If your balcony doesn’t get full sun all day, don’t stress — you can still grow an incredible collection of plants that’ll love your place more than sun-hungry ones ever could.
Some balconies only get morning sun, some just bright light all day — and that’s perfect for tons of shade-loving plants. These are plants that’ll actually look better, stay greener, and even bloom more consistently when they’re not roasted by full afternoon sun.
So here I’m giving you 14 of the best balcony plants for shade, handpicked for pots, containers, and hanging baskets, all low-maintenance and truly balcony-proof — not the garden-center “in theory” stuff.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
If you want something that looks classy and won’t cry for attention, start with Peace Lily.
It’s made for shade and bright indoor light. Those glossy green leaves and white flowers will instantly make your balcony look peaceful and fresh.
Why you’ll love it:
- Survives perfectly in low to bright indirect light.
- Filters toxins from air — ideal if your balcony is enclosed or near traffic.
- It grows compact, perfect for corners or under shelves.
Care Tip: Water when the topsoil feels dry. Don’t let the pot sit in water — it’ll rot the roots.
And if you like this herbs, check out Best Herbs for Balcony Garden.
2. Ferns (Boston, Asparagus & Maidenhair)
Ferns are like magic in shaded balconies — soft, feathery, full, and happy with filtered light.
They thrive where the sunlight is diffused — like behind railings or near east-facing spots.
You’ll see:
- They’ll stay lush if you keep the soil slightly moist.
- Mist the leaves sometimes; they love humidity.
- Don’t keep them bone-dry — ferns don’t forgive drought.
Pro tip: Try hanging Boston ferns in macramé pots, or grow Asparagus Ferns in railing planters. Looks stunning.
If you want to go creative with placement, check DIY Vertical Garden with Plastic Bottles. Ferns grow beautifully in vertical designs, too.
3. Pothos (Money Plant)
Every balcony needs a Pothos. It’s one of the toughest, easiest plants you’ll ever grow.
It’ll grow in low light, bright light — pretty much anywhere that isn’t pitch dark.
- Light: Shade to bright indirect.
- Water: Once the top layer of soil dries.
If you forget to water, it’ll still stay alive. You can grow it in soil or even plain water jars.
It’s also great for hanging baskets or railing pots, where it’ll trail down beautifully.
4. Begonias (Wax or Angel Wing)
If you crave flowers in shade, Begonias are perfect. They don’t need a blasting sun to bloom — just bright light.
And they’ll bloom for months if they are happy.
Why pick them:
- Gorgeous foliage even when not flowering.
- Compact enough for pots and railing boxes.
- Ideal for partial shade balconies.
Water regularly, but don’t drown them.
Pro Tip: Mix red, orange, and pink varieties together for a small but colorful corner.
5. Caladium (Elephant Ear)
Caladiums give your balcony instant tropical vibes — pink, white, and green leaves that look painted by hand.
They’re shade lovers through and through.
- Perfect for: North or east-facing balconies with 2–3 hours of soft light.
- Maintenance: Keep soil moist, not soggy.
They grow amazingly in wide pots — combine with ferns or peace lilies for a mini rainforest feel.
6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Hard to kill, stylish, and extremely forgiving — Snake Plant is that friend who never complains.
It’ll handle low light, bright light, and even that neglected corner behind a chair.
Care is simple: Water every 2–3 weeks, forget about it, and it’ll still look fine.
It’s a top choice if you travel or forget to water often.
And the upright shape adds height and structure to small balconies.
7. Impatiens
Shade-friendly blooms that never stop — that’s Impatiens.
They come in so many colors you’ll forget your balcony doesn’t get full sun.
- Light: Partial shade or filtered sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly damp.
They’ll bloom almost continuously if fed with compost once a month. Mix red and white types for a fuller look.
8. Coleus
Coleus is mainly about the leaves — and those colors are next-level. Purple, lime, pink, maroon — even the leaves look like flowers.
- Light: Bright shade or indirect light.
- Care: Pinch growing tips regularly for bushy growth.
They grow fast and fill up space quickly. If you’ve a dull corner, one pot of Coleus will brighten it up.
Pro tip: Combine 2–3 color types in one large container — looks like a living bouquet.
9. Hydrangea
For a shaded balcony that still wants big blooms, Hydrangea fits perfectly.
It loves morning or evening sun but hates harsh direct light.
- Light: Partial or dappled sunlight.
- Water: Regularly — they love moisture.
The blooms are huge, and the color varies with soil pH (blue, pink, purple). Perfect centerpiece plant for your largest container.
10. English Ivy
If your balcony has railings or wall grids, you’ll love English Ivy. It climbs, trails, and fills every corner with green.
- Light: Bright to low light.
- Care: Moderate watering.
Once established, it grows fast and stays evergreen.
Perfect for creating that soft green wall look — or letting it hang down from vertical bottles.
11. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is made for shade balconies that still want some color. Those hanging pink-and-purple blooms are iconic.
- Light: Filtered sunlight or partial shade.
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist.
They look best in hanging baskets or railing planters. Cut off faded blooms, and they’ll keep producing new ones for months.
12. Spider Plant
If you’ve ever had a plant survive anything — that was probably a Spider Plant.
This one tolerates low light, inconsistent watering, and still looks fresh.
- Light: Indirect or filtered.
- Water: Every few days, when the topsoil dries.
They also shoot baby offshoots — you can easily repot those and expand your collection for free.
13. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you’re after something practically unkillable, the ZZ Plant is your best friend.
It’ll survive in low light, needs watering every 2–3 weeks, and still looks freshly waxed.
Why it’s great:
- Perfect for shady spots.
- No drama if you miss watering.
- Thick leaves stay shiny and upright.
Stick one in a simple white pot — it’ll make even a dark corner look styled.
14. Geranium (Shade Varieties)
Not all Geraniums need full sun — some varieties like Martha Washington grow well in partial light too.
These will still bloom in bright indirect light, giving you a touch of color without full exposure.
Care:
- Water when the topsoil feels dry.
- Remove old blooms to trigger more flowers.
Pair them with Begonias or Impatiens for continuous color all year.
How to Organize Your Shade Balcony (So It Feels Spacious)
You don’t need to crowd the balcony — smart placement will make it look lush but open. Here’s a layout you can use:
| Balcony Zone | Light Type | Best Plants |
| Deep corners | Low light | Peace Lily, ZZ Plant, English Ivy |
| Mid section | Bright indirect | Caladium, Pothos, Fern |
| Railing area | Partial light | Begonias, Geranium, Impatiens |
| Hanging level | Filtered light | Fuchsia, Spider Plant, Fern |
Extra Tips:
- Use light-colored pots to reflect light.
- Avoid overwatering — shade means slower evaporation.
- Rotate pots once a month for even growth.
- Add some verticals — hanging or wall setups really expand your space.
Quick Setup Checklist Before You Start
- Pick true shade plants — not partial sun species that’ll sulk later.
- Use loose, well-draining potting mix with compost.
- Water only when the topsoil feels dry.
- Avoid keeping pots directly under dripping ACs.
- Clean leaves often — dust blocks light absorption.
- Fertilize once every 30–40 days using mild organic compost.
- Keep pots grouped by light and water needs — saves time and avoids mistakes.
Final Thoughts
If your balcony stays in the shade most of the day, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a bright, fresh space. You just need the right kind of plants — ones that’ll thrive where others struggle.
The truth is, shade balconies actually stay greener longer, because plants don’t burn or dry out as easily.
Start with a mix of Peace Lily, Ferns, and Pothos — those three alone can turn even the dullest spot into a lush corner. Then, slowly add a few colorful picks like Begonias or Impatiens.
Keep it simple, keep it low-stress, and you’ll notice how it’ll stay vibrant with minimum care.
FAQs
Which plants are best for a completely shaded balcony?
If you get zero direct sunlight, go with ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, English Ivy, or Spider Plant.
These will stay happy with just bright indirect or artificial light. You can also add a small LED grow light.
How often should I water shade balcony plants?
Watering frequency depends on humidity and pot type. Usually, once the top inch of soil feels dry, that’s your signal.
Shade means slower evaporation — so always check before watering.
Overwatering is the #1 reason plants rot, especially Peace Lilies and Caladiums.
Can I grow flowering plants if my balcony gets only indirect light?
Yes, and they’ll surprise you. Impatiens, Begonias, and Fuchsia bloom beautifully even in partial or filtered light.
They won’t handle harsh sun, so shade is actually an advantage here.
Feed them monthly with mild compost to keep flowers coming.
Which low-maintenance plants are best for busy people?
If you forget watering or travel often, go for Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, or Pothos.
They’ll forgive missed care and still look healthy. All three also clean indoor air, so you can even move them indoors later if you remodel your balcony.
Can I mix edible and ornamental shade plants together?
Absolutely. Combine easy edibles like Fenugreek (Methi) or Mint with your shade-loving ornamentals. Both do fine with 2–3 hours of bright light.
I’m Abraham creator of Balcony Gardening Ideas. I share balcony gardening tips, DIY projects, and hands-on plant care guides based on my own balcony garden experience. I grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers using organic methods and simple setups anyone can follow.
