How To Maintain A Lavender Plant Indoors?

Lavender, a fragrant and colorful plant, can be grown indoors for a touch of color and warmth. To take care of lavender plants, they should be planted in well-draining soil with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Water them sparingly and choose compact varieties that are suitable for terracotta or ceramic pots. Plant the soil in an alkaline state, avoid cold air drafts, and prune twice per year.

Lavender prefers a low-humidity climate, which makes it ideal for growing indoors. For optimal indoor growing conditions, keep indoor temperatures between 60℉ degrees to 70℉ during the day and at least 10 degrees cooler. Provide plenty of sunlight, with at least three to four hours of direct light every day. A south-facing window is a prime option for indoor lavender plants.

Pot the plant in quick-draining soil, as it thrives in well-draining, sandy soil. Set the plant outside in full sun and let it dry out between watering. Make sure the soil is well-draining and sandy to ensure its health and growth.

In summary, lavender plants are a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden, but they require proper care to thrive indoors. To ensure their health, choose compact varieties, opt for terracotta or ceramic pots, plant in well-drained soil, make the soil alkaline, avoid cold drafts, prune twice per year, and provide ample sunlight.

Should I trim my indoor lavender plant?

It is of the utmost importance to perform regular pruning in order to ensure optimal growth of the lavender plant. However, it is often challenging to address the issue of neglecting a plant that has been allowed to go unmaintained. In the event that the plant has been allowed to languish, it is more straightforward to replace it with seeds, plug plants, or potted plants that are ready for cultivation.

Why is my indoor lavender plant dying?

Lavender growing in pots requires special care due to various factors such as over or underwatering, inconsistent soil, too little sunlight, and need for fertilization. Cold temperatures can also affect potted lavender, so it’s recommended to protect it by moving it into a garage, covering it, or mulching heavily. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves, drooping, rotting odor, and sodden soil. Both potted and earth-grown lavender can be affected by these issues, and it’s essential to follow the Gardening Know How newsletter for more DIY projects.

What does overwatered lavender look like?

Lavender plants are known for their disdain for wet feet, which can lead to yellowing or browning leaves and root rot. Overwatering can cause the plant to become soggy, causing it to droop and become distressed. To maintain healthy growth, lavender plants need sunlight and drainage. Poor drainage can be a significant issue, as it acts as a wet blanket for roots, suffocating and stunting growth. To address this, lavender plants should be given a drainage intervention, such as adding sand or gravel to the soil and providing clear escape routes for excess water. Balancing water, sun, and nutrients is crucial for lavender’s upright and thriving growth.

How to keep fresh lavender alive?

Lavender, picked fresh from the field, can be enjoyed in a vase with half an inch of water, replacing the water daily. After a few days, it’s best to dry the bouquet to ensure its longevity. Another option is to hang the bouquet in your shower, releasing the lavender scent for a relaxing shower experience. To dry the bouquet, cut off the stems, wrap the rubber band around them, unfold the paper clip into an “s” shape, and hang upside down in a dark room. This helps retain the color and takes at least a few days to dry completely.

Why is my lavender dying after repotting?

Lavender plants may experience stress after repotting, leading to yellowing or wilting leaves. These signs should resolve after a few weeks. If the leaves don’t, check the soil and roots for dryness and consider adding sphagnum moss or a water-holding medium. If the lavender is getting too much or too little water, it may cause root rot, wilting stems, and browning foliage. Trim off affected roots, improve drainage, and replant in a suitable location.

How to keep lavender smelling?

To preserve dried lavender, use zip lock bags or airtight containers, away from light, heat, and humidity. This will help preserve the fragrance and prevent mold. Lavender will keep a strong scent for a season when dried, but proper storage and care can extend its life up to 10 years. To prolong the scent, add lavender essential oil to the flowers and squeeze or crush them to release their scent. For more information on preserving dried lavender or fresh lavender for sale, contact McKinley Lavender Farm. Remember to keep the lavender scented for longer by following these simple steps.

Why is lavender so hard to keep alive?

Lavender planting requires full sun, as lavender thrives in heat, light, and semi-dry conditions. Planting in shade results in lop-sided growth with blooms favoring the bright side. Too little sun can lead to too much water, which can cause Phytophthora, a serious disease that affects most lavenders. Some lavenders, like Grosso and Provence lavendins, are semi-resistant to Phytophthora, but water still kills by destroying roots.

The planting site should be sandy with little to no clay, creating an impermeable barrier that holds water like a bowl under the plant. If clay is present, dig a hole at least two feet deep and wide and amend the soil with sandy loam.

Do you cut off dead lavender flowers?

The removal of lavender flowers in late summer results in the stimulation of a second, smaller bloom in early autumn. This differs from pruning, which involves the removal of spent flowers for the purpose of enhancing the plant’s appearance and stimulating further blooming. The practice of deadheading is a more efficacious method for the removal of faded blooms.

Is lavender hard to keep alive inside?

While it is not optimal to cultivate lavender indoors, it is possible to do so with the appropriate conditions, particularly if the objective is to sustain the plant through the winter months before returning it to an outdoor setting in the spring.

How do you care for indoor lavender?

Lavender plants grown in pots require more watering than those in garden beds, typically every 10-14 days. Check soil moisture before watering, and fertilize only during spring and summer using organic plant food or water-soluble plant food solution. Pruning lavender plants after the first flowering in spring and again in the fall promotes new growth and a fuller plant. Use organic plant food or water-soluble plant food solution at half the recommended strength.