Foliage plants, grown for the aesthetic value of their leaves, are among the most popular indoor plants we select for our homes. When they do bloom, it's usually insignificant.
Numerous aromatic flowering plants commonly found in gardens can also be grown indoors. Since they can be very boring for the remainder of the year and will ultimately do better outdoors, it's generally best to only bring them inside during their flowering season.
Some people may find the strong scents of certain fragrant plants overpowering. The nicest scents are soft and airy without overpowering; here are some of the most favourite and popular ones.
7 Most Fragrant Indoor Plants
Citrus
If you give them enough light, some orange, lemon, and other citrus fruits can make excellent houseplants. The delightful aromas of their flowers will be your reward. You could even get to taste homegrown fruits if you're patient enough. Citrus trees grown from seed may take several years to blossom, and they will probably have sharp spines.
Cuban Oregano
A relative of Swedish ivy that grows easily, Cuban oregano has a characteristic spicy scent. It's interesting to note that neither plant is indigenous to the regions where their common names originate. The fuzzy, green, meaty leaves can be cooked, or you can merely brush them to unleash their aroma. This plant is easy to reproduce and share with friends since cuttings from its roots are readily in a potting mix.
Gardenia
Gardenia is well-known for having some of the most aromatic blossoms. It is a beautiful but challenging houseplant. Its white blossoms, either single or double, give off a powerful floral fragrance. In the spring and summer, use a fertiliser designed for acid-loving plants, such as azaleas. Be cautious about shielding this plant from hot and cold drafts.
Oncidium Orchid
Oncidium orchids are among the easiest to cultivate and make the best houseplants, but corsage orchids are the most showy. They provide a variety of bloom times in addition to sizes and colours. Their size, colour, and scent all differ greatly from one another. For example, Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' smells strongly of chocolate, whereas Twinkle 'Fragrance Fantasy' smells more herbal.
Passion Flower
Not all passion flowers are fragrant; stop and smell the flowers or study the plant tags and descriptions to ensure you acquire a scented kind. Passion Flowers have intricate, almost alien-looking flowers. 'Inspiration,' 'Elizabeth,' and Passiflora x below are some of the nicest-smelling flowers (shown above). Since they grow quickly, passion flowers, like a trellis, require support to climb on.
Odorata Begonia
Although most begonia blooms aren't fragrant, you might be surprised if you use your nose when buying. Find cultivars of Begonia odorata like 'Angelique' and the fibrous begonia 'Tea Rose' for an extremely fragrant begonia. For a consistent flower display in the spring and summer, give your begonias regular watering and fertilisation.
Plumeria
Plumeria is a tropical tree well-known for its exquisite flowers and fragrant leaves. The blossoms are used to make Hawaiian leis. Their powerful aroma is reminiscent of sweet shade trees. The blossoms are available in a variety of colours besides white, such as reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, and mixes.
With the proper houseplants, you can add natural beauty and aroma to your indoor environment without using commercial air fresheners. However, a few of the delightfully smelling plants are toxic to cats and dogs and, if ingested in big enough numbers, can cause stomach distress, skin inflammation, and even death. Take great caution when considering your alternatives!