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The Best Balcony Plants to Jazz up Your Outdoor Area

Plant parents, unite!

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beautiful balconies with typical flowers in grazalema in the sierra de cadiz in andalucia spain
Blanchi Costela

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There's really nothing in this world that can bring instant positive energy like a good ol' plant. I mean, the subliminal, joyous effects green bbs have on people by quite literally just existing... Show-offs, amiright?! But because of their dopamine-inducing powers (and the fact that they automatically make you look like a responsible adult), they attract many and are wanted everywhere, in people's bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and even balconies!

If you're looking for the best plants for your balcony (because, yes, not all plants all the same/can survive out there), then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find some that absolutely love sunlight and require very minimal maintenance (aka one of the best parts about 'em). Some are big, some are really smol, and there are a few in there that have the most gorgeous flowers.

So whether you're a beginner getting into the plant parent world or you're someone who just wants to add to their green family, below you'll find picks that absolutely thrive in sunny to semi-lit areas. And if this sounds like the lighting situation in your balcony area, then your new child is just a scroll away.

1
this one that loves sun and shade

The Sill Philodendron Birkin

Philodendron Birkin
1
this one that loves sun and shade

The Sill Philodendron Birkin

$48 at The Sill
Credit: The Sill

This bb just needs some bright, indirect light for it to thrive! So if your balcony has some shade, I suggest perching it there for it to have a good balance of sunshine and coolness.

2
this suuuper low-maintenance angel

Hey Botany Hoya Carnosa

Hoya Carnosa
2
this suuuper low-maintenance angel

Hey Botany Hoya Carnosa

Now 43% Off
Credit: Hey Botany

The nice thing about her is that she doesn't need to be watered that much—so if you're someone who often forgets to do a task like that, you're safe!

3
this multi-colored love

Bloomscape Echeveria Rosea

Echeveria Rosea
3
this multi-colored love

Bloomscape Echeveria Rosea

Credit: Bloomscape

New plant parents, this purple and green-leaf beaut is your ideal first child. It's very low-maintenance, soaks UP sun rays, and even removes toxins from the air.

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4
this one that looks like it's straight from an island

Plants.com Sago Palm

Sago Palm
4
this one that looks like it's straight from an island

Plants.com Sago Palm

Credit: Plants.com

Bring all the tropical vibes to your home with this drop-dead gorgeous palm plant. It prefers indirect light, loves humid conditions, and doesn't need to have its thirst quenched that often.

5
this dynamic duo

Lulas Garden Glow Garden

Glow Garden
5
this dynamic duo

Lulas Garden Glow Garden

Credit: Lula's Garden

What's better than one succulent? Two succulents! This chic jar comes with a fresh and bright duo.

6
this bright gem

Leaf Me Co. Philodendron Brazil

Philodendron Brazil
6
this bright gem

Leaf Me Co. Philodendron Brazil

Credit: LeafMe.Co

If you want this plant to have vibrant green leaves like in the picture shown, you must make sure it's in a spot where it can get lots of sun.

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7
this one that can live v long

Hey Horti Jade

Jade
7
this one that can live v long

Hey Horti Jade

Credit: Hey Horti

A plant that will literally last you years is this satin pothos, bad boy. It's strong on its own and is very drought-tolerant.

8
this sweet flower

Brecks Casablanca Lily

Casablanca Lily
8
this sweet flower

Brecks Casablanca Lily

Now 55% Off
Credit: Brecks

Lillies can be grown whenever, but they l-o-v-e the fall weather (which is comin' up!). They enjoy both the sun and shade, so if your balcony has the best of both worlds and you want to add some flora to your outdoor space, consider these gems.

9
this vibey option

Urban Stem The Winona

The Winona
9
this vibey option

Urban Stem The Winona

Credit: Urban Stems

The planter alone is just too stunning to pass up. It'll totally beautify your balcony instantly! And we can't forget the fact that succulents are more than easy to care for.

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10
this edgy plant

Costa Farms Sansevieria, Snake Live Plant

Sansevieria, Snake Live Plant
10
this edgy plant

Costa Farms Sansevieria, Snake Live Plant

Now 17% Off
Credit: Amazon

Whether your balcony receives lots of or barely any sunlight, this snake plant will love its nook wherever it's located. (Side note: But if you do wanna see it flourish, you'll prop it in a place that gets alll the beams).

11
this cute lemon tree

Meyer Meyer Lemon Tree Citrus

Meyer Lemon Tree Citrus
11
this cute lemon tree

Meyer Meyer Lemon Tree Citrus

Credit: Brighter Blooms

Yep, you can grow a whole-ass lemon tree in your balcony! It's possible!! As long as there's accessible light and it's spacious enough to fit this big stunner, you can be blessed with fruits right outside your humble abode.

12
this multi-faceted queen

Shop Terrain Aloe Plant

Aloe Plant
12
this multi-faceted queen

Shop Terrain Aloe Plant

Credit: Shop Terrain

Not only will having aloe bring you joy, but it'll also provide you medicinal support. Snag this cutie that can honestly survive any type of housing situation.

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13
this one that loves weather

MYSHELFIE Mini Bougainvillea La Jolla Red Flower Plant

Mini Bougainvillea La Jolla Red Flower Plant
13
this one that loves weather

MYSHELFIE Mini Bougainvillea La Jolla Red Flower Plant

Credit: Etsy

Add a pop of color to your lil garden with this lively queen. She really shows off outside and adores the hot season.

14
this one that attracts butterflies

AmericanPlants Milkweed Plant

Milkweed Plant
14
this one that attracts butterflies

AmericanPlants Milkweed Plant

Credit: Etsy

Calling all butterflies, bugs, and bird lovers out there! This milkweed plant is a hit amongst ~visitors~, and if you don't mind having smol creatures make appearances in your balcony area, buy it ASAP.

15
this fun, lil cactus

The Bouqs Co. Desert Fairytale

Desert Fairytale
15
this fun, lil cactus

The Bouqs Co. Desert Fairytale

Credit: The Bouqs Co

There's really nothing more adorable than a tiny cactus.

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16
this herb fam

Urban Leaf Culinary Garden Trio Kit

Culinary Garden Trio Kit
16
this herb fam

Urban Leaf Culinary Garden Trio Kit

Now 62% Off
Credit: Get Urban Leaf

Maybe you've been dabbling in the ~cooking world~ and want to grow some of your OWN herbs. First of all, I love that for you! Secondly, I suggest buying this set that comes with basil, parsley, and cilantro—they all need Mr. Sun about four to six hours a day and to be watered two to three times a week.

Headshot of Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

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