The plant commonly marketed as citronella is typically a scented geranium (Pelargonium species), prized for its aromatic foliage. These tender perennials are native to warmer climates and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Because frost easily damages the root systems, the plant must be brought indoors to survive the winter season in most temperate zones.
Preparing the Plant for Indoor Living
Bringing the plant indoors should occur well before the first hard frost, generally when nighttime temperatures begin to drop consistently below 45°F (7°C). Once moved, the plant’s size often needs to be managed for an indoor environment. Reducing the overall size by cutting back stems by about one-third helps maintain a manageable shape.
Before moving the pot inside, a thorough inspection is necessary to prevent introducing outdoor pests. Carefully check the undersides of leaves and the soil surface for common pests like spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies. Treating any detected pests with an insecticidal soap or a gentle stream of water is recommended before the plant settles into its winter location. Indoor conditions accelerate pest reproduction, making this preventative step important for protecting nearby houseplants.
Choosing a Winter Storage Method
The appropriate storage method depends on the available space and light conditions in your home. The first option is active growth, which involves treating the citronella like a standard houseplant. This method requires placing the potted plant in a south-facing window or under supplemental grow lights to ensure it receives several hours of bright light daily.
The second option is to induce dormancy, a process that conserves the plant’s energy until spring. Dormancy is achieved by storing the plant in a cool, dark, or semi-dark location, such as an unheated basement or cool closet. The ideal temperature range for this method is consistently between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C), which halts active growth but remains safely above freezing. This method is often preferred when bright indoor space is limited, as it requires significantly less light and attention.
Caring for Citronella During Cold Months
The ongoing maintenance routine depends entirely on the chosen winter storage method. For plants kept in active growth in a sunny window, watering should be significantly reduced compared to the summer months. Allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, a common issue in lower light conditions. Plants maintained this way will continue to produce foliage, though growth will be slower due to reduced winter light intensity. Fertilization should be entirely suspended during this period.
If the plant is stored in dormancy in a cool, dark environment, the care regimen focuses solely on root preservation. Water should be applied extremely sparingly, perhaps only once a month, just enough to keep the root ball from completely desiccating. The cool temperature significantly slows metabolic processes, minimizing the plant’s need for moisture. The leaves may shrivel or drop entirely, which is a normal response to the cool, dark conditions. Consistent monitoring of the storage temperature is important to ensure it remains above 40°F (4.5°C) to prevent irreversible cold damage.
Moving the Plant Outdoors in Spring
The winterization process is reversed when the threat of the last spring frost has safely passed, usually in late spring. Before placing the plant in its final outdoor location, it is important to gradually reintroduce it to the elements. This process is called hardening off and prevents severe shock and sun scorch.
Start by placing the plant outside in a sheltered, shaded location for just a few hours each day. Over a period of seven to ten days, slowly increase the duration of its outdoor exposure and the amount of direct sunlight it receives. Once fully hardened off, the citronella plant can be moved to its permanent summer location. Plants coming out of dormancy may require initial pruning to remove any remaining dead or spindly growth before being watered thoroughly to signal the start of the new season.