How to grow mosquito-repelling grass? Hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass
Answering netizens' questions about hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass, how to grow mosquito-repelling grass? Hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass, next, the editor will introduce.
Mosquito-repelling grass is scientifically known as Pelargonium graveolens, a plant under the genus Pelargonium that naturally emits a lemon-scented aroma. Therefore, mosquito-repelling grass plays a significant role in the perfume industry, being cultivated artificially in large quantities to distill the leaf's essential oil. Mosquito-repelling grass has various scents, including rose, citrus, mint, coconut, and vanilla, along with the flavors of several fruits, which are highly effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Chinese Name: Mosquito-repelling grass
Scientific Name: Pelargonium graveolens
Alias: Mosquito-repelling fragrant grass, fragrant leaf geranium, rose geranium
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Geographical Distribution: Native to southern Africa, especially the Cape of Good Hope area in South Africa
Morphological Characteristics: Young plants are herbaceous and succulent; older plants are semi-woody with hollow pith. The entire plant has a distinctive odor. Single leaves are alternate, round, kidney-shaped, or fan-shaped, with palmate deep lobes, long petioles with fine hairs. Umbel inflorescence, peripheral flowers, pink petals, 5 sepals, 5 petals, 5 stamens, compound pistil.
How to grow mosquito-repelling grass?
▲ Mosquito-repelling grass grows rapidly and needs to be repotted and fertilized once a year, usually in early spring, from February to March. First, prune, leaving only 3 lateral buds at the base of each branch, remove the old, decayed roots, replace with new, fertilized potting soil, and apply a base fertilizer.
▲ Mosquito-repelling grass prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil and should be fertilized every 15-20 days. In early April, after the plant grows new branches, apply a thin organic liquid fertilizer once a week, and by the end of the month, move it outdoors where it will bloom continuously. Move it to a scattered light area on the balcony in early June. If the surface of the potting soil turns white, water it. Mosquito-repelling grass should be watered thoroughly every 3-6 days but should not be waterlogged. From July to August, frequently spray water to cool down and keep the surrounding environment moist.
▲ Mosquito-repelling grass loves sunlight and should be slightly shaded in summer, while it should be exposed to direct sunlight in autumn, winter, and spring. It prefers warmth and water, with an optimal growth temperature of 10-25°C. Temperatures below 7°C and above 32°C are not conducive to growth, and indoor wintering temperature should not be below 12°C.
▲ If mosquito-repelling grass shows yellow leaves, they should be removed promptly.
Functions of hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass
▲ Hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass has many functions. First, both the leaves and flowers of the plant are ornamental, and the roots of hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass are also graceful, adding a refreshing and clean atmosphere to the room with their lemon scent.
▲ Second, the greatest function of mosquito-repelling grass is to repel mosquitoes. Practice has shown that a plant with a height of 30 cm and 40 leaves has the best mosquito-repelling effect, emitting a strong lemon scent year-round, which helps repel insects and purify the air.
▲ Within the survival temperature range of mosquito-repelling grass (1-40°C), the higher the temperature, the more scent molecules the plant emits. Summer is the peak breeding season for mosquitoes, and the temperature is also at its highest, with the scent molecule concentration reaching its peak, making the mosquito-repelling effect most noticeable.
▲ According to experiments monitored by the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, when the leaves of mosquito-repelling grass reach 15, the protection rate can reach 97.8%, and the effective mosquito-repelling range of each plant can reach 15-20 square meters. The mosquito-repelling and environmental performance of mosquito-repelling grass have reached international leading levels.
▲ Moreover, it is important to note that, compared to general mosquito-repelling products like mosquito coils, mosquito-repelling grass is a completely natural product with no side effects.
Nature is the best designer and scientist, providing us with such an efficient and safe mosquito-repelling grass, so we should take good care of it. When summer comes, buy a mosquito-repelling grass plant to enjoy a mosquito-free summer.
This article shares how to grow mosquito-repelling grass and the functions of hydroponic mosquito-repelling grass (fragrant leaf geranium), hoping to bring a little help to your life!