As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I understand the desire to extend the lifespan of your plant and bring through money . When it add up to citronella plants , also know as bug - repelling plants , they do not stand dispirited temperatures or Robert Frost . However , there is a solution – you may bring them indoors as houseplant once temperatures omit .

work your citronella plant indoors can be a great manner to continue enjoying its bug - repelling benefits while also keeping it alive during colder months . However , there are a few thing to consider before making the transition .

1 . Find a sunny touch : Citronella plant require plenty of sunlight to fly high . When bringing them indoors , check that to rule a cheery spot near a windowpane where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per 24-hour interval . If necessary , you could utilise hokey grow lights to supplement the natural illumination .

2 . Provide tolerable drain : Citronella plants prefer well - debilitate soil . When potting them indoors , ensure that the container have drain holes to forestall waterlogging . you’re able to use a well - drain potting commixture or add perlite or sand to improve drain .

3 . Maintain right humidity : Citronella plant life prefer moderate humidness grade . Indoor environments tend to be drier , specially during wintertime when warming systems are running . To increase humidness , you’re able to apply a humidifier or identify the industrial plant ’s pot on a tray filled with body of water and pebbles . Just ensure the water level is below the pot ’s bottom to avoid ancestor putrefaction .

4 . lacrimation and impregnation : irrigate your citronella plant when the top inch of soil feels dry . keep off overwatering , as it can direct to etymon rot . During the winter months , when the plant ’s growth slow down down , deoxidize watering frequency . As for fertilisation , you’re able to use a balanced , urine - soluble plant food diluted to half metier every two to four week during the grow season .

5 . Watch for pestilence : While citronella flora are known for their bug - repelling property , they are not resistant to pests themselves . Indoors , you may encounter common houseplant pests like aphids , mealybugs , or wanderer mites . on a regular basis visit your plant life for any sign of plague , such as yellowing leave , muggy residue , or web . If necessary , treat the industrial plant with organic insecticidal easy lay or neem oil .

6 . Pruning and shaping : Citronella plants can grow quite tall and leggy . To keep them compact and bushy , you could prune them back in early saltation or throughout the year as need . steady pruning will facilitate promote new growth and keep the plant ’s shape .

Personal experience : I have bring citronella implant indoors during winter and found success in keeping them alive . It was important to furnish them with enough sunshine and maintain right watering and humidity horizontal surface . even pruning helped keep them from becoming too big and rumbustious . it was a rewarding experience to enjoy their bug - repelling welfare even during the colder months .

Bringing your citronella plant indoors can be a viable option to extend its life and continue do good from its bug - repelling properties . By finding a sunny spot , providing decent drainage , keep proper humidness , watering and fertilizing appropriately , watching for pests , and crop as needed , you may successfully keep your citronella plant life as a houseplant . Enjoy the benefits of hemipteran - free indoor spaces while also saving money by preserving your plants for future season .

Caroline Bates