How to Decorate Balconies With Plants

Geraniums are a wise and colorful choice for balcony areas.

Setting plants on your balcony gives it a welcoming and intimate look. Choosing the right type of plants is crucial to the success you have in growing them. A wide variety of plants and containers to hold them are available. Adding plants to this area adds color, texture and a homey atmosphere to the balcony.

Things You'll Need

• Pots
• Plants
• Hanging baskets

Instructions

1. Remove trash and debris from your balcony. This helps it look tidier and provides space for the plants.

2. Walk out onto your balcony in the morning and afternoon and note which areas get sunlight throughout the day. This helps you choose plants that thrive best in the conditions present on your balcony. This is especially important if the balcony has an awning or roof over it.

3. Buy pots that have a theme or have the same color and materials. If your balcony has a Southwestern theme, terra cotta and rustic-looking pottery work well for the planters. If you have a contemporary theme, black or bright red pots may be appropriate. Lightweight plastic planters come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and designs.

4. Purchase plants for your balcony based on the sunlight needs. Some plants enjoy partial shade or shady areas, and others work best in full sun.

5. Buy some blooming plants and some that don't bloom. This adds a touch of color to the balcony area.

6. Set tall, medium and short plants throughout the balcony, depending on the space you have available. Tuck a tall ficus tree into an empty corner of the balcony. Place an African violet on a patio table or other small table top. Set plants that are medium height in different areas on the deck, as well as on steps leading down from the balcony.

7. Mount hanging baskets of flowering plants from hooks on the walls or the ceiling if your balcony has a roof or awning. This is particularly important if your balcony is tiny and you have limited space. The hanging baskets take up no floor space, yet add color and a homey look to the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't place so many plants on your balcony that you don't have room to walk around the area comfortably. A cluttered area tends to look messy, rather than cozy.

• Read the care directions on the plants before purchasing them. Some plants require frequent watering, deadheading and full sun or more shade than others.

References

• Common Floor: Decorating Your Balcony for This Summer
• Moving Today: Decorating Your Apartment Porch
• Service Magic: Design Tips for Your Balcony