11 Best Indoor Plants that Smell Good and Freshen Up Your Home

I often describe myself as an “olfactory person” because I have an acute sense of smell. So, when I wanted to make my home smell better, I knew artificial aromas would not work for my nose.

My go-to was finding different fragrance-filled plants to place around my home…and what sensory bliss that provided!

The best indoor plants that smell good include jasmine, lavender, mint, lemon balm, hoya, eucalyptus, Tea Rose Begonia, Bay Laurel, Night-blooming cereus, and citrus trees. When carefully placed and cared for, these fragrant friends will improve your home’s aroma.

11 Fragrant Houseplants that Smell Amazing

Adding plants that smell good to my space made it feel fresher, calmer, and more personalized. Let’s explore the best indoor plants that are easy to care for, look stunning, and smell fantastic—that’s why we’re here!

I’ve curated a special list containing calming scents, floral perfumes, and refreshing mint and citrus aromas. There’s a fragrant friend for every room in your house.

#1. Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

Jasmine is an indoor favorite for its sweet, romantic fragrance. When I was a kid, I had a jasmine outside my bedroom window, and I loved the fragrance it spread indoors.

Part of the olive family, jasmine’s delicate white flowers brighten any space. The flowers release more fragrance at night and can be overpowering if the plant is large.

Place your jasmine plant close to a sunny window for the best growth. Jasmine thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers humid conditions, so mist it occasionally. While it is a joy for the senses, jasmine is toxic to pets if ingested, so you must consider its position in your home carefully.

#2. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias have a rich, floral scent that brings luxurious vibes to a space. These glossy-leaved beauties require bright but indirect sunlight plus consistent moisture to bloom.

Keep gardenias in a bathroom or kitchen to enjoy their fragrance; remember, these plants can be fickle. They require slightly acidic soil and careful attention to watering, but their scent and beauty make it worthwhile.

#3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is one of my favorite calming scents because it really works! I have a little one in a pot in my kitchen, and I frequently pinch its leaves to release its smell or put sprigs in my cupboard to keep it smelling nice. Sometimes, if I struggle to sleep, I’ll even put a sprig in my tea, which knocks me out.

Lavender thrives in bright sunlight and prefers dry, well-draining soil, making it a low-maintenance choice.

Overwatering is its enemy (trust me, it will die with too much water), so let the soil dry between watering. Bonus: lavender repels moths and other pests, so it’s extra helpful.

#4. Mint (Mentha)

A variety of mints are available, but peppermint or spearmint are the most popular indoor plant options. These plants smell refreshing and double as kitchen helpers. Their crisp aroma invigorates, while their edible leaves are great for teas and garnishes (cocktail, anyone?).

Mint loves indirect sunlight and moist soil. Place it on your kitchen windowsill for easy access, and use the leaves before they get too large and rigid.

In the right conditions and left unattended, mint proliferates and can become invasive, so keeping it in a pot helps to contain it.

#5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm’s citrusy scent is a favorite choice for energizing and uplifting a space. This low-maintenance herb thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil. It’s perfect for kitchens or workspaces where its fresh aroma can help boost focus.

Regularly trimming lemon balm encourages bushy growth and ensures you always have fresh leaves for teas or seasoning dishes.

#6. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)

Hoya plants (wax plants) have clusters of waxy, star-shaped flowers that release a sweet yet subtle fragrance. They do well in bright, indirect light and prefer it when the soil dries out between watering; their waxiness helps retain moisture for longer.

Place hoya plants in your living room or hallway to enjoy their unique look and scent. These plants are easy to care for but slow growers, so patience is key.

#7. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)

Eucalyptus is often used in flower arrangements because it brings a refreshing, spa-like aroma indoors. The oils for this woody plant help clear sinuses; some vapor rubs include menthol-eucalyptus oils for this purpose.

While eucalyptus is not pet-safe (unless you have a pet koala and an Australian eucalyptus), its air-purifying qualities and invigorating scent make it a popular choice for indoor plants.

For optimal growth, place your eucalyptus plant in a bright spot, such as a sunroom. Provide well-draining soil and water infrequently.

Bonus: Snip off leaves for DIY potpourri or crush some leaves in boiling water for a facial steam.

#8. Tea Rose Begonia (Begonia fibrous hybrid)

Tea Rose Begonias are a hybrid of the B. nitida odorata plant. They combine delicate beauty with a rose-like scent. These compact plants are perfect for desks and tabletops, and their cute flowers bloom year-round.

Tea Rose Begonias have a soft aroma that isn’t overpowering, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and are sensitive to overwatering, so be sure to keep the soil slightly moist at most.

#9. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Bay laurel (Sweet Bay) adds a subtle aroma to your home and is a favorite in kitchens. This helpful plant has fragrant leaves that are great for cooking and other various uses. Though slow-growing, Sweet Bay is a hardy choice that’s easy to maintain.

This plant thrives in bright light and slightly dry soil. Keep it pruned to encourage new growth and enjoy its multipurpose nature in your home!

#10. Night-Blooming Cereus (Selenicereus grandiflorus)

Night-blooming cereus (Queen of the Night) is a unique cactus that releases a powerful, exotic fragrance when it blooms, typically at night.

A few years ago, I met a chef in a small town in an arid region who made sorbet with Queen of the Night flowers. Oh my, it was delicately delicious!

This drought-tolerant plant loves bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-draining soil, so don’t overwater it. Place yours in a bedroom or living room for an evening surprise.

Night-blooming cereus’ dramatic bloom lasts only one night, making it a thrilling addition to your fragrant plant collection.

#11. Citrus Trees (Rutaceae)

Miniature citrus trees (like lemons or oranges) bring a delightful scent of citrus blossoms indoors. Once, I drove into a town where the citrus orchards were in full bloom; the beautiful fragrance enveloped me—I’ll never forget that.

Citrus plants thrive in bright, sunny spots away from drafts; they require regular watering but hate soggy soil. Mini citrus trees are perfect for kitchens or sunny living rooms where their blossoms fill the air with freshness. As a bonus, you might get some fruit with proper care.

Final Thoughts

Fragrant indoor plants help your home smell good, look beautiful, and be functional in other ways. Whether you want a calming lavender scent in your bedroom or zesty lemon balm in your kitchen, these scented indoor plants enhance your home naturally. Pick one (or a few!) and let their delightful aromas transform your home.

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