Decorating your balcony with large indoor plants is a perfect way to create an inviting, green oasis where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Balconies, whether small or spacious, offer a unique opportunity to blend the indoors with the outdoors. But choosing the right large indoor plants for your balcony can be a bit tricky, especially when balancing between plants that thrive in full sun versus those that prefer the shade.
In this guide, we’ll explore eight large indoor plants that will transform your balcony into a lush retreat. We’ll discuss which plants require more sunlight and which ones are happier in shaded areas, so you can design a balcony that suits both your aesthetic goals and the needs of your plants.
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Why Choose Large Indoor Plants for Balcony Decoration?
Large indoor plants can dramatically enhance the ambiance of your balcony by adding lush greenery, texture, and structure. Here’s why they’re perfect for balcony decoration:
- Statement Pieces: Large plants are natural focal points that can add height and fill in empty spaces, creating a balanced visual appeal.
- Natural Privacy: Tall plants, such as palms or Fiddle Leaf Figs, can act as a natural screen, offering privacy from neighbors while you enjoy your outdoor space.
- Air Purification: Many large indoor plants also improve air quality by filtering out toxins and providing oxygen-rich air for a healthier living environment.
When it comes to balcony decor, selecting the right plants based on their light requirements is key. Some large plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer the cool shelter of a shady corner. Let’s explore both types below.
1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) – Full Sun
Few plants can match the dramatic flair of the Bird of Paradise. Known for its striking flowers that resemble tropical birds, this large indoor plant thrives in full sun and can grow up to 6 feet tall when properly cared for. Its large, glossy leaves add an exotic touch to your balcony, making it feel like a tropical escape.
For a sunny balcony, Bird of Paradise is a standout choice. It needs at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so positioning it in an area that gets morning or midday sun is ideal. Over time, this plant will reward you with vibrant blooms if it gets plenty of light.
Care Tips:
- Water consistently but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Provide ample sunlight to encourage blooming.
Best for: Full sun balconies where a bold, tropical look is desired.
2. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) – Bright Indirect Light
If you’re looking for a bold yet low-maintenance large indoor plant, the Rubber Plant is perfect for your balcony. With its dark, glossy leaves and tree-like structure, the Rubber Plant adds sophistication to any space.
Though it can handle some direct sunlight, the Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect light, making it suitable for a balcony that gets partial sun throughout the day. This plant can reach impressive heights, often growing up to 8 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to your balcony setup.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- Wipe the leaves to remove dust and keep them shiny.
Best for: Balconies with bright but indirect sunlight.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) – Bright Indirect Light
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a favorite among interior decorators, and it’s no surprise why. Its large, violin-shaped leaves add an artistic flair, and it’s perfect for adding vertical greenery to your balcony. This plant needs bright, indirect light, so it’s best placed in a spot where it can enjoy plenty of light without being exposed to harsh, direct sunlight.
While it requires some attention—particularly when it comes to watering and ensuring the right humidity—its striking appearance makes the effort worthwhile. Fiddle Leaf Figs can grow up to 10 feet tall, turning your balcony into a green paradise.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top soil feels dry but avoid overwatering.
- Rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure even growth.
Best for: Partially sunny balconies that get bright, indirect light.
4. Monstera Deliciosa – Partial Shade
One of the most iconic large indoor plants, the Monstera Deliciosa—also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant—thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for balconies that receive dappled sunlight or are shaded for a significant portion of the day. Its large, fenestrated leaves are stunning, adding a jungle-like feel to your outdoor space.
Monstera Deliciosa is relatively easy to care for, and it can grow impressively tall with the right conditions. This plant brings a dramatic look without needing too much direct sunlight, making it an excellent choice for balconies that are partially covered or north-facing.
Care Tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry, but don’t let it stay too wet.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Best for: Shaded balconies or areas with filtered sunlight.
5. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens) – Bright Indirect Light to Full Sun
The Areca Palm is a classic for creating that tropical feel on your balcony. Known for its long, feathery fronds, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate periods of direct sunlight, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Areca Palms can grow up to 10 feet tall when provided with enough space and light, making them a great natural privacy screen for your balcony. They are also excellent air purifiers, adding not only beauty but also health benefits to your home.
Care Tips:
- Keep the soil lightly moist but avoid overwatering.
- Mist the leaves occasionally to maintain humidity.
Best for: Balconies with bright, indirect light or partial sun.
6. Olive Tree (Olea europaea) – Full Sun
For a Mediterranean vibe on your balcony, consider adding an Olive Tree. This elegant, slow-growing tree does best in full sun, so it’s perfect for a balcony that gets direct sunlight for most of the day. Olive trees have slender, silvery-green leaves that bring a serene, Mediterranean aesthetic to your outdoor space.
Olive trees are drought-tolerant, making them relatively easy to care for as long as they receive plenty of sunlight. With time, they can grow into tall, stunning trees, adding both height and character to your balcony.
Care Tips:
- Water sparingly; Olive Trees prefer well-drained soil.
- Ensure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Best for: Full-sun balconies with plenty of direct light.
7. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) – Bright Indirect Light
The Kentia Palm is another fantastic option for creating a tropical atmosphere on your balcony. This slow-growing palm does well in bright, indirect light, making it ideal for balconies that receive morning sun but are shaded in the afternoon.
Known for its slender, arching fronds, the Kentia Palm is elegant and low-maintenance, reaching heights of up to 10 feet. It adds a lush, green backdrop to your balcony decor without demanding much attention.
Care Tips:
- Water regularly, but ensure the soil drains well.
- Keep the plant in a bright spot but out of direct, harsh sunlight.
Best for: Balconies with bright, filtered sunlight.
8. Dracaena Marginata – Partial Shade
If your balcony doesn’t get a lot of direct sun, the Dracaena Marginata is a hardy plant that thrives in partial shade. Also known as the Dragon Tree, this plant’s narrow, spiky leaves give it a bold, architectural look. It’s a great choice for smaller balconies or shaded areas that need a pop of green without much effort.
Dracaena Marginata is drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t require frequent watering, making it a low-maintenance option. This plant can grow tall, sometimes reaching 6-8 feet, creating a striking silhouette.
Care Tips:
- Water sparingly and let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn.
Best for: Shaded balconies or areas with limited sunlight.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Sun and Shade with Large Indoor Plants
Decorating your balcony with large indoor plants offers the perfect opportunity to bring nature closer to your living space while enhancing the overall look of your home. However, it’s crucial to understand the different light requirements for each plant to ensure they thrive. Whether you have a sun-soaked balcony or a shaded nook, there’s a perfect large plant for you.
By choosing the right combination of sun-loving and shade-preferring plants, you can create a balanced and lush green haven, where each plant shines in its ideal conditions. From the tropical allure of the Bird of Paradise to the elegant charm of the Olive Tree, these plants will transform your balcony into a space you’ll love spending time in.
Valeria Ferreira is a plant enthusiast and content creator who fell in love with greenery during the pandemic. With a passion for succulents, indoor plants, and floral art, she shares tips and inspiration on blending nature with home decor.