Fragrant houseplants are the perfect way to add a natural scent to a home. They come in many varieties and styles, ensuring there is an ideal one for every style of décor. These indoor plants provide a refreshing and delightful ambiance to indoor spaces with their pleasant scent.
15 Fragrant Indoor Plants to Freshen Your Home
1. Lavender
There is a reason lavender is a scent commonly found in perfumes and candles, as it is one of the most fragrant indoor houseplants. They will only flourish inside while in bloom, but plant parents can grow them in small pots which can be taken inside and outside during the plant’s life cycle to add a fresh scent to their homes from time to time.
2. Hoya
Hoya is a waxy-looking plant, sometimes leading individuals to think they are fake, leading them to be nicknamed wax plants. Despite their waxy look, hoyas have a fantastic scent that won’t take over the whole house.
Careful, though, as hoyas are picky plants. They need direct sunlight to thrive, so it’s important to place them in a sunny spot and only water them when the soil is completely dry to avoid over-watering.
3. Gardenias
For plant parents who want a scent that will take over their home, gardenias are the way to go. These white flowering plants emit a strong floral scent while in bloom until the flowers eventually die several weeks later.
Known as the most fragrant flower, the gardenia is also a bit picky. Keep the plants in a temperate area away from any hot or cold drafts.
4. Citrus Fruit Trees
Citrus trees emit a delicious citrus scent as they bloom and bear fruit. Although citrus fruit trees can be a bit large for some homes, they grow well inside as long as they have ample sunlight. Owners of smaller homes should consider purchasing calamondins or a dwarf lemon tree, which are related plants that are more suited for smaller spaces.
5. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is an herb commonly used in cooking, but many don’t know that it is also quite fragrant while growing. These plants are on the larger side, coming from a tree, but this tree can be rotated between indoors and outdoors to add an herbal scent to the home from time to time.
6. Orange Jessamine
Orange jessamine is a flowering plant that emits a famous citrusy jasmine scent. Unfortunately, these plants need to live outside to bloom, as they require lots of direct sunlight.
That being said, once the plant has flowered, it can be brought inside until the flowers fall off, adding a new scented aura to the home. After the flowers fall, the plant won’t emit much scent on its own, but the leaves can be rubbed to release a small amount of perfume when desired.
7. Hyacinths
Hyacinths are popular fragrant houseplants, renowned for their floral and spicy aroma with hints of honey and citrus, that prefer to bloom indoors. With blooms that come in all colors from white to deep red, hyacinths are beautiful to look at and add a unique touch to any style décor.
Hyacinths are also easy to grow; just be careful not to overwater them. They also prefer to be in an area with direct sunlight so a windowsill or table next to a window is the best choice for them.
8. Orchids
Orchids are another fragrant houseplant with a beautiful aesthetic, and the scent they emit varies between varieties. The aroma of orchids can range from floral to cinnamon scents with hints of vanilla, citrus, or spice.
Orchids aren’t the easiest plant to care for, but once they flower they will remain in bloom for a few months, keeping a home smelling warm and welcoming for an entire season.
9. Mint
A fragrant houseplant known for its fresh scent with cool and herbal undertones that bring clarity and vitality is mint. Mint grows well indoors, though it must be in a pot by itself otherwise it may suffocate any plant it is placed with.
Mint needs indirect sunlight and cool air, though it should be given direct light from time to time. It’s common for mint to overgrow its pot, so keep a close eye on it and pinch off any buds as soon as you spot them.
10. Freesias
Freesias are fragrant houseplants that have to be started outdoors, but once they bloom, they can be brought inside to add a sweet and uplifting scent to the home. Don’t get too attached, though, as freesias only remain in bloom for a few weeks before dying off.
11. Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous begonias are a fragrant houseplant that emits a mild scent, making it ideal for homes that don’t want a strong aroma. These plants do best when grown indoors but require lots of indirect sunlight.
Unlike other plants on this list, tuberous begonias will die if the soil becomes too dry. So place these plants in a bright room away from windows, and be sure to give them lots of water.
12. Angel’s Trumpet
Angel’s trumpet is a strong-smelling plant, known to smell like musk mixed with both lemon and jasmine. While the exact level of scent emitted will vary based on the time of day, angel’s trumpet is only recommended for homes that want a strong scent around the clock.
Angel’s trumpet needs an environment warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for a warm sunny window. In some climates, the plant may need some time outside to bloom, so it is best to plant it in a pot that can be moved if needed.
13. Plumeria
Plumeria is a fragrant houseplant which loves to grow indoors and releases a tropical floral scent. The plumeria plant is native to tropical regions, so it is imperative to ensure it is kept warm and placed in a sunny window for optimal growing.
Plumeria is a bit of a picky plant, and not recommended for new plant parents. Plumeria take 2-3 years to bloom, and once they do, they need to be fertilized regularly in order to thrive.
14. Stephanotis
Stephanotis is another tropical houseplant which originated in Madagascar. The stephanotis hosts white blooms which emit an intoxicating tropical scent during the summer months.
Stephanotis can only survive in environments which are above 70°F or above, so they aren’t ideal for colder regions. Not only that, but the roots need to be kept cool while the leaves are warm—so they can’t be grown over a radiator or using grow lights.
15. Eucalyptus
In households that desire a more natural scent, a eucalyptus plant is recommended. Known for its natural and somewhat earthy scent, this plant is also reasonably easy to grow and care for, even for new plant parents.
Additionally, eucalyptus provides a year-round scent, so it can keep the house smelling fresh no matter what time of the year it is. While it is a bit on the large side, a eucalyptus plant won’t typically grow taller than three feet high while in captivity.
