comScore
CASACOR
Landscaping

Pest-repelling plants: 10 species perfect for growing indoors

Repellent plants combine aesthetics and functionality by helping to keep insects away, creating more pleasant projects indoors

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Apr 7, 2026, 9:00 AM

08 min de leitura
Pest-repelling plants: 10 species perfect for growing indoors

(Marina Yalanska/Unsplash/Divulgação)

Repellent plants hold an interesting place in home landscaping by combining beauty and utility. In addition to contributing to the composition of projects, some species have natural properties that help keep insects away, making indoor spaces more comfortable especially during warmer periods!

Growing repellent plants indoors is also a way to bring everyday life closer to more natural solutions. Instead of relying solely on chemical products, these species offer a balance between care for the project and well-being, without sacrificing aesthetics.

Citronella


citronella is one of the best-known repellent plants when it comes to keeping mosquitoes away. Its distinctive aroma acts as a natural barrier and is quite effective in well-ventilated indoor projects.

Citronella

Citronela. (Freepik/Divulgação)

To thrive, it needs good light and regular watering without waterlogging the soil. In pots near windows, it tends to adapt better and boost its effects.

Lavender


lavender combines a pleasant fragrance and repellent properties, making it one of the most versatile repellent plants for interiors. Its aroma helps keep insects away while contributing to a calmer atmosphere.

properties of lavender, functions of lavender, how to use lavender.

(Pixabay/Divulgação)

It prefers well-lit locations and drier soils, which makes maintenance easier. In addition, its delicate flowers add lightness to the decor.

Mint


Among repellent plants, mint stands out for its practicality and multiple uses. Its strong scent helps repel insects, while its leaves can be used in drinks and recipes.

Mint

Hortelã. (Fernanda Arias/Unsplash/Divulgação)

It adapts well to indoor projects with indirect light and requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist. Its fast growth calls for attention to the available space.

Rosemary


rosemary is another interesting option among repellent plants, especially for its striking aroma. It helps keep insects away and can also be used in cooking.

how to grow rosemary

Alecrim. (Pixabay/Divulgação)

It needs good light exposure and well-drained soil. In kitchens or integrated balconies, it tends to grow more easily.

Basil


basil is widely known for culinary use, but it also belongs on the list of repellent plants. Its fragrance helps keep flies and mosquitoes away.

Basil in a pot; Basil (Ocimum basilicum).

(Lavi Perchik/Unsplash/Divulgação)

It prefers bright projects and frequent watering, keeping the soil slightly moist. In pots near the kitchen, it combines functionality and aesthetics.

Rue


rue is traditionally associated with protection, but it is also one of the repellent plants used to keep insects away. Its strong aroma acts as a natural element of defense.

How to grow rue

Arruda. (Pixabay/Divulgação)

It is a hardy plant that adapts well to indoor projects with good lighting. It should be handled with care due to skin sensitivity on contact.

Chrysanthemum


The chrysanthemum is one of the repellent plants that also stand out for their blooming. It contains natural substances that help keep insects away, in addition to contributing to the visual composition.

(Divulgação/Divulgação)

It prefers well-lit places and regular watering. Its presence brings color and lightness to the project.

Lemon balm


lemon balm joins the list of repellent plants with its gentle fragrance and calming properties. Like citronella, it helps keep mosquitoes away naturally.

Lemon balm

Erva-cidreira. (Pixabay/Divulgação)

It adapts well to indoor projects with good light and frequent watering. In addition, it can be used to make teas, broadening its use in everyday life.

Lemongrass


lemongrass is one of the repellent plants whose citrus aroma acts as a natural mosquito repellent, making it an efficient choice for well-lit indoor projects.

lemongrass; lemongrass; lemongrass

(Manual do Jardim/Divulgação)

It develops best with good light exposure and regular watering, keeping the soil slightly moist. In larger pots, it can grow more vigorously.

Sage


sage is another interesting alternative among repellent plants, known for its intense aroma and natural properties that help keep insects away.

Sage

(Freepik/Divulgação)

It prefers places with good light and well-drained soil. Growing it in pots allows for easy adaptation to different spaces in the home, also functioning as a decorative element.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Milena Garcia.