Lavender Plant Indoors: Expert Tips for Successful Growing

Growing plants indoors has become a popular trend, and one of the best choices for adding charm and serenity to your home is the classic lavender plant. Not only does it bring a touch of natural beauty inside, but a potted lavender also fills the air with its soothing fragrance and beautiful flowers. While you may not typically think of lavender as a traditional houseplant, it can be a wonderful addition to any home.

But…growing lavender indoors can be a challenging task, and it’s not recommended for those who are not willing to put in the effort. Like other Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and thyme, lavender requires specific conditions to thrive indoors, especially during winter. The plant may struggle and fail to grow properly if these conditions are unmet.

The following article will provide you with all that information in detail so you know what is required to grow lovely lavender indoors.

Lavender plant indoors in a small pot in full bloom against a bright white background.

Table of Contents

Can You Grow Lavender Indoors? Expert Tips for Healthy Plants

Growing lavender indoors may seem challenging, but with the right tips and information, you can create a thriving environment for these fragrant plants. Here are some expert advice to help you successfully grow lavender indoors:

Key Tips for Creating the Ideal Environment For Indoor Lavender

Sunlight: Lavender plants need plenty of sun, so put them near a south-facing window where they are sure to get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature: Lavender prefers cooler temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid placing your plants in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations or drafts.
Humidity: Lavender thrives in low-humidity environments, so avoid placing them in rooms with high moisture levels, like bathrooms or kitchens.
Watering: It’s important not to overwater lavender plants as they prefer drier soil conditions. Allow the top inch or so of soil to completely dry out before watering.
Potting Soil: Use well-draining soil specifically formulated for herbs or succulents to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot. Soil is usually a mix of soil, sand, peat or coconut choir, and vermiculite. Additionally, it is important to note that lavender can benefit from using compost to enhance its growth.

Learn More: See our complete guide on how to grow lavender from seed.

Challenges and Rewards

Growing lavender indoors has challenges, but the rewards are well worth it. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Challenges:

Limited space: Lavender plants can grow large outdoors so indoor cultivation may require regular pruning. To learn how to prune your lavender varieties correctly, check our post on the right way and time to prune lavender.
Pest control: Indoor pests like aphids and spider mites can still threaten your lavender plants. The links above will take you to organic guides to help you manage any pest infestations you may have on your indoor lavender.
Flowering: Lavender may flower less abundantly indoors compared to outdoor conditions.

Rewards:

Fragrance: Enjoy the soothing scent of lavender throughout your home.
Decorative element: Lavender adds beauty and elegance to any indoor space.
Therapeutic benefits: Lavender is known for its wonderful calming properties and can help create a relaxing atmosphere.

Growing lavender indoors may require extra effort, but with the right conditions and care, you can cultivate healthy plants that will add beauty and fragrance to your home. So try it, and enjoy the rewards of having lavender plants indoors!

Lavender in a pot growing indoors. The plant is small with tiny flowers but in full bloom and vibrantly purple.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Growing Lavender Indoors

Following some essential dos and don’ts is crucial for successful indoor lavender cultivation. By avoiding common mistakes and providing optimal care, you can promote the growth and health of your indoor lavender plants.

DO Choose The Best Varitietes For Indoor Cultivation

Choose a suitable variety: Opt for compact types like English or French lavender for indoor growing.

Munstead – This English lavender is a popular choice for indoor growing due to its compact, bushy size and fragrant blossoms.
Silver Anouk – Silver Anouk features attractive silver foliage and vibrant purple flowers, making it a lovely addition to indoor settings.
Goodwin Creek Grey – This French lavender is known for its gray-green leaves and sweet scent, making it an excellent option for indoor containers.
Hidcote Blue – A compact variety of English lavender, ‘Hidcote Blue’ is well-suited for indoor cultivation and is often used for its aromatic qualities.
Mini Blue – As the name suggests, this lavender cultivar is small and ideal for indoor pots or containers.
Thumbelina Leigh – Another compact English lavender, ‘Thumbelina Leigh’ is perfect for small indoor spaces.
Little Lottie – This diminutive lavender variety is an excellent choice for those looking to grow lavender indoors with limited space.
Ellagance Pink – ‘Ellagance Pink’ lavender is a compact, fragrant variety with lovely pink flowers.

Do Learn How to Provide Optimal Care

Monitor temperature: Lavender prefers temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C) during daylight hours and slightly cooler at night.
Promote air circulation: Good airflow prevents the development of fungal diseases, so ensure proper ventilation around your lavender plants.
Consider supplemental lighting: If you don’t have access to sufficient natural sunlight, supplement it with grow lights to meet your lavender plant’s light requirements.

By following these “do’s”, you can create an ideal environment for your indoor lavender plants to thrive and fill your home with their delightful fragrance. Now for some “don’ts”!

Don’t Make Common Mistakes That Hinder Growth and Health

Avoid excessive watering: Too much water will suffocate the plant’s roots and cause them to rot, leading to plant death.
Refrain from over-fertilizing: Lavender is a low-nutrient plant, so that excessive fertilization can harm its growth. Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly.
Refrain from overcrowding: Give your lavender plants enough space to grow by planting them at least 12 inches apart.
Don’t neglect pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and vigor of your lavender plant while preventing leggy growth.

Vintage style flower pot and potted lavender plants growing indoors on a cement table.

Maintaining the Right Temperature and Humidity for A Lavender Plant Indoors

To ensure the health and vitality of your indoor lavender plants, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. Let’s explore some key points to consider:

Ideal Temperature Range for Indoor Lavender Plants

Indoor lavenders thrive in temperatures that mimic their natural habitat. During the growing season, which typically spans spring and summer, aim for indoor temperatures that range between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius). This temperature range provides the ideal conditions for growth and flowering.

In contrast, during the dormant period in fall and winter, lavender plants prefer cooler temperatures ranging from 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit (4-10 degrees Celsius). These colder temperatures help simulate winter dormancy and prepare them for new growth when spring arrives.

The Impact of Humidity on Indoor Lavender Plants

Maintaining proper humidity levels is equally essential for indoor lavenders. These plants originate from Mediterranean regions with low humidity, so they prefer drier environments.

To regulate humidity around your lavender plants:

Avoid placing them near humidifiers or areas with excessive moisture.
Provide good air circulation by using fans or opening windows periodically.
Consider using a dehumidifier if you live in a room with high humidity.

Lavender herb plant in flower growing in a terracotta pot, over white background.

Protecting Your Indoor Lavender Plant from Extreme Temperature Fluctuations

Lavender plants are sensitive to drastic temperature changes. Rapid fluctuations can stress the plant and lead to poor growth or even death. Here are some tips to protect your lavenders:

Avoid placing the potted lavender near drafty windows or doors where they may be exposed to cold drafts.
Shield the pot from direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents.
Use insulating materials such as curtains or bubble wrap during colder months to protect against chilly temperatures.

By maintaining optimal temperature ranges throughout different seasons and regulating humidity effectively, you can create a favorable environment for your indoor lavender plants to thrive.

Pot of blooming lavender in a small terracottta pot indoors.

Fertilizing A Lavender Plant Indoors: Best Practices

The frequency of fertilizer application depends on various factors, such as the fertilizer used, plant age, and environmental conditions. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to fertilize indoor lavender plants once a year in spring.

Remember always to follow the instructions provided by the fertilizer manufacturer and adjust fertilization practices based on your specific plant’s needs.

Enjoying the Benefits of Growing A Lavender Plant Indoors

So why wait? Start your journey of growing lavender indoors today! You can create a serene oasis in your home with care and attention. Imagine stepping into a room enveloped in the soothing scent of lavender, its delicate purple blooms brightening up even the gloomiest days. Embrace the sense of accomplishment of nurturing these beautiful plants and reap the benefits they offer – from calming aromatherapy to culinary delights.

Learn More About Growing, Caring, and Utilizing Lavender

We love growing lavender, one of our favorite flowers, and we have found countless uses around the garden and our home, so we try to grow as much as we can no matter where we live.

We’ve grown lavender in spots in Canada where no one should even try, and we grew it successfully after many failed attempts. But now we’re sharing what we know to save you all that hassle. To get you started, here are a few of our most popular lavender posts:

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