Water
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage.
Citronella grass (Cymbopogon bombycinus) is an aromatic perennial grass native to Australia, known for its strong citrus scent and use in essential oils for insect repell
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C; protect from frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed monthly during growing season with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage.
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or yellowing leaves. Cut back overgrown clumps in early spring before new growth appears to encourage vigorous new shoots. This also helps in harvesting the aromatic foliage.
Propagate by division of established clumps in spring or early summer. Carefully separate sections of the root ball, ensuring each division has healthy roots and shoots. Replant immediately into well-draining soil.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally a sandy loam, to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon bombycinus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Cymbopogon |
| Species | Cymbopogon bombycinus |
Similar in genus Cymbopogon
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
