Want to create a green oasis on your balcony but don’t have any gardening experience? We have the perfect solution for you! In this article, we present 10 plants that are not only easy to grow but will also thrive in balcony conditions – even if you’re just starting your plant journey.

Why Have Plants on Your Balcony?

Before we dive into specific species, it’s worth mentioning the benefits of having plants on your balcony:

• Improved air quality – plants filter the air, removing harmful substances
• Stress reduction – contact with greenery lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone)
• Aesthetic appeal – a balcony full of plants becomes an extension of your apartment and a pleasant place to spend time
• Opportunity to grow your own herbs and vegetables – fresh herbs always at hand!
• Increased biodiversity – flowering plants attract bees and butterflies

What to Consider When Choosing Balcony Plants?

Before purchasing plants, be sure to consider:

1. Balcony sunlight – is it south-facing (full sun), east/west-facing (partial sun), or north-facing (shade)
2. Space – how much room you can dedicate to plants
3. Water access – whether you’ll be able to water plants regularly
4. Wind exposure – is your balcony sheltered or exposed to strong gusts of wind
5. Your lifestyle – how often you travel and whether someone can care for your plants in your absence

Now, let’s move on to our list of 10 plants that will thrive on your balcony even if you’re a beginner!

1. Geranium (Pelargonium)

Why you should have it: The geranium is the true queen of balconies! It’s extremely hardy, blooms profusely throughout the season, and comes in many colors – from white through pink and red to purple.

Requirements:

• Light: Loves sun but will tolerate partial shade
• Watering: Moderate – allow the soil to dry between waterings
• Additional tips: Remove withered flowers to stimulate the plant to continue blooming

How to care for it: Geraniums don’t require much attention. Water them when the top layer of soil dries out, but avoid overwatering. Feed with flowering plant fertilizer once every two weeks. In autumn, you can bring geraniums indoors to a bright space – they’ll survive the winter and will delight you again next season.

Perfect for you if: You want impressive flowers with minimal effort. Geraniums are resistant to care mistakes and will forgive even occasional forgetfulness about watering.

2. Lavender (Lavandula)

Why you should have it: Lavender offers not only beautiful purple flowers and a characteristic, calming scent. This Mediterranean plant is also a natural repellent for mosquitoes and other insects!

Requirements:

• Light: Full sun
• Watering: Sparse – lavender prefers drier conditions
• Additional tips: Plant in well-draining soil with sand or gravel added

How to care for it: Lavender is an ideal plant for the forgetful! It prefers to be under-watered than over-watered. Plant it in well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot. Prune it in spring to maintain a compact shape. You can also collect its flowers for drying.

Perfect for you if: You often forget about watering or are looking for a drought-resistant plant. Additionally, if you value aromatics – the scent of lavender will help you relax after a hard day.

3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Why you should have it: Rosemary is a 2-in-1 plant – both decorative and useful! This aromatic shrub with needle-like leaves not only looks great but is also indispensable in the kitchen as a herb.

Requirements:

• Light: Sunny position
• Watering: Moderate – prefers slightly dry soil
• Additional tips: Tolerates drought well but doesn’t like standing in wet soil

How to care for it: Rosemary, like lavender, comes from the Mediterranean region, so it enjoys similar conditions – lots of sun and not too frequent watering. Plant it in permeable soil with added sand. You can regularly trim stems for cooking – pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots.

Perfect for you if: You enjoy cooking and would like to have fresh herbs always at hand. Rosemary is also a good choice if you have a sunny balcony and don’t have time for daily watering.

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Why you should have it: Basil is not just the foundation of Italian cuisine but also a plant with beautiful, aromatic leaves. Its intense scent effectively repels mosquitoes and flies.

Requirements:

• Light: Bright position, but without direct southern sun
• Watering: Regular – doesn’t like to dry out
• Additional tips: Regularly pinch off the tops of shoots to make the plant bushier

How to care for it: Basil loves warmth and moisture. Water it regularly, not allowing the soil to dry out, but avoid wetting the leaves. To make the plant bushier and produce more leaves, regularly pinch off the tops of the shoots. You can also harvest the leaves to prepare pesto, salads, or other dishes.

Perfect for you if: You’re a fan of Mediterranean or Asian cuisine and often use basil in your recipes. It’s also a good choice if you can ensure regular watering.

5. Succulents (e.g., Echeveria, Haworthia, Sedum)

Why you should have them: Succulents are the absolute hit of recent years! These plants with fleshy leaves that store water come in countless forms, shapes, and colors. They’re minimalist, modern, and… almost indestructible!

Requirements:

• Light: Bright position
• Watering: Rare – every 2-3 weeks, and even less frequently in winter
• Additional tips: Plant in special soil for succulents with added perlite or sand

How to care for them: Succulents are survival masters! Water them only when the soil is completely dry – usually every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and even less frequently in winter. Remember good drainage – succulents don’t like standing in water. Place them in a sunny spot, but provide light shade on hot days.

Perfect for you if: You’re a beginner gardener or often forget about watering. Succulents are also a great choice for a balcony where you spend a lot of time – you can create a real collection in different pots.

6. Petunia (Petunia)

Why you should have it: Petunias are plants of extraordinary beauty and richness of colors – from white through yellow, pink, red to purple, often with patterns and borders. They bloom profusely from spring to autumn.

Requirements:

• Light: Sunny position
• Watering: Regular – they don’t like to dry out
• Additional tips: Remove withered flowers to stimulate further blooming

How to care for it: Petunias love sun and regularly moistened soil. On hot days, they may need watering even daily. For more abundant flowering, use balcony flower fertilizer every 2 weeks. Regularly remove withered flowers – this will help the plant create new buds.

Perfect for you if: You have a sunny balcony and care about intense colors. Petunias are also a good choice if you can ensure regular watering and fertilizing.

7. Common Ivy (Hedera helix)

Why you should have it: Ivy is an elegant climbing plant with dark green, glossy leaves. It works perfectly in hanging pots, from which it hangs picturesquely, or as a ground cover plant.

Requirements:

• Light: From partial shade to shade
• Watering: Moderate – prefers slightly moist soil
• Additional tips: Tolerates air pollution well, so it will work great on an urban balcony

How to care for it: Ivy is very graceful to grow. It prefers a position in partial shade or shade, so it will work perfectly on a north-facing balcony. Water it moderately, keeping the soil slightly moist. You can occasionally spray the leaves with water, especially if the air is dry. Ivy tolerates pruning well, so you can shape it as you wish.

Perfect for you if: Your balcony is shaded or north-facing. Ivy is also a good choice if you care about a plant with decorative leaves that will grow year-round.

8. Surfinia (Petunia surfinia)

Why you should have it: Surfinia is a variety of petunia with exceptionally long, hanging shoots that can reach up to 1 meter in length. It blooms extremely profusely, creating real “cascades” of flowers in various colors.

Requirements:

• Light: Sunny position
• Watering: Regular and abundant
• Additional tips: Requires regular fertilizing for abundant flowering

How to care for it: Surfinias require a bit more attention than traditional petunias. They need a lot of sun and regular, abundant watering – on hot days even twice a day. The key to success is also regular fertilizing – it’s best to use flowering plant fertilizer every 7-10 days. Remove withered flowers to stimulate further blooming.

Perfect for you if: You have a sunny balcony with a railing where you can hang boxes or pots. Surfinias will also work perfectly in hanging baskets. Remember, however, that they require regular care.

9. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Why you should have it: Thyme is an aromatic herb with small, gray-green leaves and delicate, purple flowers. It’s not only a valuable spice but also a medicinal plant with antibacterial properties.

Requirements:

• Light: Sunny position
• Watering: Sparse – prefers drier soil
• Additional tips: Grows well in the company of other Mediterranean herbs

How to care for it: Thyme, like rosemary and lavender, comes from the Mediterranean region and prefers similar conditions. Plant it in permeable soil with added sand or gravel. Place the pot in a sunny spot and water sparingly – thyme tolerates drought better than excess water. You can regularly trim shoots for cooking – pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots.

Perfect for you if: You like to cook and would like to have fresh herbs at hand. Thyme is also a good choice if you have a sunny balcony and don’t have time for daily watering.

10. Impatiens (Impatiens)

Why you should have it: Impatiens is a plant with intensely colored flowers that blooms from spring to the first frosts. It comes in many varieties and colors – from white through pink and red to purple.

Requirements:

• Light: Partial shade or diffused light
• Watering: Regular – likes moist soil
• Additional tips: Doesn’t like direct sun – leaves can get burned

How to care for it: Impatiens prefers a position in partial shade or diffused light, so it will work perfectly on an east or west-facing balcony. Water it regularly, keeping the soil constantly moist but not wet. On hot days, you can also spray the leaves with water. For more abundant flowering, use balcony flower fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Perfect for you if: Your balcony is partially shaded or you have an east or west-facing balcony. Impatiens is also a good choice if you care about intense colors and a long flowering period.

How to Create a Plant Composition on Your Balcony?

Once you’ve chosen plants suitable for the conditions on your balcony, it’s worth thinking about their composition:

1. The Rule of Three Planes

Try to plan plants on three levels:

• Highest – tall plants placed at the back (e.g., rosemary)
• Medium – medium-height plants (e.g., geraniums)
• Lowest – hanging or ground cover plants (e.g., surfinias, ivy)

2. Color Play

Choose a color palette that will match your balcony’s style:

• Monochromatic – different shades of the same color
• Contrasting – combination of complementary colors (e.g., purple and yellow)
• Harmonious – colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel (e.g., yellow, orange, and red)

3. Functionality

Think about how you’ll use your balcony:

• If you want to have a place to sit, place plants along the walls and railing
• If you care about privacy, plant taller plants along the balustrade
• If you cook often, place herbs near the balcony door for easy access

Basic Tool Set for Balcony Plant Care

You don’t need many tools to care for balcony plants. Here’s a basic set:

1. Watering can – preferably with a long, narrow neck for precise watering
2. Small rake and trowel – for loosening soil and repotting plants
3. Pruner or scissors – for trimming shoots and removing withered flowers
4. Spray bottle – for moistening leaves and refreshing plants on hot days
5. Gardening gloves – to protect your hands when working with soil

Common Problems with Balcony Plants and How to Solve Them

1. Yellowing Leaves

Possible causes:

• Overwatering
• Too little light
• Nutrient deficiency

Solution: Adjust watering frequency, check if the plant has enough light, and consider using fertilizer.

2. Lack of Flowering

Possible causes:

• Too little light
• Inappropriate fertilizing
• Not removing withered flowers

Solution: Move the plant to a sunnier spot, use flowering plant fertilizer, and regularly remove withered flowers.

3. Pests

Possible causes:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Mealybugs

Solution: In the early stages, try washing off pests with a strong stream of water. If that doesn’t help, use natural plant protection agents (e.g., garlic or nettle extract) or ready-made products available in garden stores.

Balcony Work Calendar

Spring (March-May)

• Preparing pots and boxes
• Buying and planting annual plants
• Repotting perennial plants into larger pots
• Starting regular fertilizing

Summer (June-August)

• Regular watering (in heat even daily)
• Removing withered flowers
• Trimming overgrown shoots
• Checking for pests

Autumn (September-November)

• Limiting watering and fertilizing
• Preparing perennial plants for winter
• Harvesting herbs for winter (drying, freezing)
• Protecting sensitive plants from first frosts

Winter (December-February)

• Minimal watering of evergreen plants
• Protecting pots from frost (wrapping with jute, styrofoam)
• Planning plantings for the next season

Summary

Growing plants on a balcony can be a fantastic adventure that will bring you much satisfaction. Even if you’re just starting your gardening journey, by choosing appropriate, easy-to-grow species, you’ll quickly achieve success.

Remember that the most important thing is matching plants to the conditions on your balcony and to your lifestyle. Start with a few species that interest you the most and gradually expand your collection.

And if you make some mistakes – don’t worry! Gardening is the art of experimenting and learning from your own experiences. Every plant that doesn’t survive is a valuable lesson for the future.

Good luck creating your green balcony!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grow plants on my balcony if I have little time for their care?

Absolutely! Choose species that are drought-resistant and don’t require frequent watering, such as succulents, rosemary, or lavender. You can also install an automatic watering system with a timer.

2. My balcony is very shaded. What plants will grow well there?

For a shaded balcony, choose plants that like partial shade or shade, such as ivy, impatiens, begonia, ferns, or hostas. These species will not only tolerate the lack of direct sunlight but will thrive in such conditions.

3. How to protect plants from strong wind on the balcony?

On windy balconies, choose plants with rigid stems or low growth habit. You can also create windbreaks (e.g., made of bamboo) or arrange pots with taller plants to shelter the more delicate ones.

4. Can I grow vegetables on my balcony?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, chives, or radishes will grow wonderfully on your balcony. Choose dwarf varieties or those specifically designed for container growing.

5. How often should I repot balcony plants?

Most balcony plants should be repotted every 1-2 years, ideally in early spring before intensive growth begins. If you notice roots coming out through drainage holes or the plant dries quickly after watering, it’s a sign that it’s time for a larger pot.