You bring home a few beautiful plants from the nursery, arrange them on your balcony, water them enthusiastically, and imagine the little green corner they will become. A few weeks later, one has wilted, another looks unhappy, and you are wondering whether gardening is simply not for you.
Peepal Baba says the problem may begin with something much simpler: the plants you choose.
The environmentalist and founder of ‘Give Me Trees Trust’ recommends five hardy plants that beginners can start with on balconies and rooftops. From curry leaves you can pick for the kitchen to colourful hibiscus and resilient snake plants, his choices are easy to find and relatively simple to care for.
He also has one important tip for what you should do as soon as you bring a plant home from the nursery.
1. Curry leaves
Curry leaf, or kadi patta, is the first plant on Peepal Baba’s list. Besides adding fragrance and flavour to Indian cooking, a curry leaf plant can also make a useful addition to a home garden.
Curry Leaves. Photograph: (Happiest Plants)
For beginners looking to grow something practical, this is a good place to start. With basic care and suitable growing conditions, it can become a regular source of fresh leaves for the kitchen.
2. Hibiscus
The second plant is hibiscus, commonly called gudhal. Known for its bright, showy flowers, hibiscus can add colour to a balcony or rooftop garden.
Hibiscus. Photograph: (Flipkart)
It is also a familiar plant in homes, making it an accessible choice for someone starting their gardening journey. With regular care, it can bring flowers and greenery to otherwise bare outdoor spaces.
3. Areca Palm
Areca palm is the third plant Peepal Baba recommends. Its tall, leafy appearance can instantly add a tropical feel to a balcony or rooftop.
Areca palm. Photograph: (Pinterest)
For gardeners who want to introduce more greenery without choosing a particularly complicated plant, areca palm is an option worth considering. Its lush foliage can also make a small outdoor space feel more vibrant.
4. Snake plant
The fourth recommendation is the snake plant. One useful tip he shares is to plant snake plants in clusters.
Snake plant. Photograph: (The Times of India)
Their upright leaves make them particularly suitable for balconies and other spaces where floor area may be limited. Grouping them can also create a fuller green display rather than having individual plants scattered around.
5. Money plant
The fifth plant is the money plant, which comes in several varieties. Peepal Baba mentions options such as pothos, Assam varieties, and golden pothos.
Money plant. Photograph: (Pinterest/Kirty Gupta)
With so many leaf shapes, colours and patterns available, gardeners can choose a variety based on the look they prefer. Whether you want green foliage or leaves with attractive patterns, there is plenty of choice.
A simple tip before you plant
While these plants are relatively easy to grow, Peepal Baba has one important piece of advice for anyone buying plants from a nursery.
When you bring a nursery plant home, remove the nursery soil before planting it. Instead, use fresh potting soil. You can even use suitable potting soil from your other pots when planting these new additions. The idea is to give the plants a fresh growing medium as they settle into their new environment.
For someone wondering where to begin with a rooftop or balcony garden, these five plants offer an easy starting point. With the right soil and basic care, your balcony or rooftop can gradually turn into a greener and livelier space, without making gardening feel like a complicated task.
