When my apartment building banned hanging laundry on balconies last year, I was stuck staring at an empty space that felt useless.
On a whim, I bought one hardy plant from the garden centre, and watching it thrive gave me the confidence to try more.
Now I’m sharing the 10 easiest plants that turned my former laundry spot into my favorite part of the house!
10 Easy-Care Plants for Balconies
1. Aloe Vera
I absolutely adore having aloe vera on my balcony! This miracle plant has saved me countless times when my kids get minor scrapes or sunburns.
It’s practically impossible to kill, which is perfect for my sometimes forgetful nature. I just water it when the soil feels completely dry, and it keeps thriving.
The best part? It naturally repels pests, so there’s one less thing for this busy mom to worry about!
2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
My pothos has become like a faithful friend on my balcony. Those heart-shaped leaves never fail to bring a smile to my face.
I learned the hard way about keeping it out of direct sunlight after one scorched-leaf incident. Now it gets indirect light and a weekly watering, and it’s absolutely thriving.
I’ve trained mine to climb up a trellis, which saves so much space and creates a gorgeous green wall effect.
3. Spider Plant
The spider plant has to be one of my favorite additions to our balcony sanctuary. Its arching leaves remind me of nature’s own ballet dancers.
During summer, I keep the soil consistently moist, but in winter, I let it dry out between waterings. This simple routine works perfectly with my busy schedule.
I’ve placed two of these beauties near our balcony door, creating the most enchanting entrance to our outdoor space.
4. Basil
Having fresh basil right outside my door has revolutionized my cooking! My kids love helping me snip fresh leaves for our homemade pizza nights.
This herb is surprisingly low-maintenance – just give it a sunny spot and don’t overwater it. I actually grow both sweet basil and Tulsi (Indian basil) for their different uses.
The wonderful aroma it releases every time we brush past makes our balcony feel like a little piece of Italy.
5. Jade Plant
My jade plant has become our family’s good luck charm! We lovingly call it our “friendship tree,” and it’s become a conversation starter during our balcony coffee dates.
It’s incredibly forgiving when I forget to water it, which happens more often than I’d like to admit. This resilient beauty thrives in almost any condition.
The way it purifies our balcony air is an added bonus that makes our outdoor space feel even more refreshing.
6. Cactus
My teenage daughter convinced me to add a cactus to our balcony’s boho vibe, and I’m so glad she did! It adds the perfect desert-chic touch to our space.
I love how it fits perfectly with our fairy lights and casual seating arrangement. The fact that I only need to water it once in a blue moon is just perfect.
Last year, we were surprised with the most beautiful bloom – it was like receiving an unexpected gift from nature!
7. Desert Rose (Adenium)
The Desert Rose has become my balcony’s showstopper. Those vibrant pink blooms never fail to attract compliments from neighbors.
I’ve arranged three small ones in a cluster, creating a stunning focal point that brings me joy every morning with my coffee.
Despite its delicate appearance, this tough little plant handles my occasional neglect like a champ – perfect for those hectic weeks when gardening falls to the bottom of my to-do list.
8. Pansies
My daughter and I started growing pansies in upcycled wooden boxes, and they’ve brought such cheerful energy to our balcony’s shadier corners.
Their sweet faces in various colors remind me of a rainbow touching down in our little outdoor sanctuary.
The fragrance they release in the evening makes our after-dinner balcony time even more special.
9. Boston Fern
I hung two Boston ferns in macramé holders, and they’ve transformed our balcony into what feels like a tropical getaway.
Their graceful fronds create the most beautiful natural curtain effect, adding movement and life to our space.
What I love most is how they thrive with simple care – they’re like the perfect low-maintenance houseguests who make everything prettier just by being there.
10. Rubber Tree
Our rubber tree has become the guardian of our balcony paradise. Its large, glossy leaves make such a bold statement that it’s become our space’s signature piece.
I’ve positioned it in a bright corner away from direct sunlight, where it happily purifies our air and creates a natural screen.
Sometimes I catch my kids gently wiping its leaves clean – they’ve really embraced being plant parents alongside me!
Creating Your Balcony Paradise
Plant Placement Tips
I’ve learned through trial and error that strategic placement makes all the difference. My sun-loving plants get prime real estate on the brighter side of the balcony.
Vertical gardening has been a game-changer for our small space. I use wall planters and hanging baskets to maximize every inch.
I’ve created little plant communities, grouping together those with similar water and light needs, which makes maintenance so much more manageable.
Maintenance Overview
The beauty of these plants is how they fit into my busy lifestyle. Most are perfectly happy with a weekly check-in, which even my kids can help with.
I keep a small watering can by the balcony door as a visual reminder, but these tough plants forgive me when life gets hectic.
Creating this green oasis has taught me that you don’t need a huge garden or endless hours of maintenance to surround yourself with nature’s beauty. Just a balcony, some carefully chosen plants, and a little love are all it takes to create your own slice of paradise in the sky.