Citronella plants are known for their strong citrusy scent which makes them great mosquito and insect repellent. They’re also pretty tough plants that can bounce back from a lot of neglect. But, like all living things, they will eventually outgrow their pot and need to be repotted. Here’s a quick guide on when and how to report your citronella plant!
The citronella plant is a popular mosquito-repelling plant that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Citronella plants need to be repotted every two to three years, or when they become rootbound. To repot a citronella plant, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and has drainage holes.
Be sure to use fresh potting mix when repotting the plant, and water it well after replanting. Citronella plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Does citronella grow well in pots?
Planting citronella in a pot is an excellent way to have a natural mosquito repellent nearby. You’ll be amazed at just how much you can grow when you keep the pot consistently watered, pruned, and fertilized. Even though it won’t reach its full height, potted citronella still helps deter mosquitoes with its lemony scent.
It’s a great idea to place the pot on your patio or another outside area since citronella does best in areas that get plenty of sunshine. With regular maintenance, citronella will be sure to grow well in pots and help keep those pesky mosquitoes away!
When should I repot my citronella plant?
Repotting your citronella plant can be a great way to give it a fresh start and help ensure its continued growth. When deciding when to repot, the general rule of thumb is every two years or when its roots have outgrown the pot. To check if it’s time to repot, check if there are too many roots coming out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If so, that’s a sure sign!
Also observe how much water your plant needs – if your citronella needs watering every day or two, it may be time for it to become more roomy in a bigger pot. Repotting usually comes with some revitalizing new soil – be sure you use a specialized potting mix that contains compost and sand!
Where is the best place to put a citronella plant?
Citronella plants are an amazing, natural way to keep pesky mosquitoes away from your outdoor space. The best place to put a citronella plant is somewhere near a seating area or around the surrounding area of an outdoor gathering for maximum protection.
Citronella plants thrive in pots or in the ground – either way you choose, make sure they get plenty of direct sunlight and stay hydrated! Plant them with some colorful flowers to create a cheerful atmosphere that’s also free of buzzing pests. Plus, you’ll benefit from the pleasant aroma of their oil-rich lemon-scented leaves!
How often should I water potted citronella?
Watering potted citronella can require a bit of a balancing act. You want to make sure your plants are receiving the hydration they need, but you don’t want to overwater them or leave them parched for too long. Luckily, with some attention and diligence, it doesn’t have to be too difficult.
I find that potted citronella benefits from being watered about every five days in warmer temperatures and every seven or eight days when cooler. During particularly dry periods, you can increase watering frequency slightly, while during times of excessive rain or high humidity, you should back off a bit and let the moisture collect in the soil naturally.
How do you care for a potted citronella plant?
Taking care of a potted citronella plant doesn’t have to be difficult! It’s actually pretty low-maintenance – just make sure to provide it with a sunny location, plenty of water and fertilizer, and regular pruning and you’ll have a healthy houseplant in no time. Citronella plants love soil that drains well but retains some moisture; consider adding perlite or compost mixture to your potting mix to give the plant what it needs.
When watering, remember that too much can lead to root rot so it’s best to let the soil surface dry out between waterings, especially if your plant is kept indoors. Be sure not to skip fertilizing since citronella is a heavy feeder! Finally, regularly prune off spent flower stalks and part of any stems that have become significantly leggy in order to encourage fuller growth and ensure continued blooms. Just keep these few points in mind and you’ll be on your way to growing a beautiful, fragrant citronella plant!
The Summary!
Citronella is an easy-to-grow mosquito-repelling plant that does well in pots. You should repot your citronella every few years and water it regularly. The best place to put a potted citronella plant is in a shady spot where it will get plenty of airflows. With just a little bit of care, you can keep your citronella plant healthy and happy for many years!
