in a large plant, you can easily propagate cuttings at the end of the summer and pot them up for indoor use. To accomplish this, you can use the layering technique. Simply bend one of the plant stems over, taking care not to snap it, and simply bury the stem into another pot of soil that you’ve placed right next to the mother plant. You’ll want to bury part of the stem where there is an actual leaf attached. The roots will grow from this location, called the node. Leave the growing tip of that stem exposed though.
Sometime before frost occurs, after a few weeks' time, the buried part of the stem should have rooted. Simply cut the stem off of the original plant and move your plant indoors for the winter. Place it in the sunniest window you have, and your new citronella plant will be off to a great start!
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
-
5 Plastic Products To Avoid In Your Garden – And How You Can Embrace Plastic Reduction
The less plastic we use, the healthier our planet will be. Here are some big plastic gardening products to avoid, plus some alternatives.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Small Trees For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal Without Dominating The House
Discover the best small trees for front yards, which make an impact in multiple seasons without overshadowing the rest of the yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long Time
Click here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
By Amy Grant
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?
Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical Flair
Click here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely Leaves
What are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage Plants
Click here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter Holidays
Click here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor Oasis
If you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer Mind
Are there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
By Laura Miller