Our furry friends may be part of the family, but their digestive systems are not like ours. While some foods are safe and healthy for humans, they can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs. Knowing ...

Understanding the Context

Fortunately, there is the citronella plant: nature’s gift to humanity to repel mosquitoes! However, two plants share that quintessential citronella smell and chances are you are getting them confused. We take a look at the differences between the two, as well as how to grow your very own citronella at home! Citronella plants bring a lemon-like scent to your yard.

Key Insights

Learn how to properly grow and care for citronella to keep it healthy. A natural mosquito repellent, citronella is surprisingly easy to grow. Experts share tips on growing citronella in containers and in the garden throughout the year. Citronella is an oil derived from the leaves and stems from a cousin of lemongrass (specifically, Cymbopogon). While most humans don't mind the light citrus scent, mosquitoes reportedly hate it, so citronella is used in a variety of products like candles and wristbands and sprays.

Final Thoughts

Citronella oil is an essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass). The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol. The citronella plant, often called the “mosquito plant,” is a fragrant, lacy-leaved geranium that brings texture, scent, and charm to gardens, patios, and containers. Citronella is a medicinal plant that is rich in essential oils, such as linalool, citronellol, citronellal, geraniol and cis-calamenene. It has insect repellent, flavoring, antibacterial and calming properties, and is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics.