Citronella Candle

Updated: Oct 19

Supplies

Prepare a water bath by bringing about an inch of water to a simmer on medium-low heat in a sauté pan or pot.
Weigh out the soy wax into the pouring pot then add pot to the hot water bath.
While the wax is melting, wick your terracotta pot by adding a wick sticker to the bottom of the wick base then stick the wick to the center of the terracotta pot base. Secure the wick upright with a wick holder.
Heat your wax to 185°F (85°C), remove from heat then add citronella fragrance. Stir gently for 2 minutes to incorporate.
Cool the wax to 135°F (57°C) then pour it into the terracotta pot, leaving space at the top for the succulents. Pour the remaining wax into the succulent molds.
Leave the candle and molds untouched to harden (overnight is best).
After both have hardened, gently pop the succulents out of the mold and arrange them on top of the candle to plan your design then remove.
In order to attach the succulents, use a heat gun to gently melt the top of the candle. Press the succulents into the softened wax so they stick and allow to fully harden again.
Trim the wick slightly longer than usual (usual being ¼ inch) for the first burn so it melts past the succulents. After they’re melted down, trim to ¼ inch before future burns.
For optimal fragrance throw, let the candle cure for two weeks.

Although I only did 3 succulents, I formulated to have leftover wax to do more.
The Citronella fragrance oil used is safe from 3% - 10%. This recipe uses 10%.
Be sure to look at the Candle Maker’s Note on Candlescience regarding the terracotta pot (ex. don’t leave terracotta candles outdoors in the rain because the pots absorb water).
Always test burn for safety if you plan to sell.
If you use a different wax than I did, please go by the heating/pouring instructions for that wax.