{"id":34404,"date":"2026-06-17T04:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T02:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myhome.at\/?p=34404"},"modified":"2026-06-15T16:49:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T14:49:12","slug":"watering-balcony-plants-how-to-keep-flowers-and-herbs-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myhome.at\/en\/watering-balcony-plants-how-to-keep-flowers-and-herbs-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Watering Balcony Plants: How to Keep Flowers and Herbs Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A balcony bursting with greenery and flowers is a real treat for the eyes. But for flowers and herbs to thrive there, they need water in addition to the right soil and regular fertilizer. But anyone who thinks you can\u2019t go wrong with watering is mistaken. Because too much or too little water\u2014or watering at the wrong time\u2014can harm the plants. We therefore sought out\u2014and found\u2014answers to the most important questions about \u201cwatering balcony plants.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n

When is the best time to water balcony plants? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

It is best to water balcony plants in the morning. At this time of day, leaves and flowers that get wet dry off quickly, unlike in the evening. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases. If the plants are watered at noon, the water evaporates more quickly and is therefore not available to the plants. On the other hand, water droplets act like a magnifying glass and can cause burns on the leaves. <\/p>\n\n

How often should you water balcony plants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

How often you need to water your plants depends, on the one hand, on the orientation of your balcony: Flowers and herbs on a north-facing balcony need to be watered less frequently than those on a balcony that gets sun for most of the day. It also depends on the types of plants you choose. Plants from the Mediterranean region and desert plants require significantly less water than others. The same applies to the size of the flower pot: Plants in a large pot generally need to be watered less often than those in a small one. This is because large pots contain more soil, which retains water. <\/p>\n\n

How much water do balcony plants need in the summer? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

How much water each balcony plant actually needs in the summer depends on the specific species and variety. But that\u2019s not all: the plant\u2019s size and age also play a role in determining its water requirements. <\/p>\n\n

Which balcony plants require very little water?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

If you want to avoid frequent watering and conserve water, you should choose drought-tolerant and heat-loving plants when planting your balcony. These include, for example, purslane, gazania, coreopsis, geraniums, verbena, begonias, petunias, Cape daisies, gerberas, lavender, or Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano. The same applies to succulents. <\/p>\n\n

\"Watering
Succulents can get through the summer just fine without much water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

How can you tell if your balcony plants need water?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

There are clear signs that indicate when a balcony plant needs watering. This is the case when the leaves curl up or droop limply downward. If this happens, you should reach for the watering can right away. To prevent it from getting to that point, you can also check the soil: If the top layer is still moist, you don\u2019t need to water it. If the top layer is already dry, you should dig deeper. To do this, insert your index finger into the soil about as far as the end of the first knuckle\u2014if it\u2019s dry, it\u2019s time to water. <\/p>\n\n

How can you tell if your balcony plants are getting too much water? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

If the leaves are wilting, this may be a sign not only of a lack of water but also of overwatering. If balcony plants are overwatered, the roots become waterlogged and can no longer absorb enough oxygen. Soft stems can also be a sign that you\u2019ve been a bit too generous with the watering. <\/p>\n\n

How can you prevent waterlogging in balcony plants? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

To prevent waterlogging, it is advisable to use only planters with a drainage hole. Excess water can drain through this opening into the saucer. However, don\u2019t forget to empty the saucer as soon as the soil is saturated with water. A drainage layer at the bottom of the flower pot or planter also helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and ultimately the death of the plants. By the way, brown, mushy roots can be a sign of root rot. <\/p>\n\n

Which watering systems are suitable for balcony plants? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Are you planning a trip and worried about how to water your balcony plants? Irrigation systems can help in this situation. If you\u2019re only going away for a day or two, you can use DIY methods like upside-down water bottles with small holes in the caps, clay cones, or a wick. The wick is placed in a container of water and supplies the plants with the necessary moisture. Capillary mats work in the same way. If you\u2019re planning a longer vacation or want to avoid watering altogether, you should opt for an automatic watering system. If you don\u2019t have a water connection on your balcony, there are also models with a water tank that run on solar power. <\/p>\n\n

Good to know:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n