Patrick Oconnell
If your plant smells like cheese, it might be a Deherainia smaragdina, a Mexican member of the Primulaceae family. The flowers of this plant are green, waxy, and emit a strong, pungent odour similar to that of ripe blue cheese or unwashed feet. The scent is likely produced by the intriguing bulbous cells on the surface of the petals, which can be observed under a scanning electron microscope. While the reason for the cheese-like smell is unknown, it probably serves to attract a specific type of pollinator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the plant | Deherainia smaragdina |
| Description | A small, evergreen shrub with bisexual flowers that are in a male phase when they first open, moving into a female phase after a day or two |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Common name | Dog mess plant |
| Scent | Strong and pungent like ripe blue cheese or unwashed feet |
| Cause of the scent | Intriguing bulbous cells on the surface of the petals |
| Reason for the scent | To attract a particular type of pollinator |
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What You'll Learn
- Deherainia smaragdina, a Mexican shrub, has flowers that smell like blue cheese
- Rotten egg smell from a plant pot is caused by excessive watering
- Musty odour from houseplants is usually caused by overwatering
- Valerian flowers smell like dirty sweat socks but have medicinal benefits
- Carrion flowers smell like rotting flesh to attract scavenging flies and beetles
Deherainia smaragdina, a Mexican shrub, has flowers that smell like blue cheese
The shrub's flowers have a very unpleasant smell, which is designed to attract flies as pollinators. Without this stink, the flies would not notice the green flowers against the foliage. This is a common strategy among plants, which have evolved a variety of mechanisms to attract pollinators.
The cheese-like smell of Deherainia smaragdina is likely due to the presence of certain organic compounds, such as those found in carrion, which the shrub's flowers mimic to attract flies. These compounds can include ammonia, indole, and scatole, which are also found in decaying organic matter, contributing to the cheese-like odour.
While the smell of blue cheese may be appealing to some, the plant itself is not typically considered a pleasant fragrance. This is likely because the scent is associated with decay and rotting organic matter, which can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria or fungi. In the case of Deherainia smaragdina, the unpleasant smell is an essential part of its reproductive strategy, ensuring the continuation of the species.
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Rotten egg smell from a plant pot is caused by excessive watering
If your plant pot smells like cheese, or more specifically, rotten eggs, it is a sign that something is wrong with the plant. This could be due to excessive watering, which creates an ideal environment for the bacterium that causes the odour to thrive and breed. This excessive moisture leads to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
To confirm if overwatering is the issue, remove the plant from the pot. If there is excessive water at the bottom of the pot or a dark, foul-smelling liquid drips from the roots, you are overwatering the plant. The rotten egg smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide, a by-product of organic decay. It is a hazardous gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, and in high concentrations, can lead to more severe health issues.
To prevent and address the issue of overwatering, only water the plant when the top few inches of the soil are dry. Additionally, ensure the plant pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing water stagnation. If the plant pot has a drip plate, regularly clean it with soapy water to avoid the build-up of stagnant water, which can increase the chances of mould or mildew growth.
To eliminate the rotten egg smell, repot the plant with fresh, high-quality potting soil containing peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, or pine bark. This will help restore the health of your plant and prevent the recurrence of the odour.
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Musty odour from houseplants is usually caused by overwatering
A musty odour from houseplants is usually caused by overwatering. This can lead to mould, fungus growth, or root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The bacterium that causes the odour thrives and breeds in an abundance of water, leading to excessive moisture that affects the roots of the plant. To prevent this, only water the plant when the top few inches of the soil are dry, and consider repotting the plant in a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
In addition to overwatering, other factors can contribute to moisture buildup, such as leaky pipes, a damaged roof, high humidity, or exposed dirt in crawl spaces. It is important to address these issues to prevent mould and mildew, which can also cause unpleasant musty odours.
While not directly related to overwatering, it is worth noting that certain plants are known for their strong, cheese-like odour. For example, the Deherainia smaragdina, a Mexican member of the Primulaceae family, has flowers that emit a pungent odour resembling ripe blue cheese or unwashed feet. The purpose of this scent is likely to attract a specific type of pollinator, although the exact pollinator remains unknown.
To summarise, musty odours in houseplants are typically caused by overwatering, leading to root rot and other issues. Proper plant care, including appropriate watering techniques and ensuring adequate drainage, is essential to prevent these problems and maintain the health of your houseplants.
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Valerian flowers smell like dirty sweat socks but have medicinal benefits
Valerian flowers are known for their pungent odour, often likened to that of dirty sweat socks. However, despite their unpleasant aroma, these blooms boast medicinal benefits when used in tea or bath soaks. The foul fragrance of valerian may be off-putting to humans, but it likely serves a purpose in nature, possibly attracting a specific type of pollinator.
The valerian plant, with its distinctive smell, is a fascinating example of nature's complexities. While it may be unappealing to our senses, its medicinal properties offer a different perspective. This duality highlights the intricate balance of the natural world, where even a repulsive odour can have a hidden purpose.
Deherainia smaragdina, commonly known as the "dog mess plant", is another species that defies our expectations of floral fragrances. Its flowers emit a strong, pungent odour reminiscent of ripe blue cheese or unwashed feet. This intriguing scent is likely produced by bulbous cells on the surface of the petals, which are visible under a scanning electron microscope.
The cheese-like smell of Deherainia smaragdina may be a result of the presence of certain compounds, similar to those found in stinky feet, which are known to attract biting gnats. This hypothesis is supported by research suggesting that individuals with odorous feet are more attractive to these insects. While the specific pollinators drawn to the valerian's scent remain a mystery, it is believed that the plant's odour plays a crucial role in its reproductive strategy.
The contrasting characteristics of valerian flowers, with their medicinal benefits and malodorous aroma, serve as a reminder that nature is multifaceted and often operates beyond our immediate comprehension. The discovery of the potential medicinal benefits of valerian may encourage further exploration of seemingly unpleasant plants, revealing hidden treasures within the plant kingdom.
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Carrion flowers smell like rotting flesh to attract scavenging flies and beetles
Several plants are known for their rotten smell, including the North American pawpaw, Asimina triloba, and species from the African succulent genus Stapelia, also known as "carrion flowers". These carrion flowers emit an odour that smells like rotting flesh to attract scavenging flies and beetles as pollinators. The colour and smell of the flowers mimic rotting meat, luring the insects that typically feed on dead animals.
The titan arum, also known as the corpse flower, is a plant native to the dense rainforests of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is known for its huge flowering structure, the spadix, which can reach up to three metres in height and emit a strong stench of a rotting animal carcass. The stench and the reddish-purple colour of the flower attract flesh flies and carrion beetles, which then become pollinators.
The carrion flower's scent is produced in the petals of both male and female flowers, and the pollen reward attracts beetles and flies. Popular pollinators of carrion flowers include blowflies, house flies, flesh flies, and various types of beetles. The recognizable scent of the carrion flowers is not limited to the smell of rotting flesh, as some species also produce odours resembling sap, urine, blood, dung, and, in some cases, fragrant fruity aromas.
The goal of these plants in producing such repulsive smells is to attract scavenging insects that typically feed on dead animals. By mimicking the scent and appearance of a decaying corpse, carrion flowers ensure the gathering and transfer of pollen, facilitating their reproduction and survival.
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Frequently asked questions
Your plant might be a Deherainia smaragdina, a Mexican member of the Primulaceae family. Its flowers are green and waxy, and emit a strong, pungent smell like blue cheese or unwashed feet.
You can't get rid of the cheese smell, as it is the natural odour of the plant. However, you can plant it in a more secluded spot in your garden to minimise the smell.
The Deherainia smaragdina plant is quite well-camouflaged, making it intriguing. It is also likely to attract a particular type of pollinator, though what they are is unknown.
A rotten egg smell is usually a sign of overwatering. This leads to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Prevent overwatering by only watering when the top few inches of the soil are dry. Repot the plant in a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out and prevent water from becoming stagnant.
