I Have A Fairly Large Citronella (mosquito) Plant That Was…
Lois Asked
I have a fairly large citronella (mosquito) plant that was given to me this year by my oldest son for Mother’s Day. I reside in only a two-room apartment, but I so much want to preserve my plant for next year, if possible. Any help you can give me would certainly be appreciated, as I am very weary now of Old Man Frosty just around the corner. I have already moved the citronella plant into the breezeway, but it’s starting to get mighty windy and cold out there.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Lois: I assume your mosquito plant is a citronella scented geranium. These plants are considered annuals for those of us gardening in Kentucky. You were right to bring it indoors to protect it from the cold weather. The idea here is just to keep it alive during the winter months so you can take it back outside next May after our frost-free date has passed. Ideally you want to over-winter your plant in a south-facing window or any space where it will receive bright filtered light. The light levels are lower this time of the year so giving it as much light as possible is essential. You will want to cut back on your watering as well as your fertilizing. Make sure the container it is in has good drainage. The soil should never be sopping wet and you want to allow it to dry out before watering again. Over-watering is the worst thing we can do for our indoor plants so less is better. Every 10-12 days should be sufficient but this will depend on the temperature and humidity of your home. If your plant starts to look bad you can always take a cutting and root it in water. They are very easy to propagate this way. Not to worry, you will certainly still have your plant next Mother’s Day!
