Best Plants for Malta Apartment Balconies

There’s something very rewarding about turning even the smallest balcony into a leafy retreat. Whether you're sipping coffee in the morning or winding down in the evening, plants add a calm, lived-in feel to outdoor spaces. In Malta, where city flats often come with limited balcony space, plants can soften the concrete and metal surroundings, making a flat feel more like home.

But choosing the right plants makes all the difference. Malta’s Mediterranean climate is dry and warm for a good part of the year, and not all plants can handle that. Space is the other challenge. Balconies can get cramped fast. So, the goal is to find plants that cope well with sun, don’t need too much water, and won’t outgrow their pots after a few months. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that tick all the boxes.

Climate-Friendly Plants For Malta Balconies

When you're picking plants for a Maltese balcony, it helps to think local. Mediterranean-friendly plants already know how to deal with strong sun, salty air, and long dry spells. These types of plants usually don’t need constant watering, which is exactly what you want if you can’t be fussing over them every day.

Lavender is a good example. It doesn’t just smell good, it also thrives in full sun and poor soil. Stick it in a pot with good drainage, and it will offer colour and scent without needing too much attention. Rosemary works the same way. While it’s great for cooking, it’s also very much at home in a container. Give it sunlight, don’t drown it, and it will grow into a beautiful green shrub you can use throughout the year.

Succulents are another group that suits Maltese weather. Their thick leaves hold water like little tanks, so they won’t turn crispy if you forget a watering or two during a hot week.

If maintenance is top of mind, local or native plants make life even easier. These already understand Malta’s climate and tend to hold up better than imported varieties. Ivy-leaved geraniums, for instance, are seen across many Maltese balconies for a good reason. They bloom brightly through long spells of summer sun and keep going for months.

Here is a quick list of climate-friendly balcony options:

- Lavender – loves sun and makes the whole area smell wonderful
- Rosemary – tough little herb, good for cooking and filling out planters
- Succulents – low water needs and come in a great range of styles and shapes
- Native geraniums – plenty of colour and handles full sun well
- Oleander (dwarf types) – long flowering period and good for larger containers

By sticking with plants that match the local conditions, you’re more likely to end up with a thriving balcony garden that keeps looking good well into next summer.

Small-Space Plants That Work Well In Containers

Not every balcony was designed with plants in mind. Some have odd shapes, glass fences, or barely any ledge space. But even in those tight spots, small-space plants can work their magic without taking over. You’re just looking for the right fit. Compact plants that grow well in containers and won’t mind being moved about if needed.

Dwarf citrus trees do well if your balcony gets plenty of sun. They can live happily in larger pots, and while they won’t grow full-sized lemons or oranges, you’ll get that bright, glossy green look and maybe some mini fruit from time to time. Bonsais are another clever option if you’re after something more decorative. They grow slowly and don't need much root space, so they’re ideal for a simple shelf or bench setup.

Climbing plants like jasmine or passionflower are good for balconies with railing or wall space to train them on. They'll grow upward, not outward, saving floor space while still bringing a healthy patch of green. You can even add a small trellis and create a screen for a bit of shade or privacy.

If you're thinking at a smaller scale, herbs and low-growing flowers are easy additions with maximum reward. Things like thyme, mint, or pansies can sit along a windowsill or in hanging boxes. They’re practical too. Snip what you need for dinner or just enjoy their scent.

For small balconies, these types of plants work best:

- Dwarf citrus trees – adds greenery with the bonus of mini fruit
- Bonsai – artistic and slow-growing, perfect for shallow pots
- Climbers like jasmine – grows up instead of out, great for privacy and scent
- Herbs like thyme or mint – compact, useful, and fast-growing
- Low flowers like pansies or petunias – good spots of colour without bulk

The goal is to find plants that give you beauty or function, or ideally both, without needing loads of soil or space to thrive. Keep the containers light and movable, and you’ll always be able to adjust things as you go.

Low-Maintenance Plant Choices

If you like the idea of having a lush balcony but don’t have loads of time or gardening skills, low-maintenance plants are the way to go. These are the types that don't panic if you miss a watering or two, can handle the heat, and generally keep looking great with very little effort.

Start with pothos. Also known as devil’s ivy, this plant grows well in pots, trailing nicely over the sides of containers or even up a trellis with a bit of support. It does just fine in partial shade and doesn’t need frequent watering. Spider plants are another solid pick. They bounce back quickly, cope with neglect, and even produce small baby plants you can replant or gift.

Then there’s the classic snake plant. It’s known for being practically indestructible. These stand tall, giving your balcony some vertical green without the drama of daily fussing.

You could also think about adding self-watering pots into the mix. These have a built-in water reservoir, so even if you forget to water for a couple of days, your plants won’t notice. Add a simple drip irrigation system if you have a few containers and want a hands-off approach that keeps everything ticking over quietly.

Here are a few laid-back options to get you started:

- Pothos – easy to grow, great for trailing from shelves or rails
- Spider plant – hardy, bright, and cheerful with striped leaves
- Snake plant – upright, sculptural, and doesn’t mind neglect
- ZZ plant – deep green leaves that hold moisture very well
- Jade plant – thick, waxy leaves that cope well with sunny spots

These plants don’t just survive, they’ll thrive with the occasional care. Perfect if you don’t want your balcony garden to feel like a full-time job.

Creating A Stylish Green Space With Garden Furniture In Malta

Once the plants are sorted, it’s worth thinking about how everything fits together. A bit of thoughtful placement can turn a few pots and containers into a full outdoor feature that’s both good-looking and comfortable.

Start with the furniture. If your balcony is tight on space, go for something foldable or stackable. Aluminium and synthetic rattan options work well for Maltese balconies since they can handle sun exposure and salty air. Even a small bistro table with two chairs can make the corner of your flat feel like a mini escape spot.

Use plant stands to bring height into the mix. By raising some pots off the ground, you create layers of green which makes the space feel fuller. Hanging baskets work well too, especially if your balcony has a strong beam or overhang. Plants like trailing ivy or small petunias look lovely spilling down from above.

A vertical garden is also a smart use of wall space. You can mount small shelves or get a pocket planter that holds several plants at once. It’s a go-to move for balconies with limited floor area.

When arranging plants and furniture together, think about:

- Grouping similar types or colours for stronger impact
- Mixing textures like soft herbs, waxy succulents, and flowering climbers
- Choosing colours that match or contrast with nearby furniture
- Keeping clear walking space for easy movement
- Placing scented plants near sitting areas

With a bit of trial and error, you’ll figure out what works best for your space. Rotate pots every few weeks if one spot gets more sun than another. Rethink the setup with the seasons, swapping in fresh colour when things get dull. A well-arranged balcony should feel like a small room with natural decor.

Grow Your Own Green Oasis Right At Home

Whether you’re dealing with full sun, salty winds, or just a lack of floor space, picking the right plants makes all the difference on Maltese balconies. Plants that match the local climate and your level of care simplify everything. Once you’ve got a few hardy pots going, it’s much easier to keep adding on as you see what works.

Stick to compact and easy-going varieties to avoid the stress of constant pruning or repotting. Use clever containers, vertical supports, and a few reliable design basics to create a sharp-looking outdoor spot that supports the plants and fits your routine.

The fun in balcony gardening is that it's always changing. A new season can bring fresh blooms, or a quick furniture shuffle can open up more planting space. Over time, this small outdoor area becomes more than just decoration. It turns into a place you want to spend time in every day. Whether it’s for your morning coffee or a break in the evening shade, a green space makes the home feel brighter, fresher, and more your own.

Transform your Malta balcony into a relaxing retreat that suits your lifestyle. Incorporate a range of compact and low-maintenance plants to create a beautiful green space with ease. To complement your plants and complete your outdoor oasis, consider exploring our selection of garden furniture in Malta. Discover options that seamlessly blend comfort and style, making your balcony an inviting spot for any time of the day with help from Maltashopper.