Can you hear that? It’s the soft rustle of leaves, the gentle sway of greenery, and the whisper of fresh air calling your name from just outside your door. 🌿 Whether you’re a creative soul who loves art and design or a busy city dweller craving a slice of nature, your balcony can be more than just concrete and railings—it can be a sanctuary.
In this post, we’re bringing you 10 cozy hanging plants that will transform your tiny outdoor space into a lush retreat. Think: trailing vines, vibrant blooms, and low-maintenance greens that thrive in urban settings like Los Angeles, New York, and beyond. These picks are perfect for plant newbies and green thumbs alike—and bonus—they look amazing in photos for your next Instagram post or DIY project pin.
Let’s dive in and bring those cozy balcony vibes to life!
1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Let me tell you about the plant that basically saved my balcony from total blandness—Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy. I know, the name sounds a little spooky, but trust me, this greenery is more friend than foe.
Why Pothos Is a Balcony Game-Changer
So, when I first moved into my apartment in New York, my balcony was just concrete and metal railings. Super boring, right? I wanted something lush but didn’t have a ton of time to babysit plants. That’s when I discovered how hardy pothos really is.
It doesn’t need direct sunlight, which is perfect for city balconies where sun exposure can be hit or miss. Plus, it grows like crazy once it gets going. You’ll start seeing those vines trail down in no time, giving your space that instant green boost without any fuss.
Best Varieties for Hanging Baskets
There are a few different types of pothos, but if you’re going the hanging basket route like I did, stick with Golden Pothos or Marble Queen. Golden Pothos is the most common and easiest to find—it has those classic heart-shaped leaves with splashes of yellow-green.
Marble Queen has a cooler variegation, kind of like creamy white mixed in with deep green. It looks super fancy hanging from a macramé hanger or a woven rattan planter. Both do well in hanging baskets because they trail beautifully instead of growing upward.
Care Tips: Keep It Happy Without Overwatering
Here’s the thing—I used to overwater everything. Like, I’d get excited and drown my poor plants. But with pothos, you actually want to let the soil dry out between waterings. If you forget to water it for a week or two? No biggie. This plant is built to survive.
And don’t worry if it starts looking a bit leggy after a while. Just give it some light pruning every few months. Snip off the longer vines and either toss them or use them to propagate new plants—super easy by the way!
Pro tip: If your pothos ever starts turning yellow, that’s a sign it’s getting too much water. Back off on the watering schedule and make sure your pot has good drainage.
Styling Ideas: Go Boho with Rattan & Macramé
Now for the fun part—styling! I swear, nothing makes a balcony feel cozier than a few pothos plants in woven rattan or macramé hangers. They bring that boho-chic energy that’s so popular in home decor these days.
You can hang them at different heights for visual interest or group a few together in matching baskets. Add some string lights or a small side table with candles, and boom—you’ve got yourself a mini jungle retreat.
If you’re into DIYs or crafts, try making your own macramé plant hangers! There are tons of tutorials online, and it’s an easy project that totally transforms your balcony vibe.
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics of Pothos, let’s move on to another favorite of mine—String of Hearts. It’s one of those plants that looks delicate but is surprisingly tough, and it adds such a soft, romantic touch to any balcony.
Ready to see what all the hype is about? 👉 Click “next” below!
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