As the temperatures soar and the sunshine brings warm days to your landscape, you may be wondering how to give your beloved citronella plant the best care. With continued hot weather, citronellas require special attention to survive the heat and withstand long hours of direct sunlight.
In this blog post, we’re going go over a few tips on how you can make sure that your citrusy-smelling plants look their best during summertime.
Can citronella plants take full sun?
Citronella plants are great for mosquitos, but how does their sun preference come into play? Although citronella can take some shades of sunlight, they tend to fare better in partial shade. This is because these plants prefer moisture and warmth. In some areas, a full day of the sun may not even allow the soil to keep the moisture these plants require.
If you live in an area with predominantly sunny days, just be sure to give your citronella some breaks from direct sunlight and maybe irrigate more frequently. However, if your climate is routinely overcast, no need to worry – your plant should have no problem taking a full day of sunshine.
What temperature can citronella plants tolerate?
Citronella plants are quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 45-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature range depends on the variety of citronella plants that you choose, as some types can tolerate mild frosts for brief periods.
It’s important to look into the type of citronella plant that is best for your climate zone to ensure it thrives in both summer and winter seasons! If your location has extreme temperatures, simply bringing the plant indoors during colder months is a great way to keep it safe and healthy all year round.
How do you take care of a citronella plant outside?
Taking care of a citronella plant outside is not complicated, but there are some important steps to consider to ensure that your plant remains healthy. Moving the pot outside is the first step – make sure to start with well-draining soil and give it a sunny spot. Watering it frequently but moderately throughout the growing season will help keep your citronella plant vibrant, and pruning dead leaves should also be done regularly.
Depending on where you live, you might need to bring the plant inside during especially cold or wet winter weather too – this would mean less watering than when it’s out in warmer months. Taking these steps can help your citronella plant thrive for many years!
Does citronella like sun or shade?
Does citronella like sun or shade? Well, it all depends on the plant! You see, citronella is grown in two main varieties: for essential oil or to be enjoyed as an ornamental garden plant. To maximize the essential oil yield, citronella usually needs lots of suns and a warm growing environment.
On the other hand, if you enjoy keeping citronella in your garden for its beautiful appearance and unique leaves, then it’s best to provide shade. Since this type of plant doesn’t need many vital oils, it can grow more comfortable with partial sunlight. Citronella thrives when kept in damp soil with nitrogen-rich organics so make sure to give it that extra oomph when you settle it into its home!
Why is my citronella plant turning yellow?
If you’ve noticed your citronella plant turning yellow recently, you’re not alone. Many gardeners with citronella plants observe this phenomenon from time to time and grapple with what could be causing it. It could be a sign of overwatering or potentially a nutrient deficiency in the soil.
Insect infestations can also cause yellowing as they suck away much-needed nutrients from the plant. To determine which is the root cause, it’s recommended to check the soil and inspect the leaves for any indications of insect activity. Consulting with an expert gardener at your local nursery could help you diagnose and correct the issue so that you can have a beautiful, healthy-looking citronella plant again!
Final Takeaways
As with any kind of plant care, getting the Citronella plant through the summer is about balance. Keep an eye out for signs of too much heat and sun, then provide shade until it recovers. Use morning or evening to fertilize and water when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, be sure to trim away dead growth so the plant can thrive unhindered.
With those easy steps in mind, you’ll be giving your plants all they need to get through the summer with ease! And that means more time enjoying their beautiful size and fragrance rather than worrying about wilting leaves. All it takes is a bit of attention to creating a stress-free environment for your Citronella–and a summer full of lush, healthy plants.
