Are you wondering if you can bring the calming scent of lavender into your home? Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant plant that can provide a multitude of benefits both indoors and outdoors.
In this article, youll learn the ins and outs of growing lavender indoors, including the benefits of growing this herb indoors, what you need to know before planting, the types of lavender that do well indoors, the best potting mix, and how much sunlight and water lavender needs.
Youll also learn tips for taking care of indoor lavender.
Ready to get started? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Yes, lavender can be grown indoors.
It requires full sunlight and well-draining soil.
Lavender is also sensitive to over-watering, so it is important to water it only when the soil is dry.
To ensure success, it is best to use a potting soil specifically designed for growing plants indoors.
Benefits of Growing Lavender Indoors
Growing lavender indoors has many benefits.
Not only does it bring a pleasant scent to a room, but it can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
The aroma of lavender has been known to reduce stress and anxiety, making it a great choice for bedrooms or living areas.
Additionally, lavender can help purify the air in your home by removing toxins from the environment.
This can help reduce allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
Furthermore, lavender is a low-maintenance plant, so its a great choice for those who dont have a lot of time or energy to dedicate to gardening.
Finally, lavender is a beautiful plant that can easily liven up any room or space.
The delicate purple flowers and silvery-green foliage are sure to brighten up any room.
What You Need to Know Before Growing Lavender Indoors
Before attempting to grow lavender indoors, it is important to understand the specific needs of this fragrant plant.
Lavender requires well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering to thrive.
If these conditions are not met, your lavender may become susceptible to root rot or other ailments.
When selecting a potting mix for your lavender, look for one that is designed specifically for herbs.
These mixes are formulated to promote drainage and will help to ensure that your lavender receives the proper nutrients.
If you are using an outdoor potting mix, make sure to add a layer of perlite or coarse sand to the bottom of the pot to promote drainage.
In terms of sunlight, lavender requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
If your lavender is not getting enough sunlight, you may notice stunted growth or yellowing of the leaves.
If this is the case, consider supplementing with a grow-light or moving your plant to a sunnier location.
Lastly, lavender needs to be watered regularly.
The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not overly wet.
Too much water can lead to root rot, so be sure to check the soil often to ensure it is not too soggy.
If you are not sure whether your lavender needs water, stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture.
If the soil feels dry, your lavender likely needs water.
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can successfully grow lavender indoors.
With a little bit of care and attention, your lavender will thrive and bring a pleasant scent to your home.
Types of Lavender That Do Well Indoors
When considering growing lavender indoors, it is important to select the right type of lavender for the job.
Most lavender varieties will do well indoors, but some varieties are better suited for indoor growing than others.
For instance, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular choice for indoor gardens due to its compact size.
French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is also a good choice as it can survive in drier conditions than other varieties.
Other popular options include Spanish lavender (Lavandula spica) and the hybrid lavender varieties such as Phenomenal or Provence.
All of these varieties have fragrant blooms that can bring a pleasant scent to any room.
Best Potting Mix for Indoor Lavender
When growing lavender indoors, the most important factor to consider is the potting mix.
Lavender prefers a soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic.
Potting mixes specifically designed for herbs and succulents are ideal, as they provide the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention.
You can also add a bit of sand or perlite to the mix to improve drainage.
For best results, look for a potting mix with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
In addition to a well-draining potting mix, it is important to make sure the pot is large enough for the lavender roots to spread out.
A pot that is too small can cause the roots to become crowded and cause the plant to become stressed.
Make sure to choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the plants root ball.
Finally, lavender does best when the soil is kept slightly moist but not soggy.
To help maintain the right amount of moisture, consider adding a layer of mulch to the top of the soil.
This will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature consistent.
How Much Sunlight Does Lavender Need Indoors?
When growing lavender indoors, the most important factor to consider is the amount of sunlight the plant receives.
Lavender plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so make sure that the area youve chosen to grow your lavender has plenty of natural light.
If youre growing lavender in a container, you can move the pot around to ensure it receives enough sunlight.
If youre growing lavender in a window, draw the curtains or blinds to let the sun in during the day and close them at night to help the lavender get the rest it needs.
If you dont have a window that receives enough sunlight, you can also grow lavender under artificial lights, such as grow lights or fluorescent bulbs.
Make sure the lights are kept at least 8-12 inches away from the lavender to ensure it doesnt get too hot.
Additionally, you should rotate the lavender every couple days to ensure it gets light from all angles.
With the right amount of sunlight, your lavender should stay healthy and vibrant.
How to Water Lavender Inside
When it comes to watering lavender indoors, it is important to strike a balance between over-watering and under-watering the plant.
Too much water can cause root rot and other issues, while too little can lead to wilting and yellowing of leaves.
To ensure your lavender is getting enough water, check the soil every few days.
If the top inch or two is dry, its time to water.
When you do water, make sure to do so deeply and thoroughly.
Allow the water to saturate the soil evenly, and then let the excess drain away.
Depending on the size of the pot, you may need to water more or less frequently.
In general, most lavender plants need to be watered once or twice a week.
It is also important to note that different types of lavender may require different amounts of water.
English lavender, for example, needs less water than other varieties.
Be sure to research the specific type of lavender you have to determine its ideal watering requirements.
Additionally, indoor lavender may need to be watered more often than outdoor plants, as the soil in containers can dry out more quickly.
Finally, its important to be aware of the humidity in your home.
If the air is too dry, the plants may need additional water.
To increase the humidity in your home, you can mist the leaves or place the pot near a humidifier.
Tips for Taking Care of Indoor Lavender
Taking care of an indoor lavender plant can be a rewarding experience and is relatively easy. Here are some tips to help ensure that your plant remains healthy and vibrant:
– Provide the right potting mix. Lavender needs well-draining soil in order to thrive. A potting mix that includes perlite, vermiculite, and compost is ideal for potting lavender indoors.
– Provide adequate sunlight. Lavender requires at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day in order to flourish. If you are unable to provide this amount of sunlight, supplementing with a grow light is recommended.
– Water regularly. Lavender prefers to be kept on the drier side, so water only when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. Aim to water enough that the soil feels moist, but not soggy.
– Prune as necessary. Pruning is important to keep your lavender healthy and looking its best. Cut off dead or damaged stems and leaves, and use sharp pruning shears to shape the plant as desired.
– Fertilize occasionally. Lavender does not require frequent fertilizing, but if you feel your plant needs a boost, use a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of a healthy indoor lavender plant for years to come.
With a bit of care, you can have a beautiful and fragrant lavender plant in no time.
Final Thoughts
Growing lavender indoors is a great way to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of this popular herb all year long.
With a bit of knowledge and the right potting mix, sunlight, and water, you can create a thriving indoor lavender garden.
There are many types of lavender that do well indoors, and with proper care, you can have a stunning indoor lavender plant in no time.
So, if youre looking to bring a pleasant scent and aesthetic to your home, why not give indoor lavender a try?