10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

by The Home Growns May 9, 2025, 5:25 pm 205 Views

8. ZZ Plant

A diptych image showing a resilient ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia); on the left, it's thriving indoors by a window, and on the right, it serves as hardy greenery on a balcony ledge, demonstrating its versatility as one of the great balcony plants summer options, with city buildings in the background.

Another nearly indestructible greenery option

Let’s be real—some of us don’t have time to fuss over plants. I used to kill cacti. No joke. That’s when a friend handed me a chunky little ZZ plant and said, “Just stick it somewhere and forget about it.” And guess what? It’s now twice the size and still thriving on my semi-shaded balcony in Seattle.

If you’re into low-maintenance balcony plants that look good and survive total neglect, this one’s for you.

Why It’s Perfect for Shaded Balconies (Even Indoors)

One of the things I love most about the ZZ plant is how chill it is with light. You don’t need full sun or even bright indirect light—it does just fine in medium to low-light conditions, which makes it perfect for shaded balconies or urban apartments surrounded by tall buildings.

I actually keep one inside near a north-facing window and another outside under an awning. Both are doing great! If you’re like me and your outdoor space doesn’t get wall-to-wall sunshine all day, this is a shade-tolerant plant that won’t let you down.

Watering & Soil: Less Is More

Here’s the secret to keeping a ZZ plant happy: water it once every few weeks and stop worrying. These guys store water in their rhizomes (that’s the underground stem-looking part), so they can go a long time without a drink.

I use a well-draining potting mix with some added perlite to prevent soggy soil—which is basically the only way to kill these plants. Seriously, if you tend to overwater like I do, set a monthly reminder and stick to it. Your ZZ will thank you.

Styling My Space with a Sleek, Architectural Look

As someone who loves modern balcony design, I’m obsessed with how clean and structured the ZZ plant looks. The glossy, waxy leaves have this sculptural quality that pairs perfectly with minimalist furniture, concrete pots, or sleek metal railings.

I’ve got mine in a matte white ceramic planter that gives off serious contemporary decor vibes. But honestly, this plant looks just as good in woven baskets or wall-mounted containers if you lean more toward boho-chic.

Safe, Non-Toxic, and Pet-Friendly (Mostly)

Okay, quick disclaimer: while the ZZ plant isn’t technically toxic, it can irritate skin or cause mild stomach upset if ingested. So, not 100% pet-proof, but much safer than other common houseplants like pothos or lilies.

I have a curious pup at home and keep mine up high where she can’t reach—problem solved. If you’ve got kids or furry friends, just make sure to place it out of reach, and you’ll be golden.

Alright, ready to bring a bit of citrusy cheer next? Let’s talk about dwarf lemon trees—yes, you can grow fresh lemons on your balcony! Click “next” to see how this tiny tree adds big style and flavor to your summer space! 🍋