Asked on Oct 25, 2018

How do I prune a Citronella plant ?

Tra13650964
by Tra13650964

i currently have it propped up on sticks to keep it from bending down. I am going to need a step by step video.

Thank You for this forum.

  11 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 25, 2018

    I can't make you a video, I just cut mine back so it doesn't need sticks to prop it up. It filled back in beautifully


  • Here is a site with decent instructions. I looked for a video and found a bunch, but none covered pruning.


    https://www.hunker.com/12452518/how-to-prune-a-citronella-plant


    Hop onto you tube when you have some time and see if you find a good video.

  • Carmen Carmen on Oct 26, 2018

    Cut it back hard to 6 inches from the soil. Then strike cuttings from what you have cut off. You’ll get about 20 more plants to keep or give way.

  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Oct 26, 2018

    Pinch back each stem right after buying a mosquito plant or when stems reach about 4 to 6 inches long. Pinch with your fingers just above a leaf to remove green stems, or use a pair of scissors. Leave a minimum of three sets of leaves on each stem, and from where you pinch, expect two or three new stems to form.

    Monitor the mosquito plant as it produces more green growth. When the new stems reach about 4 to 6 inches long, pinch the new growth back to just above third leaf set.

    Prune back long, leggy mosquito plant stems any time of the year. Cut or pinch the stems back, leaving at least three sets of leaves.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Oct 26, 2018

    Kellysdiy has the correct instructions. If you do as she says you will get a beautiful bushy plant rather than the tall spindly one you have now. When thicker you will see small purple flowers.

  • Marilee H Marilee H on Oct 26, 2018

    This is basically a geranium variety, so treat it just like you would a geranium.

  • Ili Ili on Oct 26, 2018

    Great information, hope your plant, that I like the way it is, but if you rather have it bushier, please follow instructions...I know, it is hard to start cutting off perfectly fine branches, but you will see the results later on...I never prune much mine, but I'll try this method this year...Let us know how your Citronella liked her haircut....JMO

  • Louise enderlin Louise enderlin on Jan 05, 2020

    Mine is out side and going to cover the walk way ? OH well ? BUT how much do I really need to cut? bottom leaves are turning yellow Wonder why? I hope I do not need to do much to it It is getting big and looks good where it is ! Great to keep the cats pee away from here! thanks

  • Louise enderlin Louise enderlin on Jan 05, 2020

    Can I take a part of my out side plant and put a part of it in a pot? will it grow? what part? and how much do i need to cut for a new plant? thanks louise

  • Alex Alex on Jul 23, 2020

    Total novice with any and all plants. I misunderstood what stems they were talking about and cut off the top main stems. Is that going to kill it?

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 28, 2021

    I found this help this helps! https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=How%20do%20I%20prune%20a%20Citronella%20plant%20%3F&rs=typed&term_meta[]=How%20do%20I%20prune%20a%20Citronella%20plant%20%3F%7Ctyped