Citronella plants are popular among home gardeners for their lemony scent and natural insect-deterring properties. Their fragrance is released when leaves are brushed or crushed, making them a welcome addition to patios and garden spaces. Propagating these plants offers a rewarding way to expand your collection or share with others.
Choosing Your Propagation Method
The term “citronella plant” refers to different species: Pelargonium citrosum (citronella geranium) and Cymbopogon species (true citronella grasses). Identifying your specific plant is important for selecting the most effective propagation method. Pelargonium citrosum is most commonly propagated through cuttings, while Cymbopogon grasses are often better suited for division or, less commonly, from seed.
Propagating Citronella from Cuttings
Propagating Pelargonium citrosum from stem cuttings is a straightforward and successful method. Select healthy, non-woody stems, 3 to 5 inches long, ideally from new growth. Use clean, sharp shears to make a precise 45-degree cut just below a leaf node. Sterilize your tools before cutting to prevent disease.
After taking the cutting, remove all but the top two or three leaves to reduce moisture loss and direct the plant’s energy toward root development. Some gardeners opt to dip the cut end in rooting hormone, though it is not strictly necessary as citronella cuttings often root well without it.
Cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. For water rooting, place the prepared cutting in a small container of clean water, ensuring leaf nodes are submerged but leaves remain above the waterline. Position the container in a warm, brightly lit spot with indirect sunlight, and change the water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically begin to form within four weeks.
For soil rooting, fill a 4-inch pot with a well-draining potting mix. Create a small hole, then insert the cutting, ensuring at least one leaf node is buried. Gently tamp the soil around the stem to secure it.
Maintain consistent moisture, avoiding overwatering, and place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Covering the pot with a plastic dome or misting regularly can help maintain humidity. Roots usually establish in about one month.
Propagating Citronella from Seed or Division
While stem cuttings are common for Pelargonium citrosum, true citronella grasses (Cymbopogon nardus) can be propagated from seed or by division. Growing Pelargonium citrosum from seed is less common due to slow and unreliable germination. For Cymbopogon nardus, seed germination rates can be very low. If attempting seed propagation, scatter seeds lightly over a moist, well-draining potting mix and cover minimally. A warm environment (77-84°F / 25-29°C) and consistent moisture are important for germination, which can take 15 to 30 days.
Division is a more effective method for propagating mature, clump-forming Cymbopogon grasses. This involves carefully digging up an established plant and separating its root ball into smaller sections, each with stems, leaves, and healthy roots. Perform this in spring or fall. After dividing, trim leaves back to about 6 inches and immediately replant divisions into well-prepared soil or individual pots. Shade new plants from intense sun after division.
Caring for Newly Propagated Citronella
Once your citronella cuttings have successfully rooted or seedlings have emerged, they require careful attention to establish properly. For rooted cuttings, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden if conditions permit. Choose a container with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Watering new plants appropriately is important; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Young plants thrive in locations that receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade beneficial in hotter climates.
Gradually acclimate newly propagated plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting them permanently outside. This “hardening off” process involves slowly exposing them to increasing periods of outdoor light, temperature, and wind over about two weeks. Initial feeding can begin once the plants are established in their new pots or garden spots. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, applied every two to three weeks, can support healthy growth.