North Facing Balcony Plants: What Actually Grows in Low Light

When you have a north facing balcony, a balcony that receives little to no direct sunlight, typically found in buildings oriented toward the north in the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as shady balcony, it’s one of the toughest spots for gardening in Indian homes. Most people assume no sun means no plants—but that’s not true. Many plants don’t just survive in low light—they thrive. The trick is picking the right ones for your climate, space, and routine.

North-facing balconies in India get indirect light all day, often filtered through buildings or trees. That’s not darkness—it’s shade tolerant plants, species that grow well without direct sunlight, often native to forest understories or humid tropical zones. Think of them as the quiet workers of the plant world: they don’t need flashy sun to look good. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore, where balconies are small and sunlight is blocked by neighbors, these plants are your best bet. You’ll find them in our posts: snake plants that clean the air, pothos that climb any railing, and peace lilies that bloom even when you forget to water them.

What you won’t find here are demands for full sun. No basil. No tomatoes. No marigolds. Those need 6+ hours of direct light—and if your balcony doesn’t get it, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on what works: plants that handle low light, dry air, and irregular watering. Many of these are also perfect for Indian humidity levels and don’t need fancy soil or frequent feeding. A few even help reduce indoor pollutants, which matters in crowded cities.

You’ll also notice something in our posts: people aren’t just growing plants for looks. They’re growing them because they’re practical. A balcony gardening, the practice of growing plants in containers on balconies or terraces, especially in urban Indian homes with limited ground space. setup can give you fresh herbs, cleaner air, and a calming spot after a long day—all without needing a yard. Some of our most popular guides show how to use hanging pots, vertical planters, and even repurposed bottles to make the most of every inch.

And yes, watering matters. Just because it’s shady doesn’t mean you can overwater. Our posts explain how to tell when your plants are thirsty, how to avoid root rot, and why tap water can sometimes hurt more than help. You’ll learn how to use pebble trays to boost humidity without spraying leaves, and why some plants do better with misting while others hate it.

There’s no magic formula. But there are proven choices. If you’ve ever watched a plant wilt on your north balcony and thought, ‘I just can’t keep anything alive here,’ you’re not alone. The problem isn’t you—it’s the plant you picked. We’ve sorted through hundreds of real cases from Indian gardeners to show you exactly what survives, what thrives, and what’s just a waste of time. What follows isn’t a list of pretty pictures. It’s a practical collection of what actually works in your space, with your conditions, in your city.