What to know
Citronella , a fragrant and various plant , is renowned for its mosquito - repellent properties . Propagating citronella allow you to civilise this valuable industrial plant and enjoy its benefits in your garden or home . Thiscomprehensive guidewill put up you with step - by - footstep pedagogy and expert tips on how to distribute citronella successfully .
Understanding Citronella Propagation Methods
There are threeprimary methodsof propagating citronella :
How to Propagate Citronella from Stem Cuttings
material :
Steps:1 . Select cutting : Choose tidy , non - flowering stemsthat are about 6 - 8 inches long.2 . Make the cutting : rationalize the stems at a 45 - academic degree angle , just below a leaf node.3 . murder lower leave : off any leaf from the bottom 2 - 3 column inch of the cutting.4 . Dip inrooting hormone(optional ): Dip thecut endof the cutting intorooting hormone powderto promote root development.5 . Plant the cutting : Fill a pot or container withpotting mixand make a kettle of fish about 3 - 4inches deep . stick in the cutting into the hollow and tauten the soil around it.6 . Water and station : Water the dirt thoroughly and place the lot in a warm , well - lit location.7 . reminder and precaution : Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Roots should develop within 2 - 3 week .
How to Propagate Citronella by Division
Steps:1 . Dig up the flora : Carefully digup thecitronella plant , taking carenot to damage the roots.2 . part the plant : Use asharp knifeor nigra to separate the flora intosmaller sections , ensuring each section has a healthy root system.3 . Replant : Plant thedivided sectionsinto individual pots orcontainers filledwith pot mix.4 . Water and property : irrigate the soil good and place the pots in asheltered locationwith indirect sunlight.5 . Monitor and attention : Keep thesoil moistand protect the industrial plant from excessive sun photo .
How to Propagate Citronella from Seeds
Steps:1 . Prepare the ejaculate : Soak the seed inwarm waterfor 24 hours before planting.2 . Fillseedling tray : sate a seedling tray or pots with seed take off mix.3 . Sow the seed : Sow the seeds about 1/4inch deepand wrap up them with athin layerof soil.4 . Provide warmheartedness : Place theseedling trayor pots on a estrus flatness or in awarm locationto maintain a temperature of around 75 - 80 ° F.5 . Water and care : Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Seedlings should go forth within 1 - 2 weeks.6 . transplantation : Once the seedling have develop several set oftrue farewell , transpose them intoindividual potsor garden beds .
Tips for Successful Propagation
Growing Citronella for Mosquito Repellency
Once yourcitronella plantsare establish , you’re able to enjoy their mosquito - repellent benefits . Place potted citronella plants aroundoutdoor seat areas , patios , or near doorways to create a born roadblock against mosquito .
Harvesting and Using Citronella
Citronella leaves can be harvested throughout thegrowing season . jam or chop the folio and supply them to candles , diffusor , or crucial oil portmanteau word to produce a instinctive mosquito repellant .
The Bottom Line
distribute citronella is a rewarding experience that allows you to tame this good plant for its mosquito - repellent properties and other uses . By following thesteps outlinedin this guide , you cansuccessfully propagate citronellaand enjoy the many benefit it extend .
What You Need to Learn
1 . When is the best time to propagate citronella?Spring or summer is theideal timetopropagate citronella , when the weather condition is warm and the plants are actively growing.2 . Can Ipropagate citronellain water?While it is possible topropagate citronellain water , it is not the most in effect method . stalk thinning are more likely to take root successfully in potting mix.3 . How long does it take for citronella to root?Stem cutting typically steady down within 2 - 3 weeks , while division andseed propagationcan take longer.4 . Can I usecitronella oilas a mosquito repellent?Yes , citronella oilcan be used as anatural mosquito repellent . However , it is important to reduce it with acarrier oil , such as jojoba or almond oil , before enforce it to the skin.5 . Iscitronella safefor pets?Citronella is generally debate safe for PET , but it is of import to keep them away fromlarge quantitiesof the industrial plant oressential oil , as it can stimulate stomach confused .
