Hey everyone! I'm a long-time lurker here and finally decided to ask for some help. I just moved into a new apartment in Sydney, and I'm looking for a large plant to put on my balcony. I need something that not only adds some greenery but also helps give a bit of privacy from the neighboring balcony. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. I live in Sydney, so the plant needs to handle high heat and humidity during the summer, but also manage through the winter.
2. My balcony is south-facing, getting direct sunlight only in the evenings from around 6 to 7 pm, especially as we move into autumn.
3. I might be away for a week or two sometimes, so it would be great if the plant can survive on its own for a bit.
Super excited to be a plant mom again! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
3 Answers
How about an Ivy? It's a pretty robust choice and looks nice! It's great for adding greenery and can help with privacy too.
You might want to consider a Bird of Paradise. I've heard they can grow really large and provide good privacy. They thrive even in hot climates, which seems perfect for you!
I’d suggest looking into Schefflera or Umbrella plants. They’re tough and can grow quite big. I had one that survived a nasty freeze and came back strong! Plus, if you use a deep watering saucer, it could handle being alone for a bit while you're away. Hanging plants like ivies or spider plants could also add some nice privacy!

Oh, nice! I just checked them out, and they're available here as decorative plants!