What is the name of the plant that kills mosquitoes?
CITRONELLA GRASS (LEMON GRASS) Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants.
Does mosquito plant take full sun?
Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States.
What is mosquito plant used for?
One of the most well-known uses of citronella plants is as a mosquito repellent. It functions well in this capacity whether placed around your living area (“fluff” it up when you go outside) or rubbed on skin or made into an oil or spray. Citronella also repels other bugs like flies.
What plant is the mosquito plant?
Mosquito plant is actually a scented geranium. The plant produces a pretty pinkish colored blooms in summer. The citronella fragrance comes from the plant’s leaves. Rub the leaves to release the scent.
Do mosquito plants come back every year?
It is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. In other areas, it is grown as an annual because it dies back during winter.
How big will a mosquito plant get?
Citronella Mosquito Plant is a medium tall plant, growing up to 24 inches tall and spreading up to 24 inches wide. It is tall enough that you can plant something shorter in front of it in the landscape or container. If you do so, you should space the Citronella Mosquito Plant 18-24 inches apart from its neighbors.
Do mosquito plants work?
Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don’t repel mosquitoes. It’s the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. You would have to crush the leaves to extract these oils.
How often should I water my mosquito plant?
The general rule of thumb for finding the right schedule is to check the soil directly. Stick your finger into the top two inches of soil. If it is dry, then you should water enough water to fully saturate the soil to the roots. On average, you can expect to water your Mosquito plant once every few days.
Can mosquito plants be kept over winter?
These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost. In warm climates where frost does not occur, citronella plants can remain outdoor year-round. In colder regions, plants may be moved inside for the winter until warmer temperatures return.
Can you plant a mosquito plant in the ground?
It can be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. If grown in the garden or near the patio, it should be planted in the ‘background’, behind small decorative flowers and shrubs.
Do mosquito plants keep mosquitoes away?
What is the natural enemy of the mosquito?
Dragonflies. Dragonflies as well as being a natural predator of the mosquito are a fascinating and unique group of insects. Dragonflies are often referred to as “mosquito hawks” for their supposed ability to kill thousands of mosquitoes.
Does the mosquito plant keep mosquitoes away?
The mosquito plant, Pelargonium Citrosum , also called the citrosa plant or citronella scented geranium, is highly recommended for keeping mosquitoes away.
What is the best plant to kill mosquitoes?
Top 13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes. 1 1. Citronella. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) 2 2. Lavender. 3 3. Basil. 4 4. Rosemary. 5 5. Marigolds.
Is the mosquito plant Geranium A common insect repellent?
Though many of its names leave the impression that it contains citronella, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent, the plant is actually a variety of scented geranium that simply produces a citronella-like scent when the leaves are crushed. The mosquito plant geranium came about from taking specific genes…