| |
 |
Fragrant House Plants |
 |
 |
| |
Fragrant Flowers
There's a small selection of strongly fragrant floral
house plants. Consider some of the following:
Dwarf citrus: Many varieties of dwarf citrus plants will freely produce intensely fragrant flowers and a small harvest of fruit. The easiest to grow is the kumquat, which bears fruit that resembles a miniature orange. Citrus plants need full winter sun, a comfortable temperature of 18°C/64°F to 20°C/68°F, moist soil and an even fertilizer (10-10-10) once or twice a month.
Jasmine: A plant from Southeast Asia that produces highly aromatic white flowers. It requires a cool environment and at least four hours of bright light from an east- or west-facing window. The soil should be moist but not wet, and the plant fed every two weeks with an even fertilizer during the flowering season. One of its most fragrant varieties is the Jasminium polyanthum.
|
Fig. 3 – Orchid variety:
Zga. Adelaide Meadow x
Z. Conway's Choice. |
|
Orchids:
They have been cultivated for millennia and produce
an endless selection of fragrant flowers. Admittedly,
some orchid species have special care requirements,
but others are relatively simple to grow. Generally,
these plants survive with temperatures of
15°C/60°F
at night and over 21°C/70°F during the day.
They need to be watered once or twice a week during
the growing season. They should be placed in
filtered sunlight. Fertilize using a specially
prepared orchid solution. Remember to check
the specific care instructions for each individual
orchid. |
|
Coffee plant: It's easy to grow and likes the same temperature and light environment as the orchid. The soil should contain some peat and be moist but not soggy. The plant needs to be fed every two weeks with an even, soluble fertilizer. It will produce masses of white, highly scented flowers.
Other examples of fragrant flowering indoor plants include the Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant), Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and Calonyction aculeatum (moonflower).
Fragrant Foliage
There are many plants, especially herbs, which provide rich foliar fragrance. Consider the following:
Basil: All basil plants are fragrant and varieties such as lemon, cinnamon, Greek and Genovese provide specific scents. Basil is easy to cultivate and is happy under a grow light or near a sunny kitchen window. Water early in the morning or at midday - basil does not like to go to bed with wet feet.
Thyme: This herb should be propagated from softwood cuttings. It requires growth conditions similar to basil. Fragrant varieties include orange, lemon, caraway and nutmeg.
Scented Geraniums: They are best grown from cuttings and offer a variety of scents that may include peppermint, nutmeg, apple, lemon, rose and lilac. Their cultivation is much the same as other herb plants.
These examples of house plants are proof that you don't have to go outdoors to cultivate a fragrant garden.
Ron Rossini
Master Gardener |
|
|
|
1 / 2 / 3 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Other Articles from this Issue |
|
|
|
|
