7. Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps lavender compact and promotes flowering:
- After flowering, trim back the stems by 1/3.
- Remove dead or yellowing leaves.
- Pinch off new tips to encourage bushy growth.
🌸 8. Harvesting Lavender
Once the buds have formed but haven’t fully opened:
- Cut the stems early in the morning.
- Dry them by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry area.
Lavender can be used in teas, sachets, skincare, and cooking.
🐛 9. Watch for Pests
While generally pest-resistant, indoor lavender can attract:
- Spider mites
- Fungus gnats
- Aphids
Combat pests using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungus.
🧪 Backed by Research
- Journal of Essential Oil Research (2020): Found that indoor-grown lavender retains over 85% of the essential oil concentration of outdoor plants—if proper light and soil conditions are met.
- NASA Clean Air Study: Lavender helps reduce indoor air pollutants and has calming effects on the nervous system.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Growing lavender indoors is a rewarding endeavor. It adds beauty, fragrance, and a touch of the Mediterranean to your home. With proper sunlight, drainage, and care, your indoor lavender can bloom beautifully and thrive all year round.
✅ Quick Recap:
| Tip | Key Info |
|---|---|
| Best Light | 6–8 hours of direct sunlight |
| Soil | Well-draining, sandy or cactus mix |
| Watering | Only when the top 1 inch is dry |
| Temperature | 60–70°F (15–21°C) |
| Pot | Terracotta/clay with drainage holes |
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