What plants are suitable for hanging cultivation on the balcony
An article about the types of plants suitable for hanging cultivation on the balcony, and a review of five recommended plants for hanging on the balcony or windowsill, introduces some experience in green plant care. The following is an introduction by the editor.
1. Aeschynanthus pulcher
Aeschynanthus pulcher, also known as lipstick vine, is a shade-tolerant flowering plant belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. It can grow and bloom normally with more than two to three hours of scattered light per day. Its leaves are dark green, thick, and glossy, capable of producing flowers similar to lipstick, with a long blooming period. As long as the weather is warm, its flower buds can continuously appear.
Lipstick vine has good drought resistance and strong adaptability to the environment, requiring no frequent watering. Many people have their lipstick vines die or deteriorate because of too frequent watering, which leads to consistently moist or waterlogged soil, causing root and stem rot. It is important to check the moisture of the potting soil before watering and only water when it is completely dry.
There is also one point to note: lipstick vine is sensitive to cold, with a minimum safe temperature of 5-7 degrees Celsius. Watering should be reduced when the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius, as low temperatures combined with frequent watering can exacerbate frost damage.
2. Hoya
Mentioning flowering plants that tolerate semi-shade, Hoya cannot be overlooked. It is suitable for pot cultivation and can also be trained into a vine or hanging plant. If you want to save space, you can allow its stems and leaves to hang low, and its thick, green leaves are also very decorative.
Hoya requires minimal light, with 3-5 hours of soft scattered light per day being sufficient for normal growth. It prefers a warm, humid, and cool environment. The roots need to fill the potting soil and feel some pressure before it is more likely to bloom. After flowering, do not cut the flower stem, as it may affect future blooms.
After potting Hoya, make sure to water only when the soil is completely dry, avoiding consistently moist soil. Keep the potting soil slightly dry throughout the year. In summer, be sure to provide shade and increase ventilation. In indoor environments with very dry air, make sure to increase humidity appropriately.
If Hoya does not bloom, it is usually due to insufficient light, excessively dry air, a too large pot, too much potting soil, which relieves root pressure, or the plant being too young and not yet ready to bloom.
3. Begonia
There are many varieties of Begonia, which can be divided into leaf Begonias and flowering Begonias. However, leaf Begonias often bloom as well, but their leaves are more decorative than their flowers. You can choose suitable varieties according to your preferences, including evergreen Begonia, trout Begonia, bamboo Begonia, or iron cross Begonia.
When growing Begonia in a pot, keep it in a semi-shaded area with 3-5 hours of soft light per day for growth and blooming. Avoid keeping the potting soil consistently moist. During the rainy season, avoid prolonged exposure to rain and prevent water from accumulating on the leaves, as this can lead to leaf rot. Make sure to water when the potting soil is completely dry and apply a thin layer of fertilizer frequently during the growing season.
In humid or poorly ventilated environments, be sure to spray fungicides regularly to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. When caring for Begonia indoors, check the potting soil before each watering, avoid using too concentrated fertilizer, keep the plant warm during winter with a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius.
During the growing period, make sure to supplement with fertilizer and water regularly, occasionally adding a solution of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The soil can be kept slightly moist during the spring and summer growing seasons, but should be controlled in the late autumn when the weather cools down. The potting soil should have good drainage and aeration, usually choosing humus soil or sandy soil.
4. Tradescantia cerinthoides 'Nanouk'
Tradescantia cerinthoides 'Nanouk', also known as painted wedding vine, is a recently popular ornamental foliage and flowering plant. Its stems and flower buds have fine, soft hairs, with leaves that have patterns of green, white, and purple. This plant is very shade-tolerant and can grow well in shaded environments, making it suitable for a hanging plant.
Tradescantia cerinthoides 'Nanouk' is a horticultural variety of the Commelinaceae family. Its tiny white flowers complement the colorful leaves and are quite attractive. The plant is easy to manage, grows rapidly, and is very easy to propagate.