25 Beautiful That Smell So Bad You’ll Regret Buying Them

Plants tote up dish and serenity to any space , but some come with an unexpected olfactory twist . This clause explores 25 stunning plant that , despite their optic appeal , emit notorious odors .

These scent range from musky to downright offensive , making these plants a regrettable pick for those sensitive to olfactory perception .

Whether it ’s the skunky aroma of Crown Imperial or the unsettling scent of Devil ’s Tongue , each flora offer a unequalled challenge for nurseryman . Discover which plants to avoid if fragrance is a priority for your abode and garden .

1. Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)

Crown Imperial , with its majestic blooms , might seem like a regal pick for the garden . However , its musky , skunky odour is anything but imperial and can be off - putt . This plant ’s scent is meant to guard off fauna , but it often deters human race instead . The striking prime , hang up in bunch , draw the centre , but their smell pushes nose away . A works of contradictions , its beauty is only skin bass . mind if you have a sensitive nose !

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The Snake Plant , a coarse houseplant , is usually odorless , making it a democratic option for bedrooms . Yet , when overwatered , its rootage betray a scent evocative of rotting garlic . This surprising fragrance can take in flora owners off guard , turning a dear plant into an unwelcome guest . Its resilience and melodic line - sanctify qualities are eclipse by this olfactory betrayal . Keep it dry to debar disappointment and maintain its reputation as a low - care favourite .

3. Stapelia (Carrion Flower)

Stapelia , known as the Carrion Flower , captivates with its alien , star - form peak . Yet , these beauties come with an odor redolent of rotting kernel , design to attract pollinator like tent flap . This plant ’s unusual scent is a survival of the fittest tactic but can be a batch - breakers for plant enthusiasts . Its unique visual aspect might intrigue , but its smell often repels . For those who can support the olfactory property , it stay on a fascinating add-on to any collection .

4. Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)

Easter Lily , with its unadulterated white flower petal , is a symbolisation of peace and refilling . Some find its fragrance unfermented , while others deem it whelm and vexation - inducing . In unopen spaces , this lily ’s odour can become cloying , conduct to discomfort . Its beauty is undeniable , yet its aroma divides popular opinion . For those sensitive to strong smells , this plant may not bring the peace it visually predict .

5. Rafflesia arnoldii

Rafflesia arnoldii boasts the Earth ’s largest bloom , a sight to behold in the tropical rain forest . Its impose petals , however , let out a scent akin to decompose flesh , earn it the sobriquet “ clay flower . ” This smell , while pull pollinator , can deter human admirers . Its allure lie in its size of it and rarity , not its fragrance . This plant life challenges the notion that bigger is always better in the floral populace .

6. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Calla Lily , often celebrated for its elegant blooms , can develop an unexpected musty odor in overly moist conditions . This shift in scent , from fresh to mouldy , surprise many industrial plant lover . While visually sensational , the industrial plant ’s need for balanced tearing becomes clear . Its charm lies in its appearing , yet maintaining its surround is central to avoiding the unwanted smell . A reminder that beauty sometimes requires careful attending .

7. Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)

Paperwhite Narcissus , with its frail white flower , is often used to freshen indoor spaces during winter . However , this flora ’s aroma , often compared to an animate being - like musk , can be consuming indoors . Its fragrance is divisive , loved by some and loathed by others . The elegant blooms promise freshness , yet their aroma tells a unlike story . idealistic for those who revalue bluff fragrance , but not for everyone .

8. Devil’s Tongue (Amorphophallus konjac)

Devil ’s Tongue , or Amorphophallus konjac , is infamous for its remains - like stink . This works ’s dramatic bloom and towering spadix are visually outstanding but come with an odor reminiscent of putrefaction . Its odor is a instinctive scheme to attract pollinator but can be overwhelming for plant owners . The plant ’s exotic appearance is alluring , yet its fragrance is a powerful hindrance . A bold pick for the adventuresome gardener .

9. Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

shutout Cabbage , honest to its name , breathe a brawny smell blood-related to dilapidate fish and garbage . This olfactory property , designed to attract insect pollinator , is not for the light-headed - hearted . Its bright green leave and alone flowers make it a rum addition to wetland gardens . Despite its flavor , the plant life roleplay a vital ecological role . For those who appreciate its role in nature , the scent is a lowly price to give .

10. Dracaena (especially Dracaena fragrans)

Dracaena , especially the fragrans variety , ironically carries a scent some liken to old toothpaste . While its tall , lush leave of absence sum up elegance to any room , the fragrance can be unexpected . This plant ’s aviation - purifying qualities are often foreground , yet its scent can surprise the unsuspicious possessor . A balance between esthetic entreaty and olfactory permissiveness is key when selecting this plant . Its beauty is undeniable , but so is its unparalleled aroma .

11. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums , with their vivacious blooms , are a garden basic . Yet , as they wilt indoors , they can release a dim morose scent that lingers . This olfactory surprisal counterpoint sharply with their ocular charm . These flowers represent cheer and optimism , but their close - of - life odour tells a different story . For some , this scent is a small inconvenience for the pleasure they fetch . Yet , others might line up the fragrance dampen their floral enthusiasm .

12. Ornamental Onion (Allium spp.)

Ornamental Onions , or Alliums , captivate with their spherical bloom and salient presence . However , their scent is resonant of onions and ail , which is n’t always welcome in indoor space . While they add architectural interest to garden , their aroma can clash with indoor aesthetic . These plants are a testament to the idea that not all smasher is sweet - smelling . For lovers of distinctive odor , they allow a alone olfactory experience .

13. Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant)

Hoya carnosa , known as Wax Plant , spell with its asterisk - similar blooms and trailing vine . Yet , its mellisonant scent can become overwhelmingly cloying in confine spaces , turning delightful into tyrannous . This industrial plant ’s glossy folio and finespun flowers captivate the oculus , but its fragrance demands moderation . For those seek a statement piece , it offers intrigue . However , external respiration is essential to enjoy its full potential without discomfort .

14. Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

Goat ’s Beard , with its feathery white plumes , adds a soft touch to gardens . Yet , in humid term , it can emit an odor remindful of wet dog , surprising many gardeners . This unexpected scent contrasts with its patrician visual aspect , offer a lesson in horticultural surprises . Despite this , it stay a beloved choice for shaded areas . A plant that thrives in woodland circumstance , it offer sweetheart with a touch of the unexpected .

15. Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Colocasia esculenta , known for its large , striking leave , can originate a swampy , off smell in overly wet status . This unexpected odour is a admonisher of the works ’s pauperization for careful moisture direction . Its tropic appeal makes it a standout in gardens , yet its scent can be a lesson in equalizer . For those who get the hang its charge , Taro offers plush verdure and a jot of the exotic . A flora that rewards those who understand its pauperism .

16. Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

Elephant Foot Yam , relate to the notorious corpse efflorescence , shares a similarly smutty smell during bloom . This plant ’s great , strange bloom emits an odor cognate to sewage , deterring all but the fearless admirers . Its dramatic visual aspect draws attention , but its scent rapidly disperses it . For those with a taste for the peculiar , it offers a horticultural challenge . A plant that enamor and repels in adequate measure .

17. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed , indispensable for monarch butterflies , produces a milky sap with a surprising scent . Indoors , this odour can become overpowering , contrasting with the plant ’s role in supporting pollinators . While its ecologic importance is undisputed , its fragrance might deter indoor cultivation . For those who can tolerate its scent , Milkweed offers a life-sustaining connection to nature and a ocular feast . A plant that stand lifetime , even if it gainsay the nose .

18. African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

African Marigold , with its vivid blooms , is a garden deary . Yet , indoors , its redolence can become intensely spicy and acrid , surprising many plant owner . This scent , while bearable outdoors , can overwhelm throttle space . Marigolds are celebrated for their pestilence - repelling properties , but their fragrance is a double - butt against sword . For those who appreciate bold color and scents , they remain a vivacious choice . A plant that command attention and respect .

19. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The Jade Plant , a symbol of successfulness , can educate a mildewy , down-to-earth odor in high humidness or wretched drain . This unexpected scent contrasts with its reputation as a resilient houseplant . Known for its longevity and rest of care , the Jade Plant rewards heedful owners with its enduring charm . Proper care guarantee its beauty glint without the companion scent . A flora of balance , provide both visual and olfactory lessons .

20. Dead Horse Arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus)

idle Horse Arum , capably named , emits a smell likened to a dead horse . This alone aroma pull specific pollinators , make it a botanic curiosity . Its glum , dramatic bloom is visually arresting , yet its scent often deters close review . For those connive by nature ’s oddity , it offer a rarefied glimpse into the world of plant adaptation . A plant for the bold , not the faint - hearted .

21. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily , known for its air - sublimate qualities , usually pop the question a subtle scent . However , in warm , moribund air , it can turn cold and slightly sour . This plant ’s graceful appearance is often praised , yet its scent can be a surprisal for the unprepared . Careful placement in well - vent country secure its beauty stay on unblemished by its odor . A plant that ask for nothing but space to thrive .

22. Bromeliads (some species)

Bromeliads , with their vivacious foliage , are a tropic joy indoors . Yet , water supply trapped in their rosette can slug , produce a swampy olfactory property . This unexpected olfactory property challenge the plant ’s visual appeal , reminding owners of its unique charge needs . Despite this , Bromeliads offer a splash of the alien , provided their surroundings is managed . A plant that combine beauty with a hint of dangerous undertaking .

23. Crown-of-Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

Crown - of - Thorns , named for its thorny appearance , releases a milky saphead with an unmatched , rubbery chemical substance smell when cut . This fragrance is a surprisal , break its otherwise cosmetic appeal . Its bright blooms add gloss , but its scent warns of its defensive nature . A plant that equilibrize beauty with a touch of caveat , it volunteer a admonisher of nature ’s duality . For those who treasure complexity , it bear endless fascination .

24. Ferns (when overwatered)

Ferns , beloved for their lush verdure , can emit a musty , basement - same odor when overwatered . This aroma , while unexpected , spotlight the importance of proper care . Known for their elegance and ability to thrive in low light , ferns extend peace and tranquility . Their scent is a patrician monitor of their natural habitat and pauperization . A works that rewards attentiveness with its unagitated beauty and subtle moral .

25. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant , know for its resilience , mostly remains olfactory property - free . Yet , in poor drainage or settle guff conditions , it can develop a funky , sulfuric odor . This olfactory surprisal contrasts with its repute as an easy - care plant . With proper tending , the ZZ Plant propose hold out beauty without olfactory offenses . A works symbolising strength and adaptability , it assist as a reminder of the Libra between nature and raising .

Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis)