Plants are a great way of bringing some life into your house. Amidst the massive concrete walls, having a touch of nature can help you get in tune with the natural world. Growing plants can be a little tricky if you live in tight spaces like apartments. Not only are apartments are smaller in space, but the balcony is susceptible to high winds, especially with high-rise apartments.
Other than cacti or succulents, it’s difficult to imagine integrating plants into an apartment aesthetic. However, if your apartment has a balcony, there are many ways you can spruce up your home décor with plants and flowers. As long as you pick plants that are tolerant of harsh weather, you should have no problem filling up your balcony with the gift of nature.
Apartment balconies are not suitable for all types of plants. Ideally, you’d want to decorate your balcony with wind tolerant plants for pots. Though planting greenery in balconies is certainly possible, there are limits to what you can or cannot do. To find out more about the types of plants you can consider planting on your balcony, keep on reading.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Plant for Your Apartment
Growing plants on a balcony is not a complicated task. However, it is a process that requires commitment and dedication. Before deciding on which plants to get for your balcony, you should ask yourself the following things.
Does Your Apartment Allow Having Plants on the Balcony?
Most apartments will not have a problem with you adding some plants to your balcony. Of course, this isn’t an issue you would have to consider if you own the apartment that you live in. However, if you live in a rented apartment, it is better to get permission from your landlord or the apartment supervisor before planting anything on your balcony.
Depending on where your apartment is located, and the proximity of other buildings to yours, there may be certain rules about what can or can’t be put on a balcony. Many neighbors may be troubled by the insects your plants attract or vines that grow into other people’s spaces. However, as long as you are mindful of these issues, you won’t have trouble getting permission.
Will You Have Enough Time to Take Care of the Plants?
Similar to all other living things, plants require care and attention to grow well. The only thing worse than having a balcony with no plants is having a balcony with dead plants. Leaves and flowers can be pretty to look at when they are alive. However, dead plants can be an eyesore while also dispersing various types of foul smells.
If you are considering getting real plants for your balcony, you must be certain that you are willing to take care of them. This will mean ensuring that they are properly watered and receiving enough sunlight every day. If you are unsure about the commitment, try looking after one plant first. If things go well you can then plant more.
Is Your Balcony Good for Growing Plants?
Before buying plants, it is important to properly evaluate the space you are working with. Take a proper look at the size and atmosphere of your balcony. Is it windy? Is there enough sunlight? How close or far is it to other balconies? It is important to ensure that your balcony has the proper environment for the types of plants you want to grow.
Another important thing to consider is how much space you have. It is best not to have plants cooped tight together. This can hinder their growing process. Take proper measurements of the size of your balcony. After this, compare it to the size of the plants you are planning to buy. Doing this will help you figure out the layout and design of your balcony.
Best Plants for an Apartment balcony
Balconies cannot guarantee plants’ safety in harsh weather. Top floors of high-rise buildings, in particular, are susceptible to windy weather. Because of this, it is important to choose plants that have strong leaves and are tolerant of wind. Here are some options you may consider while deciding what plants to buy.
Nasturtium
These plants are usually bright yellow. However, they can also come in red or orange. They are a common forest plant, known for being tolerant of unfavorable weather.
These plants are ideal for planting in pots or baskets, as they do not need as much care as many other balcony plants.
Daylily
Daylilies are extremely tolerant of harsh winds. They are an annual plant, meaning they only bloom once a year.
Daylilies are also not the easiest plant to look after. They require properly timed watering and lots of sunlight. However, the beauty of this flower when in bloom, makes it worth all of the trouble.
Azalea
Azaleas are usually bright yellow. However, you can also find them in a range of different colors such as white, orange, pink, red, and purple.
Aside from being wind tolerant, these flowers grow very well in the shade. If your balcony does not have much access to sunlight, this is a great option for you.
Poppy
These flowers require lots of sunlight to grow. Thus, if your balcony is in a position that gets lots of direct sunlight, you may consider planting a poppy.
This flower comes in various shades with various subspecies. They also grow very quickly from seeds, so you can even consider planting seeds rather than a grown plant.
Lady’s Mantle
This plant is a type of herb. While growing, they can produce beautiful yellow flowers. The flowers of these plants are small and subtle.
These are perfect for placing in between larger flowers as a way of balancing out the look of your garden. Lady’s mantle grows best in direct sunlight and soil with good drainage properties.
Cornflower
This is an edible plant that can be added on top of cakes or other desserts. They are blue with a purple center.
This is an annual plant that only blooms once a year. However, this only adds to its purpose as you can use it as a dessert garnish when it’s blooming season approaches its end.
Dwarf Sunflower
These flowers are a statement piece. They are bright yellow, and as suggested by the name, bloom best under the sun.
Sunflowers have a strong stem and are very sturdy. If you live in an area with extremely harsh winds, you may consider planting a dwarf sunflower.
Wildflowers
As suggested by the name, wildflowers can usually be found in forests or the woods. Since these flowers are accustomed to growing in the wild, they are tolerant of all types of weather.
Whether you are tormented by rain, wind, or storm, wildflowers can survive through any type of weather. This makes them perfect as a balcony plant.
Conclusion
Starting a balcony garden in an apartment is an ambitious project. However, with proper knowledge and dedication, it can produce amazing results. I hope this article introduced you to some of the best wind tolerant plants for pots.
