Lemongrass and citronella are often mixed up because they both smell citrusy and come from the same grass family. But they’re actually different plants. Lemongrass is popular in cooking and fragrances, while citronella is mainly used in outdoor scents like candles and sprays. This guide explains how they differ in aroma, uses, and mosquito-repelling routines.
Quick Answer
Lemongrass and citronella are related grasses, but they’re different plants. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is commonly used in cooking and fragrance, while citronella grass (C. nardus/winterianus) is mainly used in outdoor scent products like candles and sprays. Both are used in mosquito-repelling routines, but effectiveness varies by formulation and proper use.
To explore other natural options, you can also read our guide on essential oils for mosquitoes.
What Is Lemongrass And Citronella?
Overview
Discover how lemongrass and citronella are commonly used in mosquito-repelling routines and outdoor scent products.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia that’s used in both cooking and fragrance. Its essential oil has a fresh, citrus-like scent and is popular in aromatherapy and home fragrance. For a deeper look at its aromatic uses, see our full guide on lemongrass essential oil benefits.
Citronella grass (C. nardus / C. winterianus)
Citronella, though related, is mainly grown for its strong smell. Its oil is mostly used in outdoor scents like candles and sprays, and unlike lemongrass, it isn’t used in food. Learn more about its common applications in our article on citronella oil benefits.
Using Lemongrass to Support Mosquito-Repelling Routines
Flying pests can pose potential discomfort during outdoor activities. While chemical bug repellents are available, many people are turning to natural alternatives like lemongrass to create a more pleasant outdoor atmosphere.
Planting Lemongrass Outdoors
Consider planting lemongrass to enhance the sensory environment of gardens and outdoor spaces.
DIY Lemongrass Spray (Outdoor Use)
One can make their own DIY flying pests spray. lemongrass critical oil is simply available and can be used to make your personal aroma-primarily based out of doors spray.
Safety Note (Skin Use)
For skin use, always dilute properly, patch test first, and avoid eyes, lips, and broken skin. Always follow product label instructions.
Lemongrass vs Citronella Essential Oil As A Mosquito Repellent
Practical Comparison (Aroma, Uses, Everyday Routines)
Below is a practical comparison of lemongrass and citronella for aroma, uses, and everyday routines.
Lemongrass benefits: smell therapy use, citrusy, refreshing perfume, insect-repelling aroma, culinary use, etc.
Lemongrass: Natural flying pests-repelling aroma, bug and insect-repelling perfume, refreshing fragrance, etc.
1. Appearance
It’s often said that lemongrass shrub and Lemongrass appear very similar, but at close inspection, you could see the distinction between the 2. lemongrass has wider blade-formed foliage in comparison to lemongrass foliage.
Lemongrass shrub foliage have crimson base reddish stems which means that they may be pink or magenta in color at the base of the flowers. Lemongrass is green-like in color at the bottom. Lemongrass can attain a peak of up to two feet tall, while lemongrass can develop up to six ft tall. Both the plant life' leaves unfold as much as 4 toes huge. Lemongrass has an in depth root device as compared to Lemongrass.
2. Propagation
Lemongrass is straightforward to develop in pots. You can purchase stalks from the market, and soak them in water till their roots are formed after four weeks. After this, you can transplant the Lemongrass within the nurseries and lawn centers.
You can multiply the shrub life without difficulty, setting apart the baby flowers without delay from the base of the mature plant life. Lemongrass grows best in loamy, wealthy soil with full or partial colour.
The procedure of propagation of lemongrass is likewise comparable. You can use two to three years old mature shrub life to grow lemongrass through the department technique. The great season is the fall season for this technique. Lemon grass and citronella have very comparable care requirements so that you may plant them together.
3. Mosquito-repelling
Lemongrass mosquito repellent is a popular liquid choice that can be used to make natural insect-repelling aroma blends. Lemongrass liquid flying pest repellents are also used in making natural flying pest-repelling perfume products.
4. Cooking Use
Lemongrass is used for cuisines, but Citronella essential oil is not typically used for cooking or ingestion and is mainly used in outdoor fragrance products like candles and sprays. Lemongrass is used as a herb in lots of south Asian cuisines or tropical Asian cuisines.
It gives a citrus-like taste to the meals and is especially used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Lemongrass is a key factor in Thai food. It is also popular in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and so forth.
It is commonly appreciated for its aromatic contribution to food-related experiences.
Lemongrass is widely used and enjoyed for its fresh perfume in relaxation and aromatic routines.
Citronella grass is commonly associated with Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus, while lemongrass is Cymbopogon citratus.
5. Skincare
Lemongrass (Cymbopogan) and other critical oils; both belonging to the lemongrass genus, are utilized in cosmetics and skincare merchandise. Wax lights, deodrants also come from lemon grass and citronella oils.
6. Stimulant
Both oils are rich in citral and is a great aromatic choice that can help create an uplifting and energizing atmosphere, often enjoyed during focus or relaxation routines.
7. Deodorizing
(unchanged – already non-medical)
8. Relaxing
Lemongrass and citronella liquid are commonly used in aromatherapy to create a calming and relaxing environment.
Their fresh perfumes are often enjoyed during massage or self-care routines focused on relaxation.
Benefits
The lemongrass essential liquid benefits include aromatherapy use, citrusy and refreshing perfume, insect-repelling aroma, culinary use, etc.
The lemongrass plant grows amazingly; the citronella plant benefits include natural flying pest-repelling fragrance, bug and insect-repelling aroma, refreshing perfume, etc.
Make Your Own DIY Recipes Lemon grass and Citronella Plant
Safety note:
For skin use, always dilute essential oils properly with a carrier oil, perform a patch test before first use, avoid contact with eyes, lips, and broken skin, and discontinue use if irritation occurs. Always follow product label guidance.
For detailed guidance, refer to our article on how to use citronella oil safely.
Recipe #1 - DIY lemongrass Insect Repellent Atomizer or Pest or DIY lemongrass bug repellents
Ingredients:
10-15 drops of lemongrass
2 tablespoons of witch hazel or vodka (acts as an emulsifier)
1/2 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
In a small atomizer bottle, combine the lemongrass important liquids and witch hazel/vodka.
Shake the aggregate nicely to combine the liquid and emulsifier.
Add the distilled water to the mixture and shake once more.
Label the bottle with the contents and date.
Shake well before each use. Spray onto clothing or outdoor areas to support a mosquito-repelling atmosphere. If using on skin, apply only when properly diluted, patch-tested, and avoid sensitive areas. Reapply as needed based on personal comfort.
Recipe #2 - DIY lemongrass Perfume Therapy Diffuser Blend
Ingredients:
Four-6 drops of lemongrass essential oil
2-four drops of lavender essential oil
A diffuser
Instructions:
Fill your diffuser with water in keeping with its instructions.
Add the drops of lemongrass and lavender vital liquids to the water.
Turn on the diffuser and permit the aroma spread in the course of the room.
Enjoy the clean and calming fragrance of lemongrass and lavender as it promotes rest and uplifts your temper.
Recipe #3 - DIY lemongrass Bug repellents Wax lights
Ingredients:
Beeswax or soy wax
lemongrass
Wax lights wick
Small glass or metallic field
Instructions:
Melt the wax following the instructions at the packaging.
Once melted, let the wax cool slightly earlier than including lemongrass crucial liquid. Use approximately 10-15 drops of lemongrass liquid for every 4 oz. Of wax.
Place the wick within the middle of the container.
Pour the wax into the box and permit it to chill and solidify.
Trim the wick to an appropriate length.
Burn the candle outdoors to help keep flying pest at bay.
Recipe #4 - DIY lemongrass Smell therapy Atomizer
Ingredients:
15-20 drops of lemongrass
2 tablespoons of either witch hazel or vodka can be used as an emulsifier
1/2 cup of distilled water
Atomizer bottle
Instructions:
In an atomizer bottle, integrate the lemongrass vital liquid and witch hazel/vodka.
Shake properly to blend the components.
Add the distilled water and shake once more.
Mark the bottle with what’s inside and the date.
Use the atomizer to create a clean and effective in repelling atmosphere indoors or atomizer it on clothing before out of doors sports or simply say the best pest control.
Which Is Best for Your Needs? Citronella in comparison with Lemongrass
Discover how citronella and lemongrass s can effectively help reduce mosquito presence, helping you choose the best repellent for your needs
Lemongrass – Bright, Citrus, Everyday-Friendly
Its crisp citrus aroma can freshen your home, calm your mind, and enhance personal-care routines when used safely.
Citronella - Fresh and Outdoor-Ready
Citronella adds a refreshing touch to outdoor spaces, making it a popular choice for candles and sprays on patios or during garden gatherings.
