How to Start Roots With a Citronella Plant Piece

Citronella is a grassy kind of plant that is widely used for its bug repellent qualities--particularly with regard to mosquitoes. The plant has a unique and pleasant aroma and if grown around the home the leaves can be crushed and rubbed over the skin for a natural alternative to Deet or other repellent chemicals. Amazingly, citronella will grow quite well just from the leaf cuttings of the plant. This is one of the easier plants to try this process with, but knowing a few tricks ahead of time will help you get more consistent and quick results.

Things You'll Need

• Willow water (or rooting hormone)
• Glass of water
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Brew willow water by placing equal parts of cut-up willow branches and water into a sealable jar. Allow the substance to sit for two or three days. Willow trees are rich in rooting enzymes that will help many different plant species form and grow roots. For a synthetic option, you can purchase a rooting hormone from your local gardening store.

2. Take your pruning shears and trim the citronella back in the fall when the plant is customarily pruned anyway. Be sure to cut diagonally rather than straight across. Most of the cuttings can be composted, thrown away, or dried and stored for bug repellent the following year. Save as many as you would like to plant and bring them inside.

3. Fill a glass with water, and add two to three tablespoons of willow water. Place in a location with plenty of access to sunlight. You'll have to be patient, but eventually the cuttings will form long roots on the bottom ends.

4. Transplant into potting soil amended with rich organic material such as manure or compost once the roots have formed. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, throughout the fall. The roots will continue to grow and establish during this time, preparing the plant for winter.

References

• Dave's Garden
• Bluestem Nursery