How to Prune a Citronella Plant for Fuller, Healthy Growth

The citronella plant, often called the mosquito plant, is a scented geranium known for the strong citrus fragrance from its leaves. This fast-growing plant is a popular addition to patios and gardens for its pleasant aroma and attractive foliage. Proper trimming helps create a fuller, more robust plant.

When and Why to Prune Citronella

Pruning a citronella plant encourages a bushier, more compact shape. Without occasional trimming, the plant can become “leggy,” with long, sparse stems and fewer leaves. Removing this lanky growth stimulates new stems from the base, resulting in a denser plant. Snipping away yellowing or dead leaves also redirects the plant’s energy toward healthy growth.

The timing of your pruning depends on your goal. For general shaping, the best time for a significant trim is late spring or early summer. Throughout the summer, you can perform light trimming to remove spent flowers or unhealthy foliage. For plants in colder climates brought indoors, a “hard prune” in the fall prepares them for overwintering.

How to Prune a Citronella Plant

Before you begin, have a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors. Sterilizing your tool with rubbing alcohol helps prevent spreading plant diseases. Examine the plant to identify any stems that look overgrown, weak, or have large gaps between the leaves. These are the primary candidates for removal to improve the plant’s structure.

Focus on making your cuts at a specific point on the stem to direct new growth. Locate a leaf node, which is a small bump on the stem where a leaf emerges. Making a clean cut about one-quarter inch above a node at a 45-degree angle will encourage the plant to send out new shoots from that spot. This technique is effective for shaping the plant and correcting its legginess.

For a routine maintenance trim, avoid removing more than one-third of the plant’s mass at one time. This ensures the plant is not overly stressed. If performing a hard prune for winter, you can be more aggressive, cutting the stems back to about four to six inches from the base. This conserves the plant’s energy during its dormant period.

Post-Pruning Plant Care

Immediately after pruning, water the plant thoroughly. This helps to hydrate the roots and soil, reducing stress on the plant. Return the plant to a location where it receives plenty of sunlight, such as a south or west-facing window if it is indoors.

It is best to wait a few weeks before applying any fertilizer. Adding fertilizer too soon can overwhelm the plant and damage the fresh cuts. Allow the plant to show signs of new growth before resuming a regular feeding schedule.