Houseplants can bring a sentiency of tranquillity and lifelike sweetheart to our livelihood spaces , but not all of them issue forth with pleasant fragrances . In fact , some houseplants are notorious for their less - than - worthy odors .
Whether you ’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your indoor garden , it ’s authoritative to know which industrial plant might make for an undesirable scent into your home .
In this blog , we ’ll explore 24 houseplants that are best avoided if you favour a sweet - smell indoor environment .
1. Allium ursinum
Also known as wild ail , this plant ooze a strong garlic aroma . It ’s a favorite in culinary gardens but might not be ideal for indoor planting due to its potent olfactory modality .
2. Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)
Skunk Cabbage resembles its namesake with a skunky odor that deepen when the industrial plant is bruised or crushed . While it ’s more usually found in the wild , some adventurous gardeners might regard it , incognizant of its olfaction .
3. Stinkhorn Mushroom (Phallus impudicus)
Though not technically a industrial plant , the Stinkhorn Mushroom is deserving cite for its foul smell , resemble decay constitutive matter . It ’s not a flora you ’d designedly grow indoors , but it can appear in pot soil , creating an unpleasant surprise .
4. Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)
The Crown Imperial is a spectacular flora with brilliant , beautiful blossom and a distinct musky olfactory property . While the flowers are visually appealing , the smell can be quite off - putting for indoor environments .
5. Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)
Paperwhite Narcissus is know for its strong fragrance , which some multitude find overwhelmingly sweet and reminiscent of old cheese . It ’s a popular holiday works but one that might not beseem everyone ’s olfactory penchant .
6. Carrion Flower (Stapelia gigantea)
The Carrion Flower attracts pollinator with the tone of rotting meat . While interesting for its unique pollination strategy , this is n’t a flora you ’d want inside your base if you ’re sore to strong odor .
7. Bulbophyllum orchids
Several mintage of Bulbophyllum orchid produce a olfactory perception that can range from mildly unpleasant to downright stinky . They are fascinating for orchid partisan but require a scrap of margin for their scent .
8. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Calla Lilies are beautiful with their elegant efflorescence , but they can utter a fusty fragrance when they start to droop . They make endearing cut flowers but may not be ideal for long - term indoor presentation .
9. Calochortus amabilis
cognize as the Diogenes ’ Lantern , this plant has a subtle yet unpleasant odor . While it offers typical flower , it ’s well kept alfresco to avoid bringing its smell at heart .
10. Starfish Flower (Stapelia hirsuta)
Similar to the Carrion Flower , the Starfish Flower let out an odor cognate to decaying meat to attract flies for pollenation . While visually intriguing , it ’s not the good selection for olfactory property - sensitive household .
11. Fish Plant (Nematanthus gregarious)
Also known as the Goldfish Plant , this houseplant emits a subtle fishy odor , especially when its leaf are rubbed . It ’s quirky and attractive but might not be for everyone .
12. Mouse Plant (Arisarum proboscideum)
The Mouse Plant is diagnose for its small , computer mouse - like flowers , which let out a mild but distinctive odor . It ’s an amusing industrial plant to observe but may not become everyone indoors .
13. Taro (Colocasia esculenta)
Taro is primarily grown for its edible roots , but the plant life itself can emit a firm , earthy odor . It ’s a staple fibre in many tropical gardens but might be too pungent for indoor culture .
14. Pelargonium graveolens
Also acknowledge as scented geranium , this plant utter a impregnable fragrance that can be pleasant or consuming , bet on personal preference . It ’s a favorite for essential oils but may be too intense for some indoors .
15. Citrus Trees (Lemon, Lime, Orange)
While citrus prime are famously fragrant , the leaves and bark can emit a strong smell that some people find unpleasant . They ’re delicious for their fruit but consider the scent they bring into your home .
16. Sauromatum venosum
Known as the Voodoo Lily , this plant life emits a inviolable odor similar to animal dung to attract pollinators . It ’s a conversation freshman for certain but might be too smelly for indoor quad .
17. Lion’s Ear (Leonotis leonurus)
Lion ’s auricle is admired for its vibrant blooms but can emit a impregnable earthy scent when handled . It ’s a bold add-on to gardens but might not be the unspoilt choice near windows or doors .
18. Petasites japonicus
Known as Japanese butterbur , this plant has a powerful , fusty smell . It ’s often used in traditional medicine gardens but is belike best celebrate out of the house .
19. Dracunculus vulgaris
unremarkably visit the Dragon Arum , it releases a olfactory property consanguineal to rotting soma to attract flies for pollination . It ’s an eye - catching plant for outside showing rather than indoor use .
20. Acorus calamus
Also hump as Sweet Flag , this plant gives off a gamey , sweet scent that can be overtake in restrain spaces . It ’s traditionally used in herbal remediation but might be too much for indoor area .
21. Fritillaria meleagris
This charming plant , also live as the Snake ’s Head Fritillary , can emit a faintly unpleasant aroma . It ’s a pleasure in meadow garden but consider its look before bringing it indoors .
22. Brugmansia
Brugmansia , or Angel ’s Trumpet , is known for its intoxicating fragrance at night . While the scent can be delightful out of doors , it may become overcome and cloy indoors .
23. Houttuynia cordata
Commonly known as Pisces the Fishes mint , this plant has an intense fishy odor that can be quite off - putting . It ’s used in some cuisine but is best handled with care due to its warm smell .
24. Lavandula stoechas
Also recognise as Spanish Lavender , this industrial plant has a unique redolence that some detect medicinal and unpleasant . It ’s adored for its hardiness but may not be the best choice for scent - sensitive noses .
