You might be thinking that a balcony is too small to house a tree, but you would be wrong. There are many types of trees which can thrive in very small spaces.
These bonsai trees will add shade, oxygen, privacy and give you a garden with a nice view within your apartment.
What are your options for small balcony trees?
From angiosperms and gymnosperms, such as hawthorn and pomegranate to woody shrubs and herbaceous plants such as juniper, honeysuckle and jasmine, there are many options for trees that would be perfect to live on a balcony. Even the ones with edible fruit, or delicious nuts attached to them, will be a welcome addition to your home.
Here are some of the best types of potted trees that can grow in small spaces. You’ll also learn how to grow and care for them.
Table of Contents
Small trees for balconies
1. Floribunda roses
Some of the lesser known species of roses can be grown indoors.
Though it might take a while before you get to see flowers, you’ll be able to enjoy the fruity aroma of roses as they mature.
They can grow up to 5 feet, do best in cooler temperatures, and require a lot of sunlight.
Read More: How to Get More Sunlight on Balcony
Also: How Much Sun Does My Balcony Get?
2. Strawberry tree
This is a tropical evergreen tree which can grow 5-6 feet tall in only two years, with proper care.
It thrives in acidic soil, and needs full sun exposure to bear fruit successfully.
3. Dwarf citrus
Citrus trees can be grown in small containers, and produce plenty of fruit.
They need a lot of sun, but will grow fine in any place which receives a minimum of 4-5 hours of sunlight daily.
4. Dwarf pomegranate
If you’re looking for an ornamental and edible tree for your balcony, then this is the perfect choice.
It has dark green leaves and red flowers in the summer months, and produces small, sweet seeds which are a delicacy in some cultures.
5. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a flowering vine which can also be grown on a tree form.
They tolerate cooler temperatures than most vines, but need plenty of sun and water to grow.
6. Crape myrtles
Crape myrtles can be grown in the ground or in containers.
They are a perennial plant which can survive the winter weather thanks to their thick foliage and leaves.
They are also fragrant flowers, with a red/pink and white pattern on them.
7. Japanese maple
Japanese maples are very popular among homeowners because of their beautiful foliage and flowers.
The leaves turn red in fall and yellow in spring. They are also known for their ability to withstand cold weather.
They are one of the most common types of maple trees found in North America.
8. Redbud
As another variety of maple tree, redbuds are suitable for growing on balcony pots.
These trees have bright red or pink spring blooms and beautiful fall color.
They are native to eastern North America and are often used as street trees.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is a shrub that has fragrant leaves and stems.
It is commonly grown indoors and outdoors for its aromatic qualities.
It is also a popular herb that is used in cooking to add flavor and treat respiratory problems and stomach ailments.
10. Spruce
Spruces are evergreen conifers that are native to Europe and Asia.
They are widely planted as ornamental trees.
They are usually used as Christmas trees and are also used as windbreaks.
11. Weeping willow
Weeping willows are deciduous trees that are native to China.
They are also called weeping cherry trees.
These trees are often used as street and park trees.
12. Ficus benjamina
Ficus benjamina is a fast growing tree that grows well indoors.
It’s also known for its large size and attractive foliage.
It’s a good choice for a balcony because it doesn’t take up a lot of room. It’s also very resilient to pests and diseases.
13. Cherry plum
Cherry plums are a favorite among homeowners looking for a quick fix.
They grow quickly and produce fruit within two years.
They are also widely cultivated around the globe.
14. Flowering quince
Flowering quinces are a fast-growing tree that produces fruits in late winter.
They are a good choice for those who want to add some color to their balcony.
15. Mock orange
Mock oranges are smooth while flowering quince trees have thorns. They are native mainly to China, Japan and North America.
They are also a favorite among homeowners because of their colorful blooms.
They grow up to 15 feet tall and have orange blossoms.
16. Juniper
Junipers are deciduous shrubs that grow in temperate zones.
They are known for producing berries that are used in cooking.
They are also good choices for landscaping.
17. Magnolia
Magnolias are deciduous trees or shrubs that grow in the southern United States.
They are known for flowering during springtime.
They are also used for medicinal purposes.
18. Mulberry
Mulberries are fruit trees that grow wild in China and Japan.
They are known for containing high levels of antioxidants.
They are also eaten fresh or dried.
Mulberries are very resilient and require little maintenance.
19. Hawthorn
Hawthorns are deciduous trees native to Europe and Asia.
They can be found growing along roadsides and in parks.
They are also great for areas that experience harsh winters.
20. American hornbeam
American hornbeams are native to eastern North America.
They grow to 30 feet tall and produce yellow flowers in early spring.
Hornbeams are good choices for planting near windows because they block sunlight from entering the room.
21. Black locust
Black locusts are native to North America and Europe.
They grow to 40 feet tall and produce fragrant pink flowers in late spring.
Locusts are often planted near buildings because they provide shade and shelter.
22. Chinese elm
Chinese elms are native to China and Korea.
They have dark green foliage and yellowish orange blossoms in spring. They’re easy to grow.
They are also very popular among homeowners because of their durability and resistance to pests. They grow up to 60 feet tall and have gray bark.
23. Japanese lilac
Japanese lilacs are a beautiful flowering shrub that offers privacy and fragrance.
Its flowers bloom in late spring and early summer.
24. Cedar
Cedars are among the oldest trees in North America. They are known for their ability to survive in extreme climates.
They are extremely durable and can handle windy conditions.
It grows quickly, and it produces beautiful green foliage.
It prefers full sun exposure, but it can tolerate some shade.
25. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another popular choice for a small tree for balconies.
It is fast growing and produces attractive foliage.
It is also drought tolerant and pest resistant.
26. Buxus sempervirens or boxwood
Buxus sempervirens, boxwood or common box is a beautiful evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall.
It is known for its glossy green leaves and white flowers. It is a slow growing plant that needs full sunlight.
27. Rhododendron
Rhododendron is a large genus of flowering plants native to eastern Asia.
They are commonly called azaleas because they resemble the flower of this species.
The rhododendrons are deciduous plants that bloom in spring and fall.
28. Jasmine
Jasmine is a fragrant flowering plant that is native to China and India.
It is cultivated worldwide for its sweet-scented blooms.
29. Peony
Peonies are a group of ornamental plants that belong to the pea family.
They are grown for their showy flowers.
As such, they are used in floral arrangements.
30. Peach
Peach trees are small fruit trees that can be used as short hedges and balcony privacy screens and fences.
They are hardy in most parts of the United States, but should not be planted where they will receive a significant amount of water during the winter months.
When peach trees start blooming in June, they produce beautiful flowers with white petals. These flowers mature into thick fruit on the tree.
31. Bamboo tree
Bamboo trees are very resilient. In fact, they can survive in areas where there is little soil.
They are also incredibly fast growing.
They are also extremely versatile.
32. Walnut tree
This tree is widespread across the globe.
It is native to North, Central and South America.
Its nuts are edible and they contain high levels of protein.
33. Olive tree
Olive trees are a Mediterranean evergreen that have been used for their fruit and wood.
They need good drainage, full sunlight, and little maintenance.
These trees will grow and fruit in partial sun, and can be grown indoors.
They can grow up to 8 feet tall but dwarf varieties will also do fine in a small space.
34. Almond tree
A viable option for growing in small spaces, the almond tree can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Larger varieties will grow faster and more fruit-filled trees, but a dwarf variety can also do well.
The almond tree needs a tropical climate and full sun exposure. Its leaves does not change throughout the year.
35. Apple tree
Here’s a great example of fruit trees that are dwarf and can live indoors as bonsai.
Apple trees need a lot of sun, and also require well-draining soil. They also do not get affected by oversaturation in sunlight, so they prefer light shade.
Dwarf varieties will be the best fit for indoor containers. They will grow to be around 6-8 feet tall in a short time.
How to grow small trees for a balcony
Miniature trees for a balcony are easy to grow. All you need to do is buy them and plant them.
However, you must take proper care of them.
- When planting a bonsai tree, you should choose a location where it will receive enough sunlight.
- The soil should be rich and moist.
- After planting, water the tree regularly until it starts growing roots.
- Cover the roots with mulch to protect them from drying out.
- Then, fertilize the tree every two weeks.
- Keep the area around the tree free of weeds and debris.
- In addition, trim off any dead branches.
How to prune your balcony dwarf tree
Pruning your dwarf tree is essential to keeping it healthy.
However, pruning should be done carefully so as not to harm the tree.
- Start by removing damaged branches.
- Cut off any dead branches that may cause problems for your tree.
- Remove any suckers (small shoots) that sprout from the trunk.
- When you’re finished, give your tree a thorough cleaning.
- Now, wait for spring before you start pruning again.
Tips for growing miniature trees for a balcony
There are many ways to grow small trees for a balcony, such as using pots, hanging baskets, and planters.
But if you want to use a container, you should consider buying a pot that is large enough to hold the root ball of the tree.
Also, make sure the pot is deep enough so that the top of the tree’s trunk does not touch the rim of the pot.
In most cases, you’re not going to hang a tree on a balcony.
Instead, you can just place it in an outdoor planter or pot.
If you decide to go this route, make sure to keep the tree well-watered.
You’ll also have to provide some sort of shelter from wind and rain when the weather turns bad.
Use hanging baskets to grow small trees in case you don’t have much space outdoors.
If you want to hang a basket, you should first determine whether the tree needs support.
If it does, then you can add a stake or hooks to the basket.
Otherwise, you can simply tie the basket to the balcony railing or roof.
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