Some indoor plants even give off scents that are perceived as pleasant and increase well-being, especially in the cold season. The most famous fragrant houseplants include orchids, jasmine, gardenia, hyacinth and porcelain flower. But there are many others.
Orchids as allowed house plants
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The orchids are very popular houseplants that, with good care, can bring joy for a long time. They are very species-rich and mostly develop fruity scents, such as citrus fruits, raspberries, sometimes even reminiscent of chocolate.
- Orchids love a bright location, but without direct sunlight.
- They should not be planted in soil, but in a special substrate that must not contain too much peat.
- In summer the plants need plenty of water twice a week, in winter less.
- The irrigation water must not collect in the planter, which is why this can be filled with pebbles or special orchid pots can be used.
- Rainwater or stale, decalcified tap water is best.
- With a special orchid fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season, the plants thrive optimally.
- Repotting is required approximately every three years. Any rotten roots that may be present must be cut off with a disinfected tool.
- If leaves turn yellow during the resting phase, no pruning is required, they will fall off on their own.
- Depending on the type of orchid you have, specific care instructions may need to be followed
Fragrant jasmine
This plant, of which there are over 200 species, is characterized by sweet scents. Jasmine prefers a bright, sunny location, if possible outside in summer. If this is not possible, the plant still needs fresh air. In winter it should be kept cool so that it will flower more quickly. Regular hydration and fertilization should be ensured during growth. Jasmine does not need special soil, but a trellis or climbing frame for its long shoots. Repotting is recommended annually for young plants, later every two years.
Gardenia
This plant is similar in scent to jasmine. Gardenias need a bright, but not very sunny location all year round. During the bud formation, the temperatures should not exceed 18 degrees, during the flowering a little higher, in winter 10 to 15 degrees. The plants should be watered regularly with decalcified water at room temperature and the leaves should also be sprayed. Weekly fertilization is also recommended. When repotting, which is only required about every three years, pruning can be done.
Hyacinths as aromatic house plants
Hyacinths give off a sweet aroma. They bring spring into your home early in the year in the colors white, blue, violet or pink. A sunny location is preferred. Hyacinths do not need fertilizer as they contain enough nutrients in the onion. Regular watering is necessary. The flower stem should be removed after it has faded, and the leaves should be removed later when they are dry. During the
No water is required during the summer rest period, a dark location is preferred. From autumn the bulbs need a cold phase of around eight weeks so that they bloom again in spring. Provided with fresh earth, they can then go back into the apartment.
Porcelain flower
The porcelain flower, sometimes also called wax flower, is a climbing shrub that smells sweet, especially in the evening and at night. It needs a lot of light to bloom, but no sunlight. Temperatures around 20 degrees in summer and between 10 and 15 degrees in winter should be aimed for. Moderate watering, increased slightly in the growing season, and weekly fertilization are ideal. In winter it is sufficient to prevent it from drying out completely. Once the buds have formed, it must no longer be turned. With good care, the porcelain flower becomes quite large. Completely faded umbels of the plant should be cut off.
Camellia – flower with a rose-like pile
If you love the fragrant roses, you will not get around camellias in the long run. Because with their rose-like pile they open the blossom season in January! To do this, the evergreens from Japan need a bright but cool place between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius in winter. If they are warmer, the flower buds can be shed, which can also involve dry earth or air. Camellias are therefore not suitable for permanent use on the windowsill over the heating.
The geranium family (botanically correct: pelargonium) is incredibly diverse. While varieties with a long-distance effect occupy the best places in the balcony box, eye-catchers with beautiful leaves that are allowed to smell, plus special flowers and a dainty, compact growth are required on the windowsill. Modern potted geraniums can meet these requirements.
There are also specialists: Colorful leaves are an eye-catcher for ornamental geraniums. Noble geraniums stand out with their lush umbels. And fragrant geraniums do have inconspicuous flowers and flowering phases. In return, the leaves reveal their scent at the slightest breeze or bump. They all want to stand by the south window and feel particularly comfortable where most indoor plants are too warm. The winter quarters, on the other hand, should be cool.
Nice-smelling house plants in white
They are a feast for the senses: white flowers not only delight the eye, but also our sense of smell. Because most of the attractive flowers and shrubs give off a pleasant scent. It is the queen of flowers and gives off an intense fragrance: the white lily. Lilies can also be grown in pots and enchant the apartment or balcony with their flowers and aroma. Popular varieties include the: royal and madonna lily.
This immersion in the world of natural scents is a refreshment for body and soul. The cosmetics industry has long been using the extracts of white flowers for precious perfumes. Perfumers’ favorites are lily of the valley, white rose, jasmine and tuberose, from which they conjure up feminine, atmospheric fragrances.
Propagation of indoor plants
Jasmine, gardenia and porcelain flowers are propagated by cuttings. Cut off the shoot tips about 8 cm long and let them take root. The propagation of orchids is rather difficult.
If you want to multiply your plants, I recommend this book. Everything is described there exactly how you have to proceed with the propagation of the plants and what you have to consider when propagating the plants.
Care errors and pests
What all plants have in common is that incorrect care can lead to disease and pest infestation. The requirements of the respective plant species must therefore be strictly observed.
- Location in the respective seasons
- Water and fertilizer applications
- possible cutbacks
- Control for pests
Overwintering that is too warm or too dark can be just as harmful for certain species as excessive watering. Aphids like to attack jasmine and gardenias. Scale insects, mealy bugs and mealy bugs can occur in orchids. The pest infestation can also relate to the substrate. Hyacinths are sometimes attacked by roundworms. In mild cases, especially with aphids, a shower with water or a soap solution is sufficient. However, if there is a stronger infestation, only treatment with appropriate agents from specialist dealers will usually help. Oil-based sprays or chemical agents help against lice in orchids. In any case, prevention is better than cure.
Hobby gardeners who invest a little effort in the care of their plants can often enjoy them for a long time. The fragrant houseplants loosen up everyday life. Not only do they provide eye-catchers in their rooms, they also improve the mood. Who doesn’t wish to have such an oasis of wellbeing in their own four walls?
