What plants and flowers are suitable for growing on a north-facing balcony?

As everyone knows, a north-facing balcony is not suitable for growing flowers, because the light on the north side is very insufficient, with no direct sunlight, only diffused light. So what flowers are suitable for growing on a north-facing balcony or in a living room? Read on with the editor to find out.

For a balcony with insufficient light, just grow the three types of plants: Chinese orchids, tropical orchids and gesneriads. They are all shade-loving, and as long as they are given diffused light they can grow well. What is more, the important thing is that none of these three types of plants are afraid of heat, so you no longer have to worry about high temperatures.

First, let us talk about Chinese orchids and tropical orchids. They both belong to the orchid category. Chinese orchids are native to the deep mountain forests of most of China's tropical and subtropical regions, with only a small portion produced in temperate regions. Their growing environment is mostly in mixed broadleaf forests. They like soft light, semi-shade and warmth. In the soil layer under the forest canopy they use rotted organic material, so their drainage, seepage and water permeability are good, and their roots and leaves also have a relatively strong ability to regulate water and resist drought, so they can withstand high temperatures.

Tropical orchids are likewise produced in the hot, humid tropical and subtropical forests, with a small number growing in semi-shaded spots under the forest. Their habit is to like warmth and mild conditions and to fear cold, so in the jungle they mostly grow under the cover of leaves. The climate, temperature and air humidity they adapt to are similar to those of Chinese orchids. The two are the same when it comes to home care. For the soil, choose orchid mud, leaf mold, perlite, etc.; an artificially prepared loose, breathable, water-permeable potting mix is also fine. As for fertilizer, during the growing season apply a rotted 15% dilute fertilizer every 15-20 days, and during flowering spray 2-3 times with potassium dihydrogen phosphate to promote the development of roots, stems and flowers.

There are also gesneriads suitable for growing on a balcony. They belong to the genus Gesneriaceae in the family Gesneriaceae, and common varieties include long-tube, double-tube, miniature sinningia, large-tube, flower cat and so on. They are mostly 50-100cm per pot, so they are small and do not take up space. They do not have high light requirements and are not afraid of heat; in summer, as long as they are not exposed to the sun, there is no problem. Their growing temperature is 15-25°C, and they can tolerate a low temperature of -3°C. If the temperature exceeds 30°C, poor growth will occur, so it is recommended to place them in a spot with diffused light. As for soil, they like clay loam, and every 7-10 days you can water and fertilize (nitrogen fertilizer).

In addition, the tender leaves of gesneriads can be eaten raw, or served cold or stir-fried, and they contain a large amount of vitamin C as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and iron.