How to use citronella plant

To make a citronella-based repellent, you must extract the oils, which can be done simply by crushing the plant leaves. You can rub it directly on the skin or make large quantities of the concentrate for later use. Both, when applied on the skin or clothes can help repel moquitoes for up to 12 hours.

What do you do with a citronella plant?
Can citronella plant be eaten?
Can you rub citronella plant on your skin?
Can you burn citronella leaves?
Where should I place my citronella plant?
Is citronella plant poisonous to dogs?
Why is citronella bad for you?
Are Citronella plants toxic to humans?
What happens if you drink citronella oil?
Should I trim my citronella plant?
Is citronella perennial or annual?
How do you care for a citronella plant indoors?

What do you do with a citronella plant?

Citronella Grass

Cymbopogon nardus is a tropical-looking, clumping grass native to Southeast Asia. Oil from this citronella grass is extracted commercially and used to make products like citronella candles, incense and sprays. Most researchers say they're effective, natural mosquito deterrents, at least to some extent.

Can citronella plant be eaten?

Citronella geraniums are edible, yes! This plant is part of the (edible) geranium family. Both the flowers and leaves are scented, and both are edible. For this citronella syrup, we're using the leaves (not the flowers).

Can you rub citronella plant on your skin?

Because the plant releases its smell when touched, it is thought to work best as a repellent when the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin as mosquitoes are supposed to be offended by its citronella scent. However, research has shown that this mosquito repellent plant is actually ineffective.

Can you burn citronella leaves?

Most of us have burned citronella candles before, but a lot of people don't realize the summer staple takes its name from a plant. You can burn citronella leaves in an outdoor fire for a similar effect, as well as bark from a cedar tree.

Where should I place my citronella plant?

Plant citronella in spring once all chances of frost have passed and the soil is warm. A good rule of thumb is to plant the same time you plant tomatoes. Space citronella 18 to 24 inches apart in an area that receives partial shade and has fertile, well-drained soil.

Is citronella plant 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.

Why is citronella bad for you?

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.

Are Citronella plants toxic 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.

What happens if you drink citronella oil?

Oil of citronella can be mildly irritating to the skin and eyes. It may also cause skin allergies for some people with prolonged or frequent exposure. If eaten, people may cough or experience throat irritation.

Should I trim my citronella plant?

Keeping the foliage looking healthy and tidy with regular pruning can help with this. Citronella plants can reach 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1 meter) in height. ... The lacey, fragrant leaves also work well in summer floral bouquets so feel free to prune often. The stems also can be cut and dried.

Is citronella perennial or annual?

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. In other zones, they can be brought inside during the winter or left outside as an annual.

How do you care for a citronella plant indoors?

Just water them deeply when the soil dries. They do well in full or part sun. Indoor Mosquito plants should be kept near a sunny window, preferably a south or west facing window. When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly.