Houseplants: Fragrant Greenery for the Novice Planter

House plants have a plethora of uses. From decorating our homes with their effervescent aesthetic to functional air purifiers. If you’re in the market for a fragrant houseplant, keep an eye out for these easy-to-grow varieties. 

Scented Geraniums

Geraniums have long been a staple houseplant. They’re easy to grow, and they offer pretty blooms to passersby. But if you choose a variety of geranium with scented leaves, it can aromatize your home year-round. Scented geraniums come in a lovely assortment, including:

• Orange-scented

• Strawberry-scented

• Peppermint-scented

• Rose-scented

• Pineapple-scented

However, it’s not the bloom of the plant that emits the delightful aroma, but its leaves when they’re disturbed. Keep this plant on a windowsill where you have to brush past it regularly. Every time you disturb the foliage, you’ll be met with a pleasing scent. 

Lavender

Lavender is a type of herb you can use in cooking, but it’s an aromatic as well. Often used in candles and body products, the scent of lavender is good for reducing stress and encouraging sleep. In baby products, it has a calming effect that new parents swear by. 

Lavender makes an easy houseplant and will grow prolifically under ideal conditions. Grow it outside in the garden or bring it into the house for a pleasant way to freshen and scent the air in your living space.

Tea Rose Begonia

The Tea Rose begonia smells delightful, and as a begonia, is relatively easy to propagate as a houseplant. If you give it ideal growing conditions, it will reward you with year-round blooms and a lovely scent. As a houseplant, the Tea Rose begonia prefers only partial sun — the kind found in a window that faces east. You can, however, place your begonia in a south-facing window if you filter the sunlight through a sheer curtain or window blinds. This plant also enjoys temperatures above 70 degrees, as it’s technically a tropical. This means you should allow the soil to dry well between waterings if you want to keep your begonia happy and thriving. 

Cuban Oregano

You can cook with Cuban oregano, or you can grow it simply because it smells amazing. The leaves of Cuban oregano are bright green and slightly fuzzy, which makes them fun to harvest for your favorite pasta sauce or pesto. If you don’t like the taste of this aromatic plant, you can grow it to help eliminate odors in the home. 

Fragrant houseplants are a fine addition to your new home. They’re a simple way to dispel stale odors and raise the quality of your indoor air. So give it a shot and see what benefits you find with these aromatic houseplants.