13 Fragrant Indoor Plants That’ll Make Your Home Smell Like Heaven

Plants are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of something refreshing and full of life. Adding them to your home decor is essential because they provide many benefits like improving your mood, boosting your health, and reducing your stress. Not only that, they can produce marvelous scents that will make you feel like you’re lying on a cloud.

Knowing that indoor plants can provide the best scents and fragrances, we at Bright Side decided to gather a list of the some you should definitely invite into your home.

1. Gardenias smell like perfume.

In the gardening world, the Gardenia has earned the title of one of the most fragrant flowers around, and this comes as no surprise. The fragrance is divine and strong enough to be noticeable. So if you enjoy attractive flowers and unforgettable smells, gardenias are a must-have. Be ready to grow it under the proper conditions like acidic, well-drained soil, morning sun and afternoon shade, and proper fertilization.

A quick tip: Another alternative for a gardenia is Mitriostigma Axillare, the African Gardenia that provides sweetly-scented flowers and is easier to take care of.

2. Geraniums smell like apples.

Geraniums are known for their variety of scents, they can smell like apples, lemons, strawberries, and more. Once you get your first geranium plant, you’ll realize that one fragrance is not enough. The plant can be taken care of by beginners with some light and a well-drained potting mix.

A quick tip: Apple-scented geraniums like the Pelargonium Odoratissimum and Fringed Apple have an amazing apple scent. They form a great combination of beauty and fragrance.

3. Plumerias smell like pineapples.

Also called Frangipani, Plumeria is a stunning tropical plant that can be found in Hawaii. Its unique scent is used for perfumes, candles, and lotions. Essential oils are also extracted from this plant, which offers a variety of fragrances like rose, gardenia, pineapple, plum, citrus, ripe banana, grapes, coconut, ginger, candy, or spices.

A quick tip: Among the different species of this plant, Rubra is considered one of the best choices when it comes to indoor growing.

4. Orchids smell like vanilla and cinnamon.

Orchids aren’t just beautiful-looking plants, they smell amazing too. The plant has a variety of species, each one comes with a different color, size, and scent. However, they have unforgettable fragrances like vanilla, citrus, and more. The best way to care for them is to provide indirect light to them, and enough water (not too much though).

A quick tip: Cattleya Walkeriana is a very fragrant orchid that produces strong vanilla and cinnamon-like fragrance.

5. Jasmine has a sensual-sweet scent.

When looking for fragrant plants, we cannot forget the incredible Jasmine flower which is known for its unique sensual-sweet smell and pretty white blossoms. In terms of its maintenance, Jasmine is not very difficult to grow. A well-drained but moist soil and a sunny window will do the work. Just make sure you take it outdoors from time to time to encourage its growth.

A quick tip: Consider Jasminum Polyanthum as it is the most fragrant Jasmine plant and has a particularly sweet scent, especially at night.

6. Lavender smells like relaxation.

It’s no coincidence that lavender essential oils are used in aromatherapy, as it was proven that inhaling lavender can improve the quality of your sleep. Rather than the oil, you can have the actual plant at home to admire its beautiful purple flowers and smell of sweetness and relaxation. To grow it properly, pick a pot that has an ample drainage hole and make sure there’s excess soil so that it can stay wet. Keep in mind that the result will be worth the effort.

A quick tip: If you choose to reward yourself with a lavender plant, it’s best to go with Lavandula Stoechas ’Anouk’ because it is practical and can fit indoors on a windowsill.

7. Mint has a fresh scent.

Mint is refreshing and deliciously fragrant and, in addition to that, the plant grows in no time and brings nature indoors. Caring for a mint plant isn’t difficult since it’s one of the easiest and most convenient herbs to grow. Mint plants need light, a good potting mix, and enough water to keep the soil evenly moist. Not only this will give a great odor to your home, but it’s also a great herb to add to your meals.

A quick tip: The greatest fragrances come from Spearmint, Peppermint, and Apple Mint.

8. Citrus has a sweet pleasant odor.

If you’re looking for a good dose of freshness, it’s best to consider citrus plants. Whether it’s orange, lemon, or grapefruit, you will not regret having this sweet scent inside your house, however, it can be challenging because it’s a little bit high maintenance. Oranges and grapefruits require high temperatures, while citrus need sunlight for at least 6 hours. Watch out for several conditions that could be a challenge and you’re good to go.

A quick tip: Orange trees are the most strongly-scented flowers and plants among the citrus family and they are also easier to grow and maintain.

9. Eucalyptus smells like mint with a hint of honey.

Eucalyptus plants have no flowers and grow easily. The scent coming from the leaves reminds us of mint with a little bit of honey. Besides the lovely aroma of Eucalyptus inside your house, you can use the leaves to make tea or crush them into a natural soap and scrubs. The beautiful plants are not too difficult to take care of — a good pot where the plant is going to grow is essential in addition to a sunny location and plenty of water.

A quick tip: The most convenient one to grow indoors is the Eucalyptus Gunnii and that is because it doesn’t grow more than 12 — 18 inches a year in a pot. While the plant generally gets bigger in size in no time.

10. Lily of the Valley has a sweet-lemon odor.

This plant will be a pure delight in every corner of your home. It has pure white flowers and a sweet floral scent with hints of lemon. Little did we know that this plant is used as a base ingredient in famous perfumes like Hypnotic-Poison from Dior. This beauty can be grown indoors, however, it requires low temperatures and fresh air.

A quick tip: The only Lily of the Valley that can be grown indoors is Convallaria Majalis, its luminous white color breathes pure elegance.

11. Miniature Roses give off the sweetest fragrance.

We can’t talk about the most beautiful fragrant indoor plants without mentioning miniature roses. They will brighten up any room and spread an unforgettable sweet scent. To give mini roses the appropriate care, raise the humidity around them and give them regular periods of light and darkness.

A quick tip: The most fragrant miniature roses are Scentsational and Sweet Chariot, with the first one capable of filling any room with the sweetest fragrance. Other fragrant mini roses are Jean Kenneally, Winter Magic, Make Believe, Seattle Scentsation, and Sachet.

12. Daffodils have a green-floral scent.

Daffodils or Narcissus are easy to grow and sprout splendid flowers during the spring. Their green-floral scent stands out. Some home fragrances and diffusers even have narcissus oil as a base note. The plant can easily be grown indoors in late winter, in water or soil. Just make sure you chose the right bulb.

A quick tip: Narcissus ’Thalia’ (Triandrus Daffodils) is known as one of the most fragrant daffodils, the plant’s white flowers are heavily scented.

13. Hoyas have a chocolate-y aroma.

Another lovely plant to consider is a Hoya. This one is also called a Wax plant because it has thick waxy leaves. Flowers bloom, ranging from white to pink, and they also produce a scent that smells like heaven. Even though the plant offers many species with different sizes, colors, or blooming conditions, they all dislike direct sun and well-drained soil.

A quick tip: The Hoya Carnosa is known for its chocolate-like fragrance, in addition to being easy to grow indoors.

Do you have a fragrant plant in your house? Which one is your favorite on this list? Tell us in the comments.

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