10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Outdoor Tolerance)

A trendy indoor plant that thrives outdoors in summer

Okay, let me tell you something I wish someone had told me earlier: your fiddle leaf fig doesn’t have to be stuck inside all summer. I used to keep mine in the corner of my living room like it was a museum piece—super protected, never moved. But last year, on a whim (and after watching way too many plant TikToks), I decided to try putting it out on my balcony.

Spoiler alert: it loved it.

How I Moved My Fiddle Leaf Outdoors Without Killing It

Transitioning an indoor fiddle leaf fig to the balcony is kind of like sending a kid off to college—you’ve got to ease into it. Don’t just throw it outside and hope for the best! Start by placing it in a shady spot for a few hours each day, then slowly increase its exposure to indirect light over a couple of weeks.

This helped mine adjust without getting sunburned (yes, plants can get sunburned!). Once it acclimated, I moved it to a part of my balcony where it got morning sun but was shaded from the harsh afternoon rays. Now it’s out there every summer, growing like crazy.

Light, Water, and Humidity: What They Really Need

Fiddle leaf figs are picky—but once you figure them out, they’re actually pretty chill. They love bright, indirect sunlight, which makes a covered or partially shaded balcony ideal. If yours starts dropping leaves, that’s usually a sign it’s not getting enough light—or maybe it’s been moved around too much. These guys hate change.

Water-wise, I stick to a simple rule: wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again. And don’t forget to rotate it every few weeks so it grows evenly—nothing worse than a lopsided fig!

Styling My Balcony Like a Plant Influencer

I’m gonna be honest—I didn’t bring my fiddle leaf fig outside just for health reasons. It looks amazing. There’s something about those big, glossy leaves that adds instant modern balcony decor. I pair mine with neutral-toned pots, woven rattan chairs, and a few trailing vines for contrast.

It also works great as a statement plant in small spaces. Even if your balcony is tiny, one bold plant like this can make it feel lush and intentional. Plus, it photographs beautifully for those weekend Instagram flat lays 😉

Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Let’s talk root rot. Yep, I almost drowned mine in love (aka overwatering). Make sure your pot has drainage holes—and use a well-draining soil mix made for indoor trees or figs specifically.

Also, watch out for pests. I found spider mites on mine once—gross. A quick wipe-down with neem oil fixed it, but now I check regularly during outdoor season.

Alright, ready for something even more useful than decorative? Let’s move on to herbs—yes, real, edible greenery you can grow right outside your kitchen door. Click “next” to see how to start your own balcony herb garden!