citronella plants

The term “citronella plant” can refer to two different types of plants: citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) and a scented geranium variously known as citrosa or mosquito plant (Pelargonium citrosum). Citronella grass is an inedible grass related to lemongrass.

Is citronella plant and lemongrass the same?

Though citronella grass may sometimes be called lemongrass, they are two different plants. ... However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green. The oils can be used similarly, though they are not exactly the same.

Does citronella grow back every year?

An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur. In addition, the stems can become quite woody by summer's end. If you want to overwinter your plant, propagate a new one during the late summer months by layering.

Are Citronella plants poisonous to dogs?

Citronella is toxic to pets

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

Are Citronella plants easy to grow?

Growing and caring for mosquito plants is easy. ... These plants prefer at least six hours of sunlight every day whether it is planted outside or indoors near a window but can also tolerate some partial shade.

Is Lemongrass a mosquito repellent?

Share on Pinterest Lemongrass essential oil is a good option for a natural mosquito repellent. Lemongrass is an herb with a subtle citrus flavor. It is a popular ingredient in tea and several Asian cuisines.

Is citronella plant poisonous to humans?

"Citronella," a misnomer, is the name given for a class of lemony-scented grasses. No evidence has been found for human toxicity. The base chemical of the plant, citral, is categorically rated low, slightly toxic, not acutely toxic or not rated. True citronella is derived from drying the plant Cymbopogon nardus.

Where should I plant my citronella plant?

Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States.

How often should you water citronella?

A good rule of thumb says it's best to water your citronella plant at least once a day, and In general, a citronella mosquito plant in good condition should use up to 30 inches of water per annum.

Can you grow citronella from a cutting?

Citronella-scented geranium is easily propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long, but more importantly they must have at least two leaf nodes -- the raised buds along the stem that leaves or new stems can grow from.

Why is citronella bad for dogs?

Besides having no mosquito-deterring citronella oil in it, as a member of the geranium family, they contain geraniol and linalool, both of which are highly toxic to dogs and could cause gastrointestinal distress.

Is citronella oil safe for plants?

Citronella oil is also a plant-based insect repellent and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948. The United States Environmental Protection Agency considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action.

What bugs does citronella repel?

List of pest-repelling plants

Plant	Pests
citronella grass	repels insects, may deter cats
citrosa	proven not to repel mosquitoes
clovers	repel aphids and wireworms
common lantana	repels mosquitoes

Does lavender plants keep mosquitoes away?

Lavender. Lavender can repel flying insects like mosquitos, moths, and flies. The flower's perfume is well-known, and while it will scent the air, the most effective way to use it for pest control is to rub the plant on your skin to release its oils.

Can you root citronella in water?

Citronella Geranium Cuttings

Softwood stem cuttings root more rapidly than semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings. Remove any blooms from the cuttings and all the leaves except for the top two. ... Keep the stem cuttings in water until you stick them in potting soil.

What plants help keep bugs away?

11 Garden Plants to Help Keep Bugs Away!

Marigolds. The scent of a marigold will deter plant lice, mosquitoes, and even rabbits. ...
Chrysanthemums. This might be the best plant to deter bugs. ...
Mint. Mint plants can repel spiders, ants, and mosquitoes. ...
Basil. Repel mosquitoes and houseflies with this wonderful herb. ...
Citronella grass. ...
Lavender. ...
Chives. ...
Petunias.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub repel mosquitoes?

As we've mentioned earlier in this article, mosquitoes aren't fond of strong smells, and this is exactly why Vicks Vapor Rub repels mosquitoes. Not only does it keep mosquitoes away, but it also helps relieve the itchiness that usually comes around as the result of mosquito bites.

What smell do mosquitoes hate the most?

Oranges, lemons, lavender, basil and catnip naturally produce oils that repel mosquitoes and are generally pleasant to the nose – unless you're of the feline persuasion. The odor that mosquitoes most hate though is one you might not have heard of: Lantana.

How do you use lemongrass to keep mosquitoes away?

If you have a green thumb and do not mind growing lemongrass in your garden, you can crush its leaves, rub the leaf and squeeze the stem on your skin, or cut the stems and leaves. This is said to be the best method of using lemongrass as a mosquito repellent.

Is it safe to breathe in citronella?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

What happens if you drink citronella?

When aspirated into the lungs, citronella oil fuel coats delicate tissues with toxic vapors, causes chemical pneumonia, and can trigger fatal pulmonary arrest. As this incident illustrates, it is especially dangerous when ingested by small children.

Is citronella safe to use indoors?

Burning citronella candles indoors is not recommended, according to Life123. The scent emitted by citronella can be very difficult to remove from indoor fabrics, and the candles emit a secondary organic aerosol particulate into the air which can cause difficulty breathing and headaches.