If you’re looking for a new houseplant that not just looks amazing but smells good to improve your mood? Then you’re in the right place.
Indoor plants are grown for their beautiful leaves, attractive texture and vibrant colors. But now, on top of all, you can choose plants that can fill your home with fragrance.
In this write-up, you’ll find 17 such houseplants that smell good. But, you might wonder about the low light indoors, so to make them thrive in your space, I’ll share a few important tips.
For those who are looking for a couple of indoor plants that can fill your living space with fragrance, here are my top plants: Cape jasmine, orchids, and rosemary.
While Cape jasmine and orchids prefer indirect sunlight of about 6-8 hours, rosemary plants need full sunlight but can tolerate shade.
Without any further ado, let me now share the list of plants that can spread natural fragrance along with some therapeutic benefits.
17 Best Indoor Plants That Smell Good
Apart from beautifying your space, these houseplants have aromatic benefits that reduce stress, promote relaxation and improve sleep.
Experts also conclude that houseplants can remove harmful toxins from the air.
Not just to decorate your indoor space, houseplants can purify air and increase productivity, and their fragrance has aromatic uses.
1. Cape Jasmine
Also known as gardenia, cape jasmine is said to be the queen of scented plants. As it is native to parts of Southeast Asia, it does well in warmer and subtropical climates.
Cape jasmine needs 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight and acidic soil with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.5.
Potting soil should be able to drain excess water to avoid overwatering or root rot.
Use a well-balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Phosphorus-rich fertilizer is used to boost blooming and seed formation.
2. Rosemary Plant
Prominent for its medicinal properties, the rosemary plant has a strong smell that acts as an excellent mosquito repellent.
Unlike other indoor plants, rosemary needs full sunlight. If you’re growing indoors, then choose a south-facing window to get enough sunlight.
If you notice any yellowing, use grow lights to ensure enough light for the plant.
Water rosemary only when the top 2 inches of the soil is dry. Like most houseplants, rosemary prefers to sit in a manageable amount of water.
Potting soil should be slightly acidic and well-drained to avoid overwatering.
Slow-releasing organic fertilizer is added to the plant to add essential nutrients.
3. Oncidium Sharry Baby Orchid
Renowned for its irresistible smell, Oncidium Sharry baby is also known as a dancing lady orchid.
Sharry baby orchids prefer bright sunlight in the morning and indirect light in the afternoon.
In summer, this plant should be protected from direct sunlight, as scorching sun rays can burn its leaves.
The ideal temperature for growing Sharry Baby orchids is around 60°F during the day and above 50°F at night.
To avoid overwatering, allow the growing medium to dry between watering.
Prefer potting soil that drains well with pH 7.
Feed orchids with liquid fertilizers during the growing season to encourage plant growth and blooming.
4. Angel’s Trumpet
Angel’s Trumpet, with its large, trumpet-shaped flowers, is known for its sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Native to South America, it thrives in warm, tropical climates.
Angel’s Trumpet prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
5. Calamondin Orange
The Calamondin Orange is prized for its small, fragrant fruits and glossy green leaves.
It is a hybrid between a kumquat and a mandarin orange, thriving in subtropical climates.
Calamondin Orange requires full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Choose potting soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.
Reduce watering in winter. Fertilize with a balanced citrus fertilizer during the growing season to encourage fruit production and healthy growth.
6. Arabian Jasmine
Arabian Jasmine, known for its fragrant white flowers, is a popular choice for perfumes and teas.
It thrives in warm, tropical climates and is native to Southeast Asia. Arabian Jasmine requires full sun to partial shade, with 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
The growing medium should be well-drained to avoid excess water sitting under the container, and the pH should be from 5 to 6.5.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support vigorous growth and flowering.
7. Sweet Begonia
Sweet Begonia is cherished for its beautiful, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it does well in warm climates.
Sweet Begonia prefers bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
8. Cuban Oregano
Cuban Oregano, known for its strong, aromatic leaves, is often used in cooking and traditional medicine. It thrives in warm, sunny climates.
Cuban Oregano requires full sun to partial shade, with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as Cuban Oregano is drought-tolerant. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
9. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, with its aromatic leaves, is known for its medicinal properties and distinctive scent. It thrives in warm, sunny climates and is native to Australia.
Eucalyptus requires full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water regularly during the first year of growth, then reduce watering as the tree matures. Eucalyptus is drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth.
10. Hoya
Hoya, also known as wax plant, is prized for its clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Hoya prefers bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Hoyas are drought-tolerant and do not like to sit in water. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
11. Sweet Bay
Sweet Bay, known for its aromatic leaves used in cooking, thrives in warm, sunny climates.
It is native to the Mediterranean region. Sweet Bay requires full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
12. Lady of the Night Orchids
Lady of the Night Orchids is renowned for their sweet fragrance, particularly at night. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and require specific care.
Lady of the Night Orchids prefers bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves. Plant in a well-draining orchid mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Water regularly, allowing the growing medium to dry out between waterings.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
13. Orange Jessamine
Orange Jessamine, known for its fragrant white flowers, is a popular ornamental plant in warm climates. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions.
Orange Jessamine requires full sun to partial shade, with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
14. Passionflower
Passionflower, with its intricate, fragrant blooms, is known for its unique appearance and medicinal properties.
It thrives in warm, sunny climates. Passionflower requires full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Passionflower is drought-tolerant once established. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support vigorous growth and flowering.
15. Scented Geranium
Scented Geraniums are cherished for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. They thrive in warm, sunny climates and are easy to care for.
Scented Geraniums require full sun to partial shade, with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as geraniums are drought-tolerant.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
16. Plumeria
Plumeria, known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers, is a popular choice in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in warm climates.
Plumeria requires full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
17. Stephanotis
Stephanotis, also known as Madagascar jasmine, is prized for its sweet-smelling, white flowers. It thrives in warm, humid climates.
Stephanotis prefers bright, indirect sunlight, avoiding direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Conclusion
It is nearly impossible to start growing all these houseplants indoors. Start with a couple of plants like orchids, cape jasmine or rosemary.
As these plants are prominent for their aromatic benefits, you can keep one of them in your bedroom to improve your sleep.
It’s fascinating to have a wild jungle in your living space.
Start with a few and gradually add more plants to your collection.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting