How to Care for a Potted Lavender Plant

Lavender plants are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor potted plants because of their beautiful flowers, lovely scent, and ease of care. However, if you want to keep your potted lavender healthy and looking its best, you need to follow a few simple guidelines:

1. Choose the Right Pot and Soil

When it comes to pots, lavender plants prefer something on the smaller side. A pot with a diameter of 6-8 inches is ideal. Fill the pot with well-draining soil, such as sandy loam or a commercial potting mix designed for cacti and succulents. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot.

2. Pick a Sunny Spot

Lavender plants love full sun, so make sure to place your potted lavender in a sunny spot. Indoor plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, while outdoor plants need even more. If your outdoor plants are in a hot, dry climate, make sure they have some afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn.

3. Water Regularly, but Not Too Much

One of the biggest mistakes people make with potted lavender is overwatering. Lavender plants prefer dry soil and can withstand drought, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. In general, potted lavender plants need watering once a week. During the winter months, you can reduce watering to once every two weeks.

4. Prune and Deadhead

To keep your potted lavender looking its best and prevent it from getting too leggy, prune it back by about one-third in early spring. You can also remove spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new growth and more blooms.

5. Fertilize Sparingly

Lavender plants don't need a lot of fertilizer, and too much can actually harm them. If you want to fertilize your potted lavender, use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, and cut back to every other month during the winter months.

6. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Lavender plants are fairly pest and disease-resistant, but they can still fall prey to problems like aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble, and address them promptly with an appropriate treatment.

If you follow these simple tips, your potted lavender plant is sure to thrive and bring you joy for years to come.