How much water does a citronella plant need? How do you ensure you don't overwater your citronella plant? This is precisely what we'll be talking about here today.
Citronella is a member of the geranium family, and the originator of the famous citronella oil -- an essential oil used as a non-toxic insect repellent.
This ornamental perennial is also known as the mosquito plant and the citronella grass. It possesses a citrusy fragrance in its foliage, which is known to be mosquito repellant. Apart from their fragrance, they are beautiful add-ons that highlight texture and color to the balcony.
Now, if you're wondering how much water a citronella plant needs so you can enjoy this continuous mosquito-free outdoor experience, this article is for you.
Here are a few citronella plants watering tips to learn so as to keep your perennials thriving.
Citronella Description (Short Overview)
The citronella plant belongs to the family of versatile plants; these plants thrive both outdoors, as well as indoors. They are an evergreen year-round plant that sees through a series of climate changes, and; their decorative look is an additional feature in window boxes and hanging baskets.
This ornamental perennial is a wide growing plant that reaches a height of about 12 to 24 inches. Well known for its scent, the citronella grows wells outside in the U.S Department of Agriculture in plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.
Although in other climates, the cilantro can be planted outdoors in the summer but should be taken to shade before the first frost.
Ideally, they are best grown during spring after the hazardous frost has passed and, the soil has warmed up; about the same period you plant tomatoes.
Like many other kinds of grass, the cilantro plant is a full sun-loving plant (6 to 8 hours), the citronella plant requires a great deal of water.
Especially as an outdoor plant that has high exposure to direct sunlight for most of the day, you will need to water the plant more frequently.
This leaves many gardeners wondering how much water a citronella plant needs.
How Much Water Does A Citronella Plant Need?
Now you know that as a grass species, your citronella plant requires a considerable amount of water to flourish. But how much is too much to turn your beautiful plant into a rotting art?
Read on to discover the best watering practices for your cilantro plant.
A good rule of thumb says it's best to water your citronella plant at least once a day, and In general, a citronella mosquito plant in good condition should use up to 30 inches of water per annum.
However, some gardeners have discovered that even though these plants require water once a day, this principle still doesn’t apply to all plants. Weather factors such as humidity, temperature, and sun exposure can alter how often you should water.
A key indicator to check for the water needs of your citronella geranium plants is to observe and feel the top inch of soil with your finger.
Does it feel dry?
This is the best time to give it a full soak.
Water is vital for a plant’s growth, but overwatering is more detrimental to a plant's health! Watering your citronella plant too often will cause the plant to become flooded, choke it, and eventually lead to root rot and then death.
It is always advisable to let the soil absorb water and dry out between intervals, then initiate watering sessions as needed, to make sure you are not killing your plant with too much kindness.
Tips for Watering Your Citronella Plant
If you are still in doubt about how often to water your citronella plant, you can purchase a tool that will assist you in determining the best watering periods. Soil Moisture meters or gauges are essential tools that will inform you of the percentage of water found in the soil.
Have You Overwatered Cilantro Plant? What’s next?
There is no need to panic if you overwatered your beloved cilantro. Your plant is still rescuable; just lookout for the signs of overwatering: which includes dark spots on the green foliage of the plant.
Once you identify this, at once, apply measures on how to fix an overwatered plant, such as refraining from your watering can. Dry your plant outdoor and let nature take its course and then start all over again.
Further Reading
Conclusion
In the geranium family, Citronella mosquito plants (Pelargonium citrosum "Van Leenii") are one of the most popular out there. And it isn’t only because of their highly valued oil that are has great repelling effects against the mosquito.
But because they are fast-growing and easy to nurture, highly versatile, and thrive almost anywhere, and above all, they smell pleasant and are picture-perfect.
Ensure to water the soil thoroughly, and make sure they get their daily dose of six hours of sunlight, implement some best pruning practices, and in due time your corner will be filled with divine scents.
