What large green plants are good to grow on south- and north-facing balconies? These 4 species thrive in either sun or shade
Many friends always stumble when buying large green plants: they buy a sun-loving fiddle-leaf fig for a north-facing balcony, and within two months all the leaves turn yellow; they carry a shade-tolerant Swiss cheese plant back to a south-facing balcony, and the leaves get sunburned edges. It wasn't until I came across a netizen's roundup of "works in both north and south" large green plants that my balcony was finally saved!
Rubber plant: Netizens say it is the "ceiling of lazy-person green plants" and they really aren't lying! My best friend's north-facing balcony has weak light, and that rubber plant sat there for two years with leaves still glossy and dark, as if waxed; my south-facing balcony gets so hot in summer you could fry an egg, and it never wilted either, at most occasionally getting a few sunburn spots on the leaves, which recover once you move it by the window to block the direct light. The key is you don't need to water frequently; water only after the soil has dried out completely. Even if you forget to water and the leaves droop, half a day after watering it perks up. It also grows straight, and without pruning it can reach over two meters tall, instantly making the balcony corner look imposing, and it can absorb dust too, two benefits in one!
Swiss cheese plant: A must-have for lovers of good looks! I used to always hear people say Swiss cheese plants are afraid of sun, but actually they are super tough! The one my neighbor grows on a south-facing balcony, with a sheer curtain blocking some light at noon in summer, has leaves bigger than a washbasin, with split leaves just like a turtle shell, instantly maxing out that tropical vibe. To grow it, just remember not to water too much; especially on a north-facing balcony with poor ventilation, soil that stays wet too long easily causes root rot. Occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and they shine so much they reflect light!
Philodendron selloum: Even more "easygoing" than the Swiss cheese plant! Its leaves are like big feathers, spreading out beautifully, and it tolerates both shade and sun. On a north-facing balcony its leaves stay emerald green without turning yellow; on a south-facing balcony, as long as you avoid the midday scorching sun, it can also grow like crazy. Plant it in a larger pot and it can grow half a meter tall in a year. Water when the soil surface is dry and let it dry out between waterings, apply a little dilute fertilizer occasionally, and the leaves will spread out even more!
Dragon tree: Its trunk is tall and straight, and the leaves at the top are like an umbrella, making the balcony look especially stylish. Its shade tolerance is super strong, and it's fine on a north-facing balcony for half a year; on a south-facing balcony with plenty of light it grows even faster, just don't let direct sunlight hit the leaves, or they easily get sunburned and turn pale.
Actually, when choosing large green plants you don't need to use the balcony's orientation as a "one-size-fits-all" rule. Choose these 4 species and both south- and north-facing balconies can grow them vigorously! The key is adjusting care according to the light: more shade on a south-facing balcony, less watering and more ventilation on a north-facing balcony, and even beginners can grow large green plants lush and green, doubling the balcony's beauty!