There is nothing like being around water for views or peace of mind, unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones that enjoy it. If it isn’t the faint buzzing in our ear, it’s the pin-prick on our skin or the invasively itchy bump from our unwanted acquaintance—the mosquito. While I’m sure they offer something positive from their existence, they are something we would all rather do without. We don’t need them in our homes, or our outdoor living spaces, which is why there are 10 plants that you can keep around to keep mosquitoes away.
When most people think of indoor/outdoor planters, they think one of two ways: “I kill any plant I try to keep alive,” or, “I love the benefits of having my own plants!” No matter which category you fall into, fibreglass pots are perfect to nurture your plants for whatever their future holds. In this case, there are 10 mosquito repellent plants to live and let thrive in order to prevent the presence of our blood-sucking pests.
Some Basics
Certain plants will thrive in conditions that are more suitable for them based on their needs. Not every plant just needs water and sunlight. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and too much sun will shrivel up a plant and too much water will drown it. Always keeping in mind where your plant will be living is important in order to make sure it thrives, or in order to make sure you have the right plant based on where you will be keeping it. Again, since different plants require different conditions, it will always be best to know beforehand. Good soil will also benefit any plant, so it is also a good idea to mix in fertiliser or put it on top.
Meet The Plants
Citronella
The first option for a mosquito repellent plant is the citronella plant, which is considered an ornamental grass. This plant is one that thrives in direct sunlight. Not only would it work in an indoor/outdoor planter, but it can also be planted directly in the ground. Since it is a perennial, if the plant is in a location that deals with winter, it will grow back when the weather warms up. Citronella can grow up to 6 feet in height, which is why these also work well for privacy. Also due to the size, they need to be spaced out appropriately for growth, which is why using a fibreglass pot for these plants makes spacing them out effortless.
The benefit of the citronella plant is that the oil is what keeps the mosquitoes away. You would also be able to use the plant to make citronella candles, which not only give off a pleasant scent but can be used to fend off mosquitoes in different areas inside, or outside of a home.
Citronella Odomos
To get the same benefits of Citronella with a different look, the Citronella Odomos plant is another option. Even though it is still ornamental, rather than grass, this is more of a foliage. This plant gives more of a bushy, leafy look. Unlike the Citronella plant, Odomas is better with indirect sunlight and would at most reach a height of 4 feet.
Herbs
With our two citronella plant options, these plants also gave the potential option where the oil from them could be used in candles as well. Up next are three different mosquito repellent plants that are herbs. Needless to say, repelling mosquitoes will not be their only purpose. Imagine keeping these three around and not having to worry about putting them on your grocery list. These also work great with indoor/outdoor planters but because of the smell and convenience, people enjoy having them indoors.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another plant that does best in indirect light. This plant has shrub-like qualities with how it looks. Rosemary not only gives off a wonderful aroma but has pleasant little flowers that range in colours of pink, purple, and blue. These are best kept trimmed, not just for use, but to keep them from growing out too much since they get up to 2.5 feet otherwise. If it doesn’t go without saying, I’ll say it, rosemary is used for cooking a wide variety of foods but mostly meats. Based on its look and smell, a lot of people also use the sprigs for decoration as well.
Basil
While basil is also used for cooking, this is used with pastas, to make pesto, sauces, soups and more. Basil is a very simple-looking plant with light green, fluffy leaves. Yet another herb that gives off a nice scent but is not as strong as rosemary, although when cut it will become more pungent. Basil can get over 2 feet high, but it also grows outward.
Mint
It is hard to stay focused on the fact that mint helps repel mosquitoes when it has so many other uses. This is one smell we are all familiar with. More importantly, mint is used in a lot of refreshing beverages, especially the adult kind. Mint can get up to 2 feet tall if you aren’t trimming it too much for use, and it also does best in a dry environment and doesn’t need much light.
Flowering Plants
If you are looking for plants that give more of a flowery feel, these next three will appeal to you aesthetically.
African Marigold
The widely known, yellow flowering African Marigold is popular in general for its looks that are well-identified with Indian culture. Used in religious and social functions, for decorating, dyes, and even food, the African Marigold will brighten your spaces and repel mosquitoes
Nepta
The Nepta plant is better known for being used for catnip than being a mosquito repellent plant. It has lots of bell-shaped little blooms in white or pink with purple spots. Good with dry climates and full sun.
Geranium
Brilliant in colour and in a wide variety, the flowering geranium is best in indirect light and only stands about a foot tall. These will bring a lot of colour to wherever you keep them whether in an indoor/outdoor planter or hanging basket.
Others
Herb of Grace
While this plant has historically been used to ward off evil, it will continue to do so with mosquitoes. A pleasant, little shrub with lots of little leaves and small flowering.
Marjoram
This plant is another multi-leaf small shrub that is similar to oregano, but sweeter. Another one that is simple to take care of and simplistic in its look.
Something to Remember
When it comes to having indoor/outdoor planters, the best option is fibreglass pots because of their strength and how lightweight they are. Also, with Bonasila, they have the look and colours that make a statement inside, or outside of your home or space. So if you are going to make the effort, make it look good. Just remember that even if the plant doesn’t make it, the planter will last for future generations.
