How to Grow and Care for Lavender Indoors: A Comprehensive Guide
Growing Lavender Indoors
Lavender, renowned for its fragrant blooms and calming aroma, can be successfully cultivated indoors with proper care. However, since it is not a traditional houseplant, here are the key factors to consider:
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Sunlight: Lavender thrives in bright, sunny conditions. Place it in a south-facing window or provide artificial light with LED grow lights for at least 12 hours daily.
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Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during spring to fall. For late fall through winter, cooler temperatures of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day are ideal.
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Humidity: Lavender prefers low humidity, making it a suitable plant for indoor environments, where humidity levels typically range below 40%.
Care for Indoor Lavender
Watering: Water lavender grown in pots every 10 to 14 days, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Fertilize the plant during spring and summer only, using an organic plant food specifically formulated for containers or a water-soluble plant food solution diluted to half the recommended strength.
Pruning: Regularly prune lavender to encourage new growth and a fuller plant. Cut back stems and branches that have flowered, removing them from the base of the plant.
Container and Soil
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Container: Choose a ceramic or terracotta pot with drainage holes that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the plant’s rootball.
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Soil: Use a well-drained, slightly gritty soil mix specifically designed for indoor lavender. You can create your own mix by combining equal parts of good quality potting soil and cactus soil. Supplementing the soil with limestone can enhance drainage and provide additional calcium.
Potting and Repotting
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Potting: Fill the container with soil, leaving a couple of inches at the top. Gently massage the roots to loosen them, place the plant in the pot, and add more soil to the top, leaving about half an inch between the soil and the top of the pot.
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Repotting: Repot lavender every 1 to 2 years, or when it becomes pot-bound. Use a pot that is one size larger than the previous one.
Moving Lavender Outdoors
Lavender can be moved outdoors in spring and summer, as it is a cold-hardy perennial that can survive outdoors year-round in most climates.
Common Pests and Propagation
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Pests: Whiteflies, spider mites, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs are common pests that may affect lavender.
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Propagation: Lavender is relatively easy to propagate from cuttings taken between June and September.
Additional Tips
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Place lavender away from pets, as it contains linalool, which can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
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Companion plants for lavender include rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.
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To enhance the plant’s health and growth, consider using a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of lavender indoors all year round.
