Lavender, a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean, thrives in conditions difficult to replicate indoors: intense sunlight, low humidity, and well-draining soil. Successfully keeping lavender alive indoors requires mimicking its arid, outdoor habitat. This framework provides the necessary environmental and maintenance adjustments to help this aromatic shrub flourish inside your home.
Providing Adequate Light and Airflow
The single most important requirement for indoor lavender is intense light, which dictates the plant’s health and ability to flower. Lavender demands a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain compact, vigorous growth. Placing the pot directly in a south-facing window offers the best chance of meeting this requirement in the Northern Hemisphere.
If natural light is insufficient, supplemental lighting becomes necessary to prevent the plant from becoming weak and “leggy.” A full-spectrum LED grow light, typically rated between 20 to 40 watts, should be positioned a few inches above the foliage for 12 to 14 hours per day. Consistent light exposure ensures the plant receives the energy needed for photosynthesis and essential oil production.
Lavender requires cool temperatures and constant air movement. Ideal conditions involve daytime temperatures around 65–75°F, paired with cooler nights, preferably dropping to 55–65°F. This temperature differential supports its natural growth cycle.
Airflow is necessary to discourage fungal diseases, which lavender is susceptible to in still, humid indoor air. Running a small oscillating fan on a low setting near the plant for several hours daily mimics a natural breeze. This gentle circulation helps dry the foliage quickly and strengthens the plant’s stems.
Choosing the Right Soil and Watering Schedule
The greatest threat to indoor lavender is root rot, making the choice of potting medium and container paramount. Lavender requires an extremely porous, gritty soil mix that drains almost instantly to prevent waterlogging. A blend of one-third potting soil, one-third perlite or pumice, and one-third coarse sand or horticultural grit creates the necessary aeration.
The soil should be slightly alkaline, maintaining a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5, typical of its native habitat. Using a porous container, such as unglazed terracotta, is beneficial because it allows excess moisture to evaporate through the pot’s walls. The container must have a large drainage hole, and the plant’s crown should be set slightly above the soil line to keep the base dry.
Watering must be deep but infrequent, adhering to the plant’s drought-tolerant nature. The best practice is to saturate the soil completely until water flows freely from the drainage hole, then immediately empty the saucer. Do not water again until the top two to three inches of the potting mix are completely dry to the touch, and the pot feels noticeably lighter.
During the active growth phase in spring and summer, watering may occur every one to two weeks, but frequency drops significantly in cooler months. Overwatering is a more common cause of failure than underwatering, so err on the side of dryness. Apply water directly to the soil, avoiding the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal issues.
Long-Term Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular pruning is necessary to keep indoor lavender compact and to encourage fresh, dense growth. The best time to prune is immediately after the plant finishes its main flush of blooms. Cut back up to one-third of the green, leafy growth, being careful to avoid cutting into the old, woody base of the plant.
Lavender benefits from a period of winter dormancy, which supports long-term health and prepares it for spring flowering. Move the plant to the coolest, brightest location during late fall and winter. The ideal winter temperature range is cooler nights (45–50°F) and daytime temperatures between 60–65°F.
If leaves begin to turn yellow, it signals a problem with hydration or light exposure. Limp, yellowing lower leaves often indicate overwatering and root stress, requiring an immediate pause in watering and increased airflow. Conversely, insufficient light causes the plant to stretch, resulting in pale, spindly growth.
Indoor lavender can occasionally attract pests, most commonly spider mites, which thrive in dry indoor air. Inspecting the undersides of leaves regularly allows for early detection of these tiny arachnids. Should an infestation occur, gently rinsing the plant with water and treating the leaves with a diluted insecticidal soap can manage the issue.