Citronella vs Peacock Moss Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Citronella
Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus
Citronella is a perennial clumping grass known for its distinct citrusy scent, primarily due to the presence of citronellal and geraniol in its leaves. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet. It's primarily grown outdoors for its mosquito-repelling properties, although the effectiveness is debated and requires crushing the leaves to release the oils. It is not naturally an indoor plant and requires very specific conditions to thrive indoors.
Peacock Moss
Selaginella willdenowii
Peacock Moss is a fern-like plant, though technically a spikemoss, known for its iridescent blue-green foliage. The leaves appear to shimmer with a metallic sheen, creating a rainbow effect in the right light. It's a low-growing, spreading plant that thrives in humid environments. While it can be grown indoors, it requires specific conditions to flourish, making it more challenging than many common houseplants. It is grown for its unique foliage and visual appeal.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Citronella | Peacock Moss |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage. |
| Watering | Every 3-7 days depending on weather and soil drainage. | Every 2-3 days, depending on humidity and temperature |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 70-90% |
| Temperature | 18-30°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 1-2 meters outdoors, significantly smaller indoors (0.3-0.6 meters) | 15-30 cm |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining loamy soil | Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Citronella
| Scientific Name | Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae (Grass family) |
| Native To | Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia) |
| Also Known As | Citronella grass, Nardus grass, Mana grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are long, slender, and green, with a rough texture. They are typically 1-3 cm wide and up to 1 meter long. When crushed, the leaves release a strong citrus scent. |
| Flowers | Citronella rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces panicles of small, inconspicuous flowers. |
Peacock Moss
| Scientific Name | Selaginella willdenowii |
|---|---|
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines) |
| Also Known As | Peacock Moss, Willdenow's Spikemoss, Rainbow Moss |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged in overlapping rows along the stems. They have a delicate, feathery appearance. The color is typically a vibrant blue-green with an iridescent sheen that appears to shift depending on the angle of light. |
| Flowers | Peacock Moss rarely, if ever, flowers indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Citronella
Peacock Moss
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Citronella
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide established clumps in spring or early summer. Ensure each division has healthy roots and shoots. Plant in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Peacock Moss
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings and place them in a humid environment, such as a terrarium or under a humidity dome. Keep the soil consistently moist. Division can be done when repotting, separating the plant into smaller clumps.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Citronella
The strong citrus scent is the most unique characteristic. The plant's mosquito-repelling properties, though debated, are also a key feature. It is a fast-growing grass that can quickly fill in garden spaces.
- ✓ Natural mosquito repellent (when crushed)
- ✓ Pleasant citrus scent
- ✓ Fast-growing ground cover
- ✓ Adds texture and movement to the garden
- ✓ Relatively easy to propagate
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Peacock Moss
The iridescent blue-green foliage is its most striking feature, creating a shimmering effect that is rare among houseplants. Unlike true mosses, it has vascular tissue, allowing it to grow taller and more upright.
- ✓ Adds a unique and visually appealing element to your indoor space.
- ✓ Creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
- ✓ Can help to increase humidity levels in the surrounding area.
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature and a sense of tranquility.
- ✓ Provides an interesting talking point for guests.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Citronella
Peacock Moss
🌞 Light Requirements
Citronella
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Peacock Moss
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Citronella
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow soil to drain freely. Signs of underwatering include drooping or browning leaves. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a musty smell from the soil.
Peacock Moss
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the foliage to dry out and turn brown. Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Citronella
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Peacock Moss
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 70-90%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Citronella
Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianusGardeners with outdoor space looking for a natural mosquito repellent (though effectiveness is limited).
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a natural mosquito repellent for your garden (though effectiveness is limited).
- You enjoy the citrusy scent of the foliage.
- You have a sunny outdoor space.
- You are experienced with plant care and can provide the specific conditions needed.
- You want a fast-growing grass for your garden.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a sunny outdoor space.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You are sensitive to strong scents.
- You live in a climate with harsh winters.
Peacock Moss
Selaginella willdenowiiExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide the high humidity and consistent moisture this plant needs.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You are looking for a unique and visually striking plant.
- You can provide a high-humidity environment, such as a terrarium.
- You enjoy a plant that requires a bit more attention and care.
- You want a plant with a distinctive iridescent sheen.
- You are looking for a plant that stays relatively small and compact.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You struggle to maintain high humidity levels in your home.
- You tend to overwater or underwater your plants.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance plant.
- You don't have a bright, indirect light source available.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Citronella is rated Expert care level, while Peacock Moss is Moderate.
Citronella has fast growth, while Peacock Moss grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Citronella Care Tips
Citronella is primarily an outdoor plant. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements. It needs full sun, well-draining soil, and careful watering to avoid root rot. It is also toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
Peacock Moss Care Tips
Peacock Moss requires high humidity and consistent moisture, making it more challenging to grow indoors than many common houseplants. It thrives in terrariums or enclosed environments where humidity can be maintained. Proper lighting is crucial to maintain its iridescent color. It is not drought-tolerant.
- Maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light to maintain the iridescent color.
- Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Repot in spring to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Citronella
Peacock Moss
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Citronella
What are the light requirements for Citronella?
Citronella plants need a good amount of sunlight to thrive. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and mosquito-repelling potency. If growing indoors, place the plant near a sunny window, preferably south-facing. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights.
How do I care for Citronella?
Citronella plants thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
How do I propagate Citronella?
Citronella can be propagated through several methods. Division involves separating the plant into smaller clumps and repotting them. Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy stems and rooted in water or soil. Keikis, or baby plants, sometimes form on mature plants and can be carefully removed and potted.
Peacock Moss
What are the light requirements for Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloration and healthy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage, so it’s best to avoid placing it in a location where it will receive intense sun exposure. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window is ideal. If the plant is not receiving enough light, its colors may become dull and less vibrant. Supplemental lighting, such as a grow light, can be used if natural light is insufficient. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even light exposure on all sides. The goal is to mimic the filtered light conditions of its natural rainforest habitat.
How do I care for Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss thrives in consistently moist, humid conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry, using distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup. Maintain high humidity by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water. Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate foliage. The ideal temperature range is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Plant in a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Prune any dead or yellowing fronds to encourage healthy growth. Regularly check for pests and address any infestations promptly. A terrarium is an ideal environment for this plant.
How do I propagate Peacock Moss?
Peacock Moss can be propagated through division or spores. For division, gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has healthy roots and foliage. Plant each division in a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix. Keep the divisions consistently moist and humid until they are established. Spore propagation is more challenging but can be achieved by collecting spores from mature fronds and sowing them on a sterile substrate. Maintain high humidity and provide indirect light. Division is the easier and more common method. Successful propagation requires patience and consistent care. Provide a warm and humid environment for best results.
Last updated: May 5, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.