I recently rescued a neglected citronella plant, and it's thriving—get ready to bloom soon! I'm curious, what do others do with their citronella plants? Do you just keep them as decorative houseplants, or do you actually use the oil for anything?
3 Answers
I like to bruise a few leaves to release their scent, which helps keep the bugs away. It's not as effective as commercial insect repellents, but it adds a nice touch to outdoor time!
I usually put mine out on the deck during summer, let it grow wild, then trim it back in fall and bring it inside for winter. It makes a great little decorative plant for inside when it’s cold out!
Most people keep citronella plants just for looks, as they have a nice scent but don't produce much oil for repelling bugs like lemongrass does. You can definitely enjoy them as ornamental plants!
That sounds like a solid plan! I'll have to try that and see if it can survive the winter inside!