Is Mosquito Repellent Plant Toxic? A Detailed Guide to Potted Care
The mosquito repellent plant, also known as scented geranium, is a perennial herbaceous or shrub-like plant of the genus Pelargonium in the family Geraniaceae. It is widely popular because the plant has a volatile fragrance, with a variety of scents including rose, citrus, mint, coconut, cardamom and various fruit flavors. It can be used to make essential oils, and its ornamental value is also very high. So is the mosquito repellent plant toxic? How do you grow it in a pot?
1. Is the mosquito repellent plant toxic?
The mosquito repellent plant is cultivated as an aromatic plant. Its fragrance fills the air, can remove odors, and makes the air fresher. However, having a pungent aroma is both the greatest characteristic of the mosquito repellent plant and its inescapable weakness——this strong fragrance makes people suspect that it is a toxic herb! So what is the truth?
In fact, the mosquito repellent plant is non-toxic, and the label of “toxic” has really wronged it. The mosquito repellent plant is native to South Africa. Today's mosquito repellent plant variety was created by fusing cells of an African plant of the family Geraniaceae with a chemical substance from China containing citronellal, thereby breeding a new plant. So today's mosquito repellent plant is both aromatic and volatile. But even so, this fragrance is just an ordinary grassy scent and is not toxic.
It should be noted that mosquito repellent plants sold on the market may have chemical fragrances added, and these fragrances are actually harmful to the human body, so you need to be extra careful in identifying them.
2. How do you grow the mosquito repellent plant in a pot?
1. Soil
The mosquito repellent plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Within 6 months, use a special self-mixed nutrient soil of 6 parts peat soil, 1.5 parts vermiculite, 1.5 parts perlite, and 1 part coal ash, with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral. You can also buy a prepared foliage substrate soil (pH 5.5-7). After six months, the mosquito repellent plant is extremely adaptable and can use any soil. The main stem of a two-year-old mosquito repellent plant becomes woody and can be pruned, and shaped freely according to personal preference.
2. Light
The mosquito repellent plant prefers shade and cannot tolerate strong light during growth. Especially in summer, shading should be strengthened, and it can be planted under trees or in shaded areas. Household potted plants are generally kept indoors for cultivation.
3. Temperature
The mosquito repellent plant likes warmth, with 10 to 25°C as the suitable growth temperature. Temperatures below 7°C or above 32°C are unfavorable for growth. The indoor overwintering temperature should not be lower than 12°C. Above 15°C, it can normally release a lemon fragrance, and the higher the temperature, the stronger the fragrance. Spraying an appropriate amount of water mist on the leaves of the mosquito repellent plant can make the citronellal substance release continuously, thereby making the mosquito repellent effect better.
4. Fertilizing
Start fertilizing 10 days after seedling recovery. Spring and autumn are the vigorous growth periods of the mosquito repellent plant, and it is generally fertilized once every 15-20 days. In early April, after the mosquito repellent plant grows new branches, apply a thin organic liquid fertilizer once a week. In late April, move it outdoors, and the mosquito repellent plant will bloom one after another. In summer high temperatures, water less and do not fertilize, which helps the root system of the mosquito repellent plant develop well and improves disease resistance. For household cultivation, a small amount of cake fertilizer and rice washing water can also be applied.
5. Watering
After repotting the mosquito repellent plant, water it once. Usually water thoroughly once every 3-6 days, but do not let water accumulate. Watering should follow the principle of alternating dry and wet. If the surface of the potting soil turns white, water it. In summer high temperatures, water less, and water the mosquito repellent plant thoroughly once a week. From July to August, spray water frequently to cool it down and keep the surrounding environment of the mosquito repellent plant moist.
6. Pests and diseases
Diseases caused by improper management include root rot or stem and leaf rot, followed by leaf shrinkage, black spots, and then the whole plant withering. This is caused by too much humidity, too high temperature, and at the same time poor ventilation or excessive seedling density. Fungicides such as chlorothalonil or carbendazim (800 to 1000 times diluted solution) can be sprayed. But do not spray frequently.