east facing balcony plant suggestions

[toby8]

Hi folks

recently moved into an apartment with an east facing balcony. Ie. cops intense sunlight am.

my umbrella plant got a little fried so I’ve moved it inside to recover 🤞🏼.

id like a plant with potential to grow to approx a metre in height with some spread so that it does some screening and provides some greenery in an urban landscape (when looking out window to balcony). 

seeking suggestions for something that will cope with those conditions. 

thanks! 

[JacobZ]

Hi @toby8,

Thank you for your question about good plants for your balcony that gets intense morning sun.

The following plants will fit your requirements, have a look and see which ones you like -

• Bamboo Palm
   
• Fiddle Leaf Fig
   
• Bird of Paradise
   
• Rhaphiolepsis Indica
   
• Dwarf Lilly Pilly.
   

Have a look at How To Create A Balcony Or Courtyard Garden and How To Create A Balcony Garden for some further guidance.

Allow me to tag @robchin, @mich1972 and @Noelle to see if they have any other recommendations.

Jacob

[robchin]

Hi @toby8 

Balcony is a tough place to grow plants. @JacobZ has already made some suggestions below which are good. BUT few of bits of advice I would offer:

1) don't every consider indoor a balcony to be a place to grow indoor plants - unless they are shady all day

2) Weight issues are a thing and water drainage 

3) Plants grown in pots planters - won't every grow as big as they will in the ground - natural dwarfing

4) Some additional plant suggestions: Lemons or other citrus, Olives. Also think of hedging plants eg. Photinia, Murraya, Viburnum

5) Always use water gels or other water savers

Good luck. 

[toby8]

Not familiar with water gels- water saver lingo so will suss that out. Thx

[MitchellMc]

Hi @toby8,

@robchin is referring to water storage crystals. They fill up with water when you water the plants and hold it in the soil for when the roots need it. They help ensure your soil doesn't dry out fully between waterings.

Mitchell

[toby8]

Brilliant. Will give this idea a whirl.

bunnings garden centre at kings grove the bloke suggested a golden cane palm (which confused me cuz palm are rainforest- warm or cool but damp?). Another suggestion was something in the draceana family as they are succulent-ish and pretty resilient. 🤔 

[JacobZ]

Hi @toby8,

A golden cane palm will be fine. They are fairly versatile and can be grown in full sun to partial shade as well as indoors in bright spots.

Dracaenas can also be good options, but they aren't as great for screening purposes. Combined with some other plants that do more of the work screening, they would still be a lovely addition.

Jacob