Having a nice smelling house can help keep you relaxed and even impress houseguests, but you don’t have to turn to synthetic air fresheners or scented candles to enjoy a fragrant household. Many indoor plants produce beautiful smells that you can enjoy the all-natural way, so keeping these around your house can replace the need for any scented products.
If you want to make your home smell nice, try growing one of these seven fragrant houseplants.
1. Jasmine
Not all jasmine flowers are fragrant, but Jasminum polyanthum is a type that is commonly grown indoors, and it emits a sweet scent at night. Keep this type of jasmine near a window so it gets ample sunlight.
2. Gardenia
The gardenia plant is one of the most fragrant around. Although it’s more common for gardenias to grow outdoors, they can be grown inside as well, as long as they are given proper care. Put them in the right environment, and you can enjoy their aromatic flowers.
3. Scented Geraniums
There are a number of types of geraniums to choose from, each with their own special scent. Whether you prefer apricot, apple, lemon, mint, strawberry, or other fragrances, you can grow these beautiful flowers in the comfort of your own home.
4. Citrus
Citrus plants emit the sweet smells of orange, lemon, and grapefruit, and who wouldn’t want these soothing fragrances in their home? These type of plants require a lot of sunlight, constant watering, and well-drained potting soil.
5. Tea Rose Begonia
Most begonias aren’t scented, but the tea rose begonia variety have their own light, sweet fragrance. These pretty plants work well as hanging basket or potted on a windowsill, and they look just as nice as they smell.
6. Lavender
Lavender is a soothing and relaxing smell that can keep you calm and even help you sleep at night. The key to growing lavender indoors is exposing it to lots of sunlight. Use artificial light if needed, and keep it in a cool room.
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7. Orchids
Orchids are a popular houseplant, and for good reason. They’re easy to keep indoors, and they come in a wide variety of smells. Some have fragrances like jasmine, others are more citrusy, and some compare to vanilla, but whatever you choose, your home will have a delicious scent — granted you take care of your plant properly.
Photo by Jim, the Photographer