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Having an outdoor space to get some fresh air and take in the view offers a relaxing retreat during a hectic day. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment in the city or have a house with a cramped upstairs balcony, there are many creative ways to decorate the balcony with plants that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Some tricks for making the most of the limited space on a small balcony include using hanging planters for a balcony, railing planters, planters with stands, and a tiered vertical planter. Check out the following recommendations for the best balcony planters that will liven up even the tightest of spaces.
1. Apollo Exports International Adjustable Railing Planter
Although pretty basic looking, this planter is ranked “Best Overall” on our railing planters guide. This adjustable railing planter is made with durable UV-resistant plastic, which is perfect for a small balcony. It will fit railings from 1 to 4 inches wide, and the arms are adjustable (no tools required). The best part is that it is self-watering, with a reservoir tank that can hold six cups of water and an automatic overflow feature so excess water can escape. Plus, it comes in five colors and three sizes.
Get the Apollo Exports International Adjustable 20” Railing Planter at Amazon for $26.99
2. La Jolie Muse Large Hanging Planters (Set of 2)
At nearly 6,000 reviews, these attractive weathered gray hanging balcony planters are an Amazon favorite, and we ranked them as Best for Patios on our best hanging planters list. They are made from a combination of recycled plastic and stone powder that gives them a concrete look without the weight, and are available in a variety of colors including white, gray, black, terracotta, and marble. Each planter measures 13.2 inches in diameter and hangs from an adjustable natural braided rope. Sturdy but lightweight, these planters are weather-resistant, so they won’t crack, peel, or fade in the sun or inclement weather. Lastly, they have four drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Get the La Jolie Muse Large Hanging Planters (Set of 2) at Amazon for $39.99
3. Lovous Iron Hanging Planters Multicolor Flower Pots
Liven up your balcony with these vivid metal hanging planter pots. Their small size 5.1 inch wide body makes them a flexible option for a tiny balcony. They are sturdy and weather-resistant, and the drainage hole at the bottom lets extra water easily leak out. These planters also have a detachable hook so they can be placed on the balcony floor or on a table. The 12-piece set includes the following colors: hot pink, lavender, light blue, red, yellow, orange, green, pink, blue, light green, white, and purple.
Get the Lovous Iron Hanging Planters Multicolor Flower Pots at Amazon for $17.99
4. Bloem Modica Deck Rail Planter 12″
Ranked the “Best Small Planter” on our best railing planters list, this product features a circular design with a bottom cutout, allowing growers to maximize small spaces. Its compression design securely fits on 2-inch, 3.5-inch, and up to 3.75-inch wide railings, while its deep 8.75-inch height allows plenty of room for plants to establish roots. The Bloem Modica planter is made of durable plastic resin that is UV-resistant, and it comes in several colors. It is easy to use; no tools necessary. It also has drainage holes and a water reservoir to help protect against overwatering.
Get the Bloem Modica Deck Rail Planter 12″Product Name at The Home Depot for $16.18
5. Growneer 5 Packs Macrame Plant Hangers
This set of stylish planters made it on our best hanging planters list as the “Best Bang for the Buck” choice. It is also Amazon’schoice with five stars and over 6,000 reviews on the site. The set includes five handcrafted beige cotton hangers with hooks in varying attractive knot designs and lengths. They are easy to use and made of natural cotton that is durable and washable. Best of all, these plant hangers fit different pot shapes and sizes up to 10 inches in diameter.
Get the Growneer 5 Packs Macrame Plant Hangers at Amazon for $23.99
6. Vivosun 5 Tier Vertical Gardening Stackable Planter
With over 2,000 Amazon ratings, this vertical stacking planter system helps residents grow healthy plants in a small place. The planters can be stacked in a variety of ways and can hang with chains or on a cylindrical rod. They are made from thick, high-quality polypropylene that is BPA free, and crack-, weather-, and fade-resistant. Additionally, these planters have a water filtration system to save and retain moisture, and the bottom is equipped with a dish that will not stain the ground.
Get the Vivosun 5 Tier Vertical Gardening Stackable Planter at Amazon for $26.79
7. Set 3 Large Galvanized Planters Outdoor, Indoor, Metal Farmhouse Decor
Create an attractive corner on a small balcony with this set of three handcrafted and upcycled galvanized iron planters. They work well clustered together for rustic, farmhouse, industrial, and shabby chic decor. Each pot is a different size and sits on a stand so you don’t have to bend over. The largest pot is 10.2 inches tall (25 inches high with a stand) and the smallest measures 8 inches tall (19 inches high with a stand). The material is sturdy, rust-free, and weather-resistant. Finally, the pots have drainage holes.
Get the Set 3 Large Galvanized Planters Outdoor, Indoor, Metal Farmhouse Decor at Etsy for $63.25
8. Oyeal Raised Garden Bed 4 Tier Vertical Garden Planter
Tiered planters are excellent space-saving solutions for smaller balconies. Oyeal’s compact size tiered vertical planter boxes each measure 16.8 x 7.02 x 5.5 inches. The frame is made of high-quality metal to form a stable triangular design that works well for herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Each plastic planter bin has drainage holes and a removable bottom tray to prevent water logging. The vertical design does not restrict the growth of the lower-level plants and will make the most of the sunlight.
Get the Oyeal Raised Garden Bed 4 Tier Vertical Garden Planter at Amazon for $36.92
9. Veradek Pure Railing Planter
Available in black, espresso, gray, and white colors, these slick balcony planters for railings are highlighted as the best modern look on our railing planters guide. Molded from a high-grade polyethylene composite patented plastic, the planters are extremely durable and designed to survive all seasons. They are sturdy yet lightweight, impact-resistant, frost-resistant, and treated with UV inhibitors to minimize fading. Additionally, these planters have pre-drilled drainage holes and adjustable brackets that accommodate railings from 1 inch to 5.5 inches wide and can be adjusted at different angles.
Get the Veradek Pure Railing Planter at Wayfair for $54.99
10. Set of 3 Pack 10-inch Whiskey Barrel Planters
With over 1,000 ratings, this Amazon-approved set of rustic barrel planters exudes a wine-country feel. These 10-inch pots are made with recyclable polyethylene, making them lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant. Finally, each planter features a drainage hole and saucer to collect excess water and prevent spills.
Get the Set of 3 Pack 10 inch Whiskey Barrel Planters at Amazon for $20.92