How to Grow Citronella From Cuttings: Root in Water, Then Plant for Mosquito-Repelling Plants

How to grow citronella from cuttings means mosquito-free evenings—starting with just a few snips. ✨ The process is simpler than you'd think, and I've propagated enough plants to know exactly where beginners stumble (spoiler: it's not the cutting itself). Within 4-6 weeks, you'll have rooted plants ready to transplant, and those signature lemony fragrances will keep bugs away naturally.

You only need 3 basic supplies: sharp pruners, clean water (or moist potting mix), and a sunny windowsill or shaded outdoor spot. The real trick is choosing healthy stems—look for 4-6 inches of new growth with at least 2 leaf nodes, where roots will sprout.

Avoid flowering branches; they root poorly. I always take cuttings after pruning my established plants in early summer, when growth is vigorous.

Start by placing stems in water (about 2 inches submerged), changing it every 3-4 days to prevent rot. Keep them in bright, indirect light—no direct sun yet—and watch for tiny white roots emerging in 2-3 weeks.

Once roots hit 1-2 inches, transplant to soil, and your new plants will thrive in full sun, releasing that familiar citronella scent that makes summer evenings bearable.

Common mistakes? Overwatering (roots need air too) or using old, woody cuttings. If yours yellow or wilt, check for rot or pests. With patience, you'll have a mosquito-repelling hedge by fall—no chemicals needed. Ready to get started?

What you need

Step-by-step instructions for growing citronella from cuttings

Here's how to propagate your own mosquito-repelling plants from existing stems—no seeds or expensive starters needed.

Choose 4-6 inch long stems from the current season's growth, just below a leaf node where roots will form. Use sharp pruners to make a clean cut at a 45° angle—this increases surface area for root development. Avoid woody, mature stems; focus on soft, flexible new growth. I always take cuttings in the morning when the plant is fully hydrated and photosynthesis is active.

Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top 2-3 sets. This reduces moisture loss and prevents rot. Strip away any flowers or buds—your plant will focus energy on rooting instead of blooming. Place the cuttings in a bucket of room-temperature water immediately after harvesting to prevent wilting.

Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial growth. Position the container in bright, indirect light—think east-facing window or under a grow light 12-18 inches away. You'll see tiny white root hairs emerge from the cut end in about 2-3 weeks, followed by ½-inch roots within another week.

Here's the thing—citronella roots best in warm water. If your home runs cool, place the container on a seedling heat mat set to 70-75°F. Watch for algae growth on the water surface; if it appears, wipe it away and consider adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to keep the water clean.

Once roots reach 2-3 inches long, prepare a 6-inch pot with well-draining potting mix. I like to add a handful of perlite to the mix for extra aeration. Gently remove the cutting from water and let the roots air-dry for 10-15 minutes to prevent rot when planted.

Plant at the same depth it grew in water, pressing the soil lightly around the base. Water thoroughly until moisture runs from the drainage hole, then place in bright indirect light for 1 week to acclimate. You'll know it's settling in when new leaves appear—this usually happens within 2-3 weeks.

After 4-6 weeks in containers, your citronella will be ready for outdoor planting. Start by placing pots outside in a sheltered spot for 2 hours daily, gradually increasing exposure over 10-14 days. Choose a location with partial sun—citronella tolerates 4-6 hours of morning sun but may scorch in hot afternoon rays.

Plant in well-draining soil with a 2-foot spacing between plants. The first year focuses on root establishment; you'll see the most vigorous growth and mosquito-repelling power in the second season. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds—just don't let the mulch touch the stems.

Tips & tricks for growing citronella plants from cuttings

These insider tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your success with mosquito-repelling citronella propagation.

Cutting Selection: Focus on stems that are 4-6 inches long with a slight bend—they're more flexible and root more reliably. I always look for stems with a leaf node (that little bump where leaves grow) just below the cut point, as this is where roots will sprout. Avoid stems that feel hard or woody, as they're past their prime for propagation.

Water Temperature Matters: While the instructions mention room-temperature water, I've found that slightly warmer water (around 70-75°F) encourages faster root development, especially in cooler homes. If you don't have a heat mat, place the container on top of your fridge for gentle warmth. Just avoid hot water—citronella roots are sensitive to temperature extremes.

Root Development Timeline: Those 2-3 weeks for root hairs to appear might feel slow, but patience pays off. I like to mark the water level on the container with a marker so I can track progress. Once you see ½-inch roots (around week 3), don't rush the soil transition—wait until they reach 2-3 inches for best survival rates. This extra time in water helps establish a stronger root system before planting.

Soil Transition Strategy: When moving your cuttings to soil, the 10-15 minute air-dry step is crucial—it prevents rot by letting any excess water evaporate. I also recommend adding a handful of perlite to your potting mix (even if not mentioned in instructions) to improve drainage. This helps prevent waterlogged soil, which can suffocate young roots during the critical 1-week acclimation period.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for citronella cuttings to root in water?

With warm conditions (75–85°F) and bright, indirect light, most citronella cuttings develop roots in 2–4 weeks. Patience is key—wait until roots are at least 2 inches long before transplanting to soil. Pro tip: Change the water every 3–4 days to prevent bacterial growth.

Can I grow citronella from cuttings year-round, or is there a best time?

Citronella thrives in warm weather (spring to early fall) for best results. Avoid winter propagation in cold climates—roots take longer to form, and the plant may struggle. If you must try it in cooler months, use a heat mat and keep cuttings indoors under grow lights. Bonus: Start indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost date for a head start!

What if my citronella cuttings rot before rooting?

Rotting is usually caused by too much moisture or bacteria. To prevent it:

• Use sterile water (chlorinated tap water left out for 24 hours or distilled water).
• Ensure only 1–2 nodes are submerged in water.
• Trim any mushy, blackened stems immediately.
• Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to the water to fight bacteria.

Can I grow citronella indoors from cuttings?

Yes! Citronella adapts well to indoor growing if you mimic its tropical needs:

• Place near a south-facing window or under grow lights (12–14 hours/day).
• Keep humidity high with a pebble tray or humidifier.
• Use a well-draining potting mix (like cactus/succulent blend) after rooting.

What if I don’t have a citronella plant—can I use lemongrass or another similar plant?

While lemongrass (a close relative) can be propagated similarly, it’s not the same as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). For true citronella, look for:

• Plants labeled “citronella grass” at nurseries.
• Online seed/plant sellers specializing in aromatic herbs.
• Ask local gardeners—some share cuttings!

Wrapping up and next steps

Growing citronella from cuttings is a rewarding way to expand your garden with natural mosquito-repelling plants! 🌱 With just a few simple steps—rooting in water, transplanting, and providing the right care—you’ll soon enjoy fragrant, thriving citronella. Don’t let a few challenges discourage you: patience and consistency are key, and before you know it, you’ll have a lush, mosquito-free oasis.

Ready to take the next step? Try propagating a few more cuttings or experiment with other fragrant herbs—your garden (and your skin!) will thank you. Happy growing! 🌿