TheNaturePlanet

Do friends with east-facing balconies often find themselves in a dilemma? The plants get some sun in the morning, but by noon, there's no direct sunlight. What can you plant that will survive and thrive? Actually, the "half-day sun" environment of an east-facing balcony is very friendly to plants, and if you choose the right ones, it's really easy to care for them. Here are some great, low-maintenance, and beautiful plants for you!

Advantages of an East-Facing Balcony:

Plenty of sunlight in the morning: 4-5 hours of soft light, not strong enough to burn plants.

Shady in the afternoon: Perfect for plants that dislike direct sunlight.

Good ventilation: Less likely to cause root rot and leaf damage.

Disadvantages: The main downside is that there's no direct sunlight in the afternoon, so sun-loving plants like roses and succulents might grow a bit slower. However, the following plants actually grow better on an east-facing balcony!

1. Pothos (Green Devil’s Ivy) — A Must-Have for Beginners

Features: Tolerant of shade and easy to care for, can be grown in water or soil.

Care:

Water once a week, only when the soil is dry.

Occasionally wipe the leaves to keep them shiny.

Can be grown hanging, saving space!

2. Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) — Instagram-worthy

Features: Artistic leaves, a champion of low light tolerance.

Care:

Water every two weeks.

Repot once a year as it grows larger.

Can be propagated by dividing the plant into smaller sections.

3. Phalaenopsis Orchid — Long-Lasting Blooms

Features: Flowers last 3-6 months, elegant and luxurious.

Care:

Plant in sphagnum moss and water only when it’s completely dry.

Avoid spraying water on the petals while blooming.

Cut the flower spike after blooming to encourage new flowers.

4. Kalanchoe (Flowering Machine)

Features: Multi-colored, long blooming period, easy to care for.

Care:

Water less in summer, more sunlight in winter.

Trim after flowers fade to encourage new blooms.

Propagate by cutting stems and planting them in soil.

5. Asparagus Fern — Favorite of Intellectuals

Features: Elegant and airy, perfect for traditional-style décor.

Care:

Keep it well-ventilated to avoid yellowing leaves.

Mist regularly to maintain humidity.

Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

6. African Violet — Mini Flowering Champion

Features: Blooms multiple times a year, palm-sized flowers.

Care:

Use the soak method for watering.

Place it on a bright windowsill.

Easy to propagate by leaf cuttings.

7. English Ivy — Hanging Expert

Features: Evergreen, air-purifying.

Care:

Drought-tolerant, water when the soil is dry.

Can be shaped into heart or ball shapes.

Avoid cold drafts in winter.

8. Calathea (Prayer Plant) — Beauty Queen

Features: Beautiful leaf patterns, leaves fold at night.

Care:

Loves moisture, so mist regularly.

Sensitive to cold, keep warm in winter.

Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

9. Hoya (Wax Plant) — Fragrant Flowers

Features: Wax-like flowers with a strong fragrance.

Care:

Drought-tolerant, water sparingly.

Needs a trellis or can be hung.

Don’t move it after it blooms to avoid bud drop.

10. Coral Bells — Colorful Ground Cover

Features: Colorful foliage, cold- and shade-tolerant.

Care:

Can be grown in the ground or in pots.

Provide shade in summer to avoid burning.

The foliage is most vibrant in autumn.

East-Facing Balcony Care Tips:

Watering: Water when the soil is dry, but don’t overdo it! The air is well-ventilated but the evaporation is slow.

Rotate pots regularly: Plants tend to grow toward the light, so rotate pots 180 degrees each week to maintain an even shape.

Fertilize lightly and regularly: Use slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizer, once a month during the growing season.

Ventilation: Especially in summer, open windows to prevent pests and diseases.

Prune regularly: Remove yellow leaves and dead branches to maintain aesthetics.

Although an east-facing balcony doesn’t receive direct sunlight, ventilation is crucial. Open windows often to prevent soil from becoming too moist. Each plant has different watering needs, so don’t water just because others do. Check the surface of the soil for moisture, it’s the most reliable way to determine when to water. Beginners should start with easier plants like Pothos and Geraniums, and gradually gain experience. Creating a small garden on your east-facing balcony is really not that difficult!