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Lavender, known for its soothing fragrance and delicate purple blooms, is a beloved herb that can also thrive as a houseplant. Growing lavender indoors allows you to enjoy its calming scent and beauty year-round. With proper care, your plant can flourish inside your home. Here’s how to keep your lavender houseplant healthy and vibrant.
Lavender thrives in bright, direct sunlight and requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Place your houseplant near a south-facing window for the best light exposure. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light to ensure your plant gets the energy it needs.
Lavender prefers to stay on the dry side, so avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Ensure your pot has drainage to prevent root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows.
Lavender requires a well-draining, slightly alkaline soil to thrive. Use a cactus or succulent potting soill mix, or create your own by mixing regular potting soil with sand or perlite. Adding a small amount of lime to the soil can help maintain the slightly alkaline pH lavender prefers.
Lavender grows best in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It prefers low humidity, making it ideal for most indoor environments. Avoid placing your plant near humidifiers or in overly damp areas like bathrooms. Keep it away from cold drafts or heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant.
Lavender is a light feeder and doesn’t require heavy fertilization. Feed your plant with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing hour plant, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Regular pruning helps lavender maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. Trim back the plant after it flowers to remove spent blooms and prevent it from becoming woody. Be cautious not to cut into the woody stems, as this can damage the plant.
Lavender grows slowly indoors, so repotting is only necessary every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage, and refresh the soil to provide new nutrients.
Lavender is mildly toxic to pets if ingested, as it contains compounds like linalool that can cause digestive upset in cats and dogs. Keep your plant out of reach of curious pets to ensure their safety.