Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella)

Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Care

Cymbopogon nardus

What is the plant

Citronella grass is quite difficult to grow as a perennial in the garden, but this does not mean that it cannot be grown at home. The most important thing in citronella care is regular watering and humidity and air temperature control.

Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass is the common name) is a thick bush with long, smooth, sharp leaves that grow in a bunch. It belongs to the family Poaceae. The citronella grass plant is distinguished by red petioles and pink veins on the stems. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

16°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 10

Difficulty

Hard

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It needs abundant watering, so when grown in a container, water it daily. It is necessary to monitor the air humidity and spray the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to keep the healthy appearance of foliage.
Fertilizer
Spring is a good time to give it an annual dose of nitrogen-enriched fertilizer. If you plant citronella grass in ready-made soil enriched with nutrients, you will not have to apply fertilizers in the first months after planting. In the future, C. nardus should be fed approximately once a month.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Citronella grass loves a hot climate as a tropical plant, so it needs to choose the warmest, well-lit place in the apartment. A windowsill on the south side will suit her perfectly.
Soil
The soil should be loose and breathable. Buy a ready-made soil mixture in the store, such as universal soil for vegetable crops, or make it yourself by combining hummus and river sand in equal parts, also adding perlite or vermiculite for looseness.
Propagation
The plant is quite easy to propagate either vegetatively, by seeds, or by rhizome division. If you have had this plant for more than a year, it is easiest to propagate it by dividing the bush, ideally in spring or early summer.

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Temperature
The optimal air temperature in summer is about 54 °F (25 °C); in winter it is not lower than 61-64 °F (16-18° C).
Container
Citronella that is planted in a clay pot will require more frequent watering than one that grows in a plastic container. The container you choose for planting should have holes for water drainage.
Fun fact
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of Cymbopogon nardus. People actively use it in cooking, medicine, and perfumery. Also, the plant can scare away insect pests.