10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

Summer is here, and if you’re like me—someone who loves a cozy yet stylish space—you probably want your balcony to feel like an extension of your personality. Whether it’s for sipping iced coffee while reading design blogs, hosting friends for sunset drinks, or just adding a splash of green to your urban life, the right plants can transform even the tiniest outdoor space into a lush retreat.

I’m talking about plants that are not only beautiful but also low-maintenance—perfect for busy lifestyles and city dwellers who may not have a ton of time to garden. This list is curated especially for creative, stylish women (and men!) in major U.S. cities who love home decor, DIY projects, fashion, and everything aesthetic. These plants are easy to find, simple to grow, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Let’s dive into the 10 must-have plants that your summer balcony needs this year!

1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Perfect for beginners and apartment dwellers

Let me tell you, if there’s one plant that saved my balcony from looking like a sad concrete slab, it’s the pothos—also known as Devil’s Ivy. I used to think I had a black thumb. No matter how much I tried, my plants would either droop or die within weeks. Then I got a pothos on a whim from Trader Joe’s (yes, they sell legit plants there), stuck it in a hanging basket, and… it just thrived. Like, aggressively.

Why Pothos is My Go-To Balcony Plant

Seriously, this thing grows like crazy. It doesn’t care if you forget to water it for two weeks (which I’ve definitely done). It handles low light like a champ but also loves bright indirect sun. And here’s the kicker—it actually looks good while doing it. The heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully over railings or down from shelves, giving your space that lush, green vibe without all the fuss.

If you’re living in an apartment with limited outdoor space—like me in my tiny NYC studio—this is low maintenance balcony decor at its finest.

How I Keep My Pothos Happy in Containers

Okay, so full disclosure: I killed two pothos plants before I figured out what was going on. Yep, even this tough plant can suffer if you do things wrong. First mistake? Using a pot with no drainage. Rookie move. Once I switched to a container with proper holes and added some well-draining potting soil, things turned around.

I usually go with a hanging planter or a wall-mounted pouch because it saves space and adds vertical interest. Watering? I stick to once every 1–2 weeks, depending on how dry the top inch of soil feels. Oh, and a little monthly fertilizer during growing season keeps it lush and green.

Styling Tips That Make My Balcony Feel Like a Mini Jungle

I’m all about mixing textures and heights when styling my balcony garden. One of my favorite tricks is letting the pothos trail over railings for a natural curtain effect. You can also tuck a few in wall planters along a trellis or combine them with other balcony-friendly plants like snake plants or geraniums for contrast.

Want a chic look? Use macramé hangers or minimalist ceramic pots that match your outdoor cushions. Instant aesthetic upgrade.

Air Purifying Perks (and a Word of Caution)

Not only does it look good, but the pothos is also a certified air-purifying plant, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Big win for city dwellers breathing less-than-perfect air.

But quick heads up—if you have pets, keep this one out of reach. It’s toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Ask me how I know. 😬

Alright, now that we’ve covered the plant that basically revived my love for gardening, are you ready to spice things up with something fragrant and totally romantic? Let’s talk about lavender next—because yes, you can grow real lavender on your balcony, even in the middle of a bustling city. Click “next” to see how!