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3 Super Easy Steps to Propagate Citronella Plants for FREE!

Are you craving a lush, citrusy-scented garden filled with citronella plants? I’ve got great news for you! Propagating a citronella plant is incredibly easy to multiply from just one plant!

Today, I’ll teach you how to turn one citronella clipping into a whole backyard garden without spending a dime using what you already have around your home and garden.

This post is all about propagating citronella plants for free.

Why a Citronella Plant?

Citronella, specifically Pelargonium citrosum, is a hardy, lemon-scented geranium that looks great in pots or garden beds.

Do citronella plants really keep mosquitoes away?

There is a matter of opinion whether these plants actually repel mosquitoes. You may want to crush a leaf or two to release a stronger scent and try to deter bugs. However, one thing is for certain. These plants have a scent that is so refreshing, the leaves are lovely, and the citronella plant thrives with minimal care. 

Personal Tip:

Citronella plants are considered perennials in warmer climates (typically USDA zones 9-11). In colder climates, they are considered annuals since they will die when frost hits.

To avoid this and keep my citronella plants alive, I have them as container gardens.

When the temperature drops to 50 degrees, I bring them inside to keep as indoor plants over the late Fall and Winter months.

This works like a charm to keep these beautiful plants lush and thriving!

Best part? You don’t need to keep buying these plants! You can propagate them endlessly.

What you need to propagate a Citronella Geranium

• One healthy citronella plant (yours or a friend’s!)

Personal Tip:

The photos in this post are all my own citronella plants that I propagated from a very dear friend who offered me FREE clippings!

Frugal gardening isn’t about doing without. It is all about making wise decisions and having a little patience!

• Clean scissors or pruning shears

My all-time go-to for pruning shears are my Fiscar pruning shears! Great value! I’ve had them for many years!

• A few small containers

Be creative! Food cups, reused planting pots, or even cut water bottles will do if you are just starting out.

Personal Tip:

I chose to use bigger plant pots, since I used the same plant pot for future propagations to create a fuller container plant in less amount of time. I started using additional planter pots as my citronella grew consistently. To save money, I purchased this great value pack of planters!

• Water
• Potting Soil (your own garden soil)

If you choose to purchase potting soil, my go-to is usually MiracleGro!

• Optional: Rooting hormone (but honestly, plants will propagate without it – it just might take a little longer)

Personal Tip:

My friend introduced me to this rooting hormone when she gave me the citronella plant clippings. Wow! I was impressed and bought some for myself. I’ve since made it a staple when propagating my other indoor house plants!

Step-by-Step: How to Propagate Citronella

1. Snip the right stems!

Look for a healthy stem around 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a node. (Note: a node is where a leaf grows from the stem). Roots form from a plant node.

Save money! Ask neighbors or friends if you can take a cutting from their plant. Most gardeners are happy to share!

2. Strip and Prep

Remove the bottom leaves so only the top 2-3 are left. This reduces stress to encourage new root growth.

If you are using a rooting hormone, dip the node end in the rooting hormone powder to lightly coat it.

3. Root in Water or Soil

Two budget-friendly options:

Water method: Place the cutting in a clear glass of water. Keep it on a sunny windowsill and change the water every few days. Roots should appear in a couple weeks.

Soil Method: Stick the stem with node into moist potting soil or your garden soil. Place in a sunny location. Keep soil damp but not drenched.

Personal Tip:

I use the potting soil method with the rooting hormone. It is so quick and easy! Snip under a node, remove the bottom leaves attached to that node, dip in the rooting hormone, and stick the stem in the plant pot. Once you have a beautiful, full, lushous-looking plant pot of citronella, start a new pot. It is really that simple!

If the temperature stays above 50 degrees, I leave the pots outside. Once whether starts dipping below 50 degrees, I bring the inside, and place by a sunny window. Propagation can happen year-round!

4. Time for Soil and Watch it Grow! (If you did water method)

For water method, once roots are about 1-2 inches long, plant your rooted clipping in soil. Follow the Soil Method above. Also see Personal Tip under Step #3 for future planting idea.

Multiplying the beauty without spending the budget!

Repeat steps 1 through 4 throughout the next few weeks!

With this method, one citronella plant clipping can turn into dozens!

Use them to border your flower beds or create beautiful planter pots for your balcony, deck, or patio.

Share with friends! Propagating plants and using them as gifts are a great homemade treasure that will keep giving!

And think about it…

If nurseries charge roughly $6 – $12+ per plant, your investment of time from a friend’s free gift just multiplied in value exponentially! That’s the power of frugal gardening!

In Conclusion:

Your dream backyard garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It starts with a single plant, a pair of scissors or pruners, and a little love and patience.

Propagating citronella is just the beginning of growing a beautiful, abundant garden on a budget.

Once you master propagating citronella, I think you’ll be hooked to try other plants!

Propagating plants is free or only needs low-cost materials, satisfying, and teaches patience.

Have you ever propagated plants or are you going to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Now get snipping and grow your beautiful garden!

All the best!

Milissa Neirotti

This post was all about propagating citronella plants and citronella plant care. 

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