Some houseplants add beauty, but not all bring a fresh scent. Ever walked into a room and wondered where that odd smell was coming from? It might be your plant. Some are too floral, others too musky, and a few just plain strange.
This list covers 28 houseplants that look amazing but come with a scent you might not love. Plus, a few of the rarest ones that have some of the most unexpected aromas!
1. Skunk Cabbage
The aroma is what hits you first, a pungent, skunky smell that permeates the air. Skunk Cabbage, native to wetland areas, is infamous for its strong scent. The plant’s striking purple spathe and large, leafy greens are mesmerizing. However, that allure comes with a price.
The odor is a natural defense mechanism. It’s quite effective in keeping predators at bay, and unfortunately, house guests too. If you live in a swampy region or love unique-looking plants, you might find its aesthetic appealing, but keep it outside.
2. Corpse Flower
You won’t miss the smell of this one, a striking reminder of rotting flesh. The Corpse Flower, or Amorphophallus titanum, is famous for its scent that mimics decomposition. Despite the unpleasant smell, its bloom is a rare spectacle. The large, funnel-shaped flower can reach over 10 feet tall.
It’s a marvel to behold, attracting thousands when it blooms. Yet, its odor is enough to clear a room in minutes. Usually found in the wilds of Sumatra, it’s best appreciated in open-air botanical gardens.
3. Paperwhite Narcissus
A seemingly innocent and beautiful addition to any household, until the scent begins to dominate. Paperwhite Narcissus is a popular winter houseplant. Its fragrance is strong enough to cause headaches for those sensitive to smells.
While the dainty white flowers add elegance, the overpowering aroma can become overbearing in enclosed spaces. Often used in holiday decorations, they’re best enjoyed outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. For smell-sensitive individuals, opting for another bulb flower might be wise.
4. Crown Imperial
Prepare yourself for an unusual scent, reminiscent of musky wet socks. Crown Imperial is an exotic-looking plant with a distinctive aroma. Its tall, regal stems crowned with vibrant orange or yellow flowers make it a garden favorite. However, the smell is not for everyone.
The scent is noticeable especially when the plant is disturbed. While some gardeners may appreciate its unique fragrance, others might find it rather unpleasant. It’s a conversation starter for sure, but maybe not indoors.
5. Stinking Iris
Expect an unexpectedly pungent experience, akin to roasted beef with a hint of garlic. Stinking Iris looks unassumingly beautiful with its purple blooms. But when the leaves or berries are crushed, the odor is released. It serves as a natural deterrent for animals.
Despite its beauty, this plant’s scent is not for the faint-hearted. It’s better suited for an outdoor garden where it can be appreciated from a distance. Its unique fragrance might intrigue some, but be cautious about placing it too close.
6. Hoya Carnosa
The smell is intoxicatingly sweet, sometimes too much for the indoors. Hoya Carnosa, often called the wax plant, is adored for its attractive foliage and pink star-like blooms. However, its powerful fragrance can fill an entire room. While some people love its rich smell, others find it overwhelming.
Known for being hard to kill and easy to grow, it’s a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. Just be wary of its strong scent and place it in a well-ventilated area.
7. Star Jasmine
The scent is alluring, yet can become cloying in closed spaces. Star Jasmine is celebrated for its beautiful, star-like flowers that emit a potent fragrance. While it’s perfect for adding charm to outdoor spaces, indoors it might be too much.
Its scent can be overwhelming, especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms. Despite its captivating appearance, it’s better suited for the garden or balcony. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, consider enjoying this plant from afar.
8. Gardenia
Its fragrance is sweet yet heady, a classic for floral lovers. Gardenia is a beloved plant known for its stunning white flowers and strong scent. While many adore its aroma, it can become overpowering indoors. The scent lingers, filling rooms with its intense bouquet.
Best grown in bright, humid environments, it’s a high-maintenance beauty. Perfect near windows or in greenhouses, but reconsider placing it in bedrooms or small spaces. For those who appreciate strong floral fragrances, it’s a keeper with caution.
9. Night-Blooming Jasmine
Prepare for an olfactory surprise come evening. Night-Blooming Jasmine, as its name suggests, releases its fragrance at night. This can be enchanting outdoors but overwhelming indoors. Its small, white flowers are unassuming but potent, filling a space with a heavy, sweet aroma.
Consider this plant for your garden if you love strong, nocturnal fragrances. It thrives in warm climates, perfect for moonlit gardens. Just avoid keeping it indoors or near open windows at night if you’re sensitive to smells.
10. Hyacinth
The fragrance is unmistakable, a rich sweetness that can fill any room. Hyacinths are loved for their clusters of colorful blooms and intoxicating aroma. While they add a pop of color, their powerful fragrance can be too much in enclosed spaces.
Often used in gardens and parks, they’re best appreciated where the scent can disperse naturally. If you’re scent-sensitive, enjoy these blooms from a distance. Ideal for springtime gardens, they bring joy with a hint of caution.
11. Easter Lily
Easter Lily is cherished for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and sweet aroma. Its fragrance is associated with spring and renewal, often used in holiday decorations. The scent is pure and potent, perfect for celebrations, but maybe not for bedrooms.
However, indoors, it can be overwhelming. The strong scent, combined with pollen, might not be suitable for everyone. If you love the look but find the smell too much, consider displaying it outside or in larger, open rooms. Perfect for porches or as an outdoor centerpiece.
12. Lilies
Expect a floral explosion that can be both delightful and overpowering. Lilies are popular for their stunning flowers and strong fragrance. While beautiful, their scent can dominate a space. Commonly used in floral arrangements, they’re better suited for well-ventilated areas.
The pollen can also be an issue for allergy sufferers. If you love lilies, try placing them in areas where their aroma can dissipate. Perfect for patios or open gardens, where their beauty can shine without overwhelming your senses.
13. Tuberose
The scent is intoxicating, almost narcotic, sometimes more than you bargained for. Tuberose is known for its creamy blooms and rich fragrance. Often used in perfumes, its scent is powerful. While some adore it, others find it too intense for small spaces.
If you’re sensitive to strong smells, consider this plant for your outdoor spaces. Its beauty shines in the garden, where the fragrance can spread naturally. A lovely choice for those who appreciate bold aromas with a hint of caution.
14. Plumeria
The smell is sweet and reminiscent of tropical vacations, but not always welcome indoors. Plumeria, famous for its vibrant flowers, emits a lovely fragrance. While it brings a touch of the tropics to your garden, indoors it can be overwhelming.
Its scent can quickly fill a room, making it too intense for many. Best suited for outdoor spaces where you can enjoy its beauty and aroma without confines. Perfect for patios or as a garden centerpiece, bringing a taste of paradise to your home.
15. Orchid Cactus
The aroma is unexpected, sometimes too strong for the indoors. Orchid Cactus is adored for its large, vibrant flowers and unique growth habit. However, its scent can be overpowering. Best known for its trailing stems, it’s a favorite for hanging baskets.
While it adds beauty and intrigue, consider its placement carefully. The fragrance might be too intense for small spaces. Ideal for outdoor areas or large rooms with plenty of air circulation. A striking plant that requires thoughtful positioning.
16. Carob Tree
The Carob Tree is admired for its lush foliage and nutritious pods, often used as a cocoa substitute. However, the tree emits a sour odor, particularly noticeable during blooming.
While its fruit is a staple in health foods, its scent can be challenging to endure indoors. Placing it outside might help keep your living space smell-free while still enjoying its benefits.
17. Cymbidium Orchid
The scent is a sweet, refreshing surprise, yet can be too much in abundance. Cymbidium Orchids are cherished for their elegant blooms and lovely fragrance. While their scent is generally pleasing, it can become overpowering indoors. Best enjoyed in moderation, these orchids are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to larger rooms.
They thrive in humid environments, making them ideal for greenhouses or conservatories. Consider their placement carefully if you’re sensitive to floral scents. A stunning plant that requires strategic positioning.
18. Stephanotis
The fragrance is heady and sweet, reminiscent of weddings and romance. Stephanotis, also known as Madagascar Jasmine, is loved for its beautiful, fragrant blooms. While its scent is often associated with bridal bouquets, it can be overpowering indoors.
The waxy, white flowers emit a potent aroma that fills a room quickly. Best suited for outdoor spaces or well-ventilated areas. If you love its romantic scent, consider placing it near open windows or in a garden setting. A captivating plant that requires thoughtful placement.
19. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are known for their colorful flowers and versatility. While they bring cheer to gardens, their scent can be overpowering indoors. Often used in floral arrangements, they’re best appreciated in open spaces.
The fragrance can be strong, especially in enclosed areas. If you’re sensitive to smells, consider using them outdoors. Perfect for adding color to patios or gardens, where their beauty can be enjoyed without overwhelming your senses.
20. Lavender
The scent is calming yet potent, sometimes too intense for closed spaces. Lavender is adored for its soothing aroma and purple blooms. While many use it for relaxation, the fragrance can be overwhelming indoors. Often used in sachets and perfumes, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Ideal for gardens or as an accent in outdoor spaces. If you love its calming properties, consider growing it where the scent can disperse naturally. A beautiful plant that requires careful placement to avoid overwhelming your senses.
21. Calochortus
Calochortus, known for its striking tulip-like blossoms, can be a joy to the eyes but not necessarily a delight to the nose. Its flowers exude a musky scent, resembling an old basement, which can become overpoweringly unpleasant in confined spaces. Despite its visual appeal, its odor may deter you from keeping it indoors for too long.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil under full sun, rewarding gardeners with vibrant blooms. However, cultivating it outside might be preferable unless you are immune to its distinctive aroma.
22. Scented Geranium
The smell can be delightful or overpowering, depending on your sensitivity. Scented Geraniums are adored for their aromatic foliage and charming flowers. While their scent is often pleasant, it can become too strong in enclosed spaces.
Best appreciated outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. If you’re sensitive to strong smells, consider their placement carefully. Perfect for adding a touch of fragrance to gardens or patios. Enjoy their delightful aroma with the consideration of your space.
23. Heliotrope
The fragrance is sweet and vanilla-like, sometimes overwhelming in abundance. Heliotropes are known for their lovely blooms and intoxicating scent. While their aroma is often enjoyed, it can become overpowering in closed spaces.
Ideal for gardens where the scent can disperse naturally. If you love sweet fragrances, consider growing them in outdoor spaces. Their beauty shines in sunny corners, adding charm to any garden. Enjoy their enticing aroma with a touch of caution.
24. Philodendron
Surprisingly, some varieties come with a musty, earthy scent. Philodendrons are popular for their lush foliage and easy care. While most are odorless, some emit a strong, musty odor. Ideal for adding greenery to homes, but consider the variety.
If you notice an unpleasant smell, try relocating it outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Perfect for adding a tropical touch to patios or spacious rooms. Enjoy their greenery with attention to their variety-specific aromas.
25. Rubber Plant
Typically, these have a mild scent, but some types can emit a strong, rubbery odor. Rubber Plants are loved for their bold foliage and easy maintenance. While generally odorless, certain conditions can intensify their scent. Ideal for bright indoor spaces or patios.
If you notice an unusual smell, ensure proper ventilation. Perfect for adding a touch of green without overwhelming scents. Enjoy their bold presence with a nod to their care requirements.
26. Petunias
Their scent can be a surprise, sometimes too strong for sensitive noses. Petunias are celebrated for their colorful blooms and garden versatility. While they bring vibrancy to gardens, their scent can be overpowering indoors. Often used in hanging baskets, they’re best appreciated outdoors.
The fragrance can be strong, especially in enclosed areas. If you’re sensitive to smells, consider using them in open spaces. Perfect for adding color to balconies or gardens, where their beauty can be enjoyed without overwhelming.
27. Angel Trumpet
Its scent is sweet yet powerful, often too much for confined spaces. Angel Trumpet, or Brugmansia, is known for its stunning flowers and potent fragrance. While its aroma is often enjoyed, it can become overwhelming indoors.
Best suited for gardens where the scent can disperse naturally. If you love fragrant flowers, consider growing them outdoors. Their beauty shines in garden landscapes, adding charm and allure. Enjoy their enticing aroma with a touch of caution.
28. Daphne
The fragrance is lovely yet strong, perfect for open spaces. Daphne is adored for its beautiful blooms and sweet scent. While its aroma is pleasing, it can become overpowering indoors. Best enjoyed in gardens where the scent can disperse naturally.
If you love its fragrance, consider growing it near entryways or patios. Their beauty adds charm to any garden landscape, making them a delightful addition. Enjoy their lovely aroma with the consideration of your space.
29. Osmanthus
The aroma is a mix of apricot and vanilla, sometimes too intense for inside. Osmanthus is known for its sweet fragrance and charming flowers. While its scent is often enjoyed, it can become overpowering indoors. Ideal for gardens where the fragrance can spread naturally.
If you appreciate sweet aromas, consider growing them outdoors. Their beauty shines in garden landscapes, adding a touch of elegance. Enjoy their lovely scent with a touch of caution.
30. Mock Orange
The scent is a burst of citrus, lovely but strong. Mock Orange is loved for its beautiful blooms and refreshing fragrance. While its aroma is often enjoyed, it can become overwhelming indoors. Best suited for gardens where the scent can disperse naturally.
If you love citrus fragrances, consider growing them outdoors. Their beauty shines in garden landscapes, adding charm and allure. Enjoy their refreshing aroma with a hint of caution.
31. Sweet Alyssum
The fragrance is sweet and honey-like, delightful yet sometimes too much for indoors. Sweet Alyssum is known for its charming blooms and lovely aroma. While its scent is pleasing, it can become overpowering in closed spaces. Best enjoyed in gardens where the fragrance can disperse naturally.
If you appreciate sweet-smelling flowers, consider growing them outdoors. Their beauty adds charm to walkways and borders. Enjoy their delightful aroma with the consideration of your space.