The Sweet Smell of Success
While decorating for the holiday season this year, why not try perfuming your indoors naturally?
There are a variety of houseplants that produce fragrant blooms, many of them scenting the indoors throughout the year.
“Given the right conditions, many houseplants will produce fragrant blooms almost continuously,” said Debbie Lavoie, head grower for Logee’s Greenhouses in Danielson, Conn., a mail-order company that specializes in houseplants.
“Having fragrant plants indoors is a delightful experience, providing continual aromatherapy and awakening your senses,” Lavoie said.
Virginie Elbert agrees.
The founder of the Indoor Gardening Society of America Inc. grows many plants in her New York City high-rise, but she prefers fragrant bloomers.
“My orange jasmine [Murraya paniculata] not only has a heavenly orange blossom aroma, but the plant is festive because it produces long-lasting little red berries,” she said.
If cared for properly, fragrant bloomers will do well indoors, said Michael Kartuz, owner of Kartuz Greenhouses, a Vista mail-order company that carries houseplants.
“Give them what they want and blooming plants will fill your home with pleasant aromas--you won’t need air fresheners again,” he said.
Here are a few tips:
* Watch the lighting. One of the most critical aspects of getting plants to bloom indoors is providing them with appropriate light. Some bloomers require a bright, sunny window, while others need some filtration. Check into the light requirements of each plant when you buy it. Consider providing supplemental lighting if you live in a dark home.
* Water properly. Houseplants need a delicate balance of just enough water, which will vary according to the plant. In general, most indoor plants like to approach dryness before watering. Test the soil with a moisture meter, your finger or by lifting the pot. If the container is lightweight, it’s probably time to water.
Keep in mind that unlike outdoor plants, which usually need more watering in summer, houseplants tend to get thirsty in heated homes during winter.
* Provide humidity. Many houseplants are tropical, humidity-loving plants. The air inside our homes tends to be dry, though, especially when heated. To provide moist conditions for your plants, place pebbles or marbles in waterproof plant saucers and fill halfway with water. Then place the plants on top, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the pots. You can also mist your plants on a regular basis, or group them, which boosts humidity.
* Fertilize lightly. While blooming houseplants do need fertilizer to flower, it’s important not to overfeed them, which can lead to burn. Fertilize with a diluted (quarter-strength) fertilizer once a month or every time you water.
* Watch for pests. Houseplants fall victim to a few pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids. These pests are voracious eaters, and indoors is a nice, warm, protected environment where they thrive and can quickly multiply.
At the first sign of trouble, remove affected plants and treat them.
Resources
* Indoor Gardening Society of America, https://www.indoorgarden.org. Dues are $10 a year and include a subscription to a monthly newsletter on growing houseplants. Send check to 63 Ave. A., Apartment 19A, New York, NY 10009.
* Kartuz Greenhouses, 1408 Sunset Drive, Vista, CA 92083, (760) 941-3613 or e-mail: MikeKartuz@aol.com.
* Logee’s Greenhouses, 141 North St., Danielson, CT 06239-1939, (888) 330-8038 or https://www.logees.com.
