Citronella Plant Care Guide
Presenting pelargonium citrosum aka citronella plant aka mosquito plant aka citrosa geranium… phew that’s a lot of names for this popular plant!
Why People Love This Plant
The citronella plant is an easy to care for gem to have around. These plants are also called mosquito plants as the fragrance and subsequent oil that can be produced from the plant is said to deter mosquitos! As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to love this plant, they are also very easy to care for and provide lacy, textured leaf foliage!
Your Guide to Care
Care: Low maintenance
Light: Citronella plants prefer a full day of sun (at least 6 hours). Be mindful to provide some afternoon shade if you experience harsh sunlight, which can burn it’s leaves. If your plant is indoors, find it a sunny window, preferably south or west facing.
Water: When planted outside citronella is fairly drought tolerant. In fact, in the proper humid climate that experiences frequent showers, you may not even have to water it (when planted in the ground). Otherwise, water this plant deeply once the soil dries out completely. Be mindful not to oversaturate.
Temperature: These plants like it warm and will not survive a harsh winter. Bring your plant inside once temps drop to the low 60’s, and definitely before the first frost.
Humidity: While it is native to humid environments, citronella can handle low levels of humidity as well. With low levels of humidity it may need watered more often.
Feeding: Fertilize this plant regularly, about once a month.
Bonus
Lanky, stretching branches that are falling over are a sign your plant is not getting enough light. In this situation make sure to give your plant more light and to trim these branches back to shape it.
Tag us on Instagram @tropicalplantsofflorida with a Citronella plant selfie!
Will they survive outside my house in Florida?
Hi Dani!
Citronella plants are hardy in zones 9b to 11 (which is most of Florida). If you are in zones 9b to 11 it should survive outside. We recommend checking your zone here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Thanks!