Tips to Turn your Balcony into a Private Oasis with the Best Plants

The luxury of sitting in a  garden with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other is unmatched. However, modern flats in urban localities come with tiny balconies. And, if you want a large balcony, you have to pay through your nose. Given the space constraints, we have to make do with whatever we have. Honestly, no matter how small your space is, you can still have a little nook or garden which you can call your private oasis. In fact, during the lockdown, a lot of people transformed their balcony only to befriend greenery without even stepping out of the house. You don’t need to have a large backyard to place the best houseplants.

These days, there is no dearth of options once you decide to transform your balcony. There are a wide range of trees, herbs and shrubs you can choose from. You can even go to a nursery and select the best indoor plants to create your very own balcony garden. An added advantage is that they’re extremely low maintenance. You need to water them only about three times a week.

So, if you’re wondering which flowering and non-flowering plants you must introduce in your balcony, we have you covered.

5 Best Home Garden Plants to Grow in a Balcony

• Palms

Palms are one of the best houseplants. A major advantage of having them is that they can thrive in any kind of climate. They can even tolerate irregular watering and some shade too. Depending on the height of your balcony, you can grow them in medium to large pots. If you’re seeking privacy in your balcony, you can plant them in tall pots in a row so that it acts as a green screen. Palms are pretty popular in Indian homes as they’re low maintenance. For them to grow well, all they need is some indirect sunlight, and well-drained, fertile soil. If you notice any leaves turn yellow/brown, cut them immediately as this will keep them fresh longer.

• Aloe Vera

When you’re looking for the best potted plants for your outdoor area, you cannot possibly miss aloe vera. We like to call this plant a multitasker. It not just gives your space a rustic look but also has immense healing and beauty benefits. Got a minor wound? Rub some aloe vera and watch it heal quickly. Besides this, there are many other ways aloe vera can be used on the skin and hair. Just don’t let the leaves touch the potting soil. A major reason people prefer putting aloe vera in their balcony garden is because it needs absolutely no maintenance. You only need to water the plant when you notice the soil is completely dry. Otherwise, it can manage on its own.

• Herbs

I’d always envision having a kitchen garden. However, owing to less space in my kitchen, I put all my herbs on the balcony. Let me be honest, herbs are brilliant plants for balconies. You can enjoy fresh, aromatic herbs anytime. Each time you need a particular herb, you don’t need to buy it. You can just pluck a couple of leaves and add some flavour to your dish. For herbs to grow well, moderate sunlight is required. Thus, a few herbs I’d recommend for Indian homes are basil, mint, parsley and curry leaves. For them to grow well, you can water them every alternate day. If you have enough space in your balcony, you can even create a cute corner and have all your herbs growing in matching containers. To recognise each herb, go ahead and label them on ice-cream sticks. After all, everyone deserves to have a Pinterest-worthy balcony garden.

• Jade

To improve the air quality in your home, you must consider getting a jade plant. It is one of the best indoor plants in India. It is fondly referred to as the “friendship tree”. While it is also considered a good luck symbol, it has the power to beautify any space. If you have a coffee table on your balcony, you can just place the plant on it and it will instantly lift up your space. Did you know? Jade plant is one such plant that can thrive in the toughest of conditions. It can even survive the harshest of times. Hence, it is referred to as the friendship plant. It does not wilt in sunlight and can go without water for days.

• Vertical Gardening

To give your modern balcony a fresh look, you can even consider vertical gardening. It can be done in the tiniest of balconies against the wall. When you’re choosing plants for your hanging garden, go in for something that does not require much soil to thrive. Pothos, peace lily, morning glory, devil’s ivy, philodendron and English ivy are a few good choices for vertical gardens. To give it an ornamental touch, consider adding a few flowering plants too.

These are a few houseplants that you can add to your balcony to transform it into a lush, green oasis. However, you can further make it your favourite hangout spot in your home by beautifying it. If you still have space in your balcony after adding the plants, decorate it further by adding a lounge chair, coffee table set, shelves and frames. Play with patterns and textures as much as you can. Decorative items made of macramé look really good on a balcony. Just adding a few bold elements and abstract cushions can give you a blend of function and beauty. You will find heaps of inspiration on Pinterest. Use your imagination and who knows you might end up spending most of your time in your balcony garden.

Have any other fun ideas to convert a boring outdoor space into a balcony garden? Share them with us in the comments section below.