From Storage Space to Sanctuary: How a Single Plant Changed My Balcony Life

Four years ago, I never thought I’d get into growing plants. In Taiwan - especially in our concrete jungles - balconies are often just storage areas. Mine was no different. So when my upstairs neighbor casually suggested I add some greenery to my balcony, I thought, “This tiny space? No way.”

But one day, while wandering through IKEA, I spotted a discounted fake plant and grabbed it on a whim. I hung it by the window, and to my surprise, that little touch of green looked pretty good. The blue wall, white windows, and green plants turned out to be a great combo. Still, I had zero intention of taking care of real plants - way too much work, or so I thought.

Then came a random visit to Carrefour. That’s when I saw it: a trailing plant called Button Orchid, with vines cascading down like a green waterfall. Something about it stopped me in my tracks. I bought it on impulse. I didn’t know it at the time, but that small decision would quietly reshape my daily life, completely transforming my balcony.

One plant led to another. Before I knew it, my once-bare balcony had blossomed into a cozy green retreat. In the beginning, I tried too hard by overwatering some and giving others too much sun. Ironically, a few plants died from too much care. But those mistakes taught me a lot: learn each plant’s needs, give just enough attention, then step back and let nature do its thing.

It started to feel a bit like parenting, except plants don’t whine (which is great), but they also don’t tell you what’s wrong, which makes things trickier.

Over time, plant care became part of my daily rhythm: checking leaves, moving pots, slowly figuring out what each one liked. I got to know their personalities. Some craved sunlight, while others drooped under it. So I arranged the taller ones to give shade to the delicate ones, helping them all thrive while showing off their unique beauty.

Even the vines that constantly tangle have become surprisingly therapeutic. When I’m stressed, I find peace in untangling and arranging them as there’s something quietly calming about it. That once-forgotten balcony is now my favorite retreat in the middle of this concrete city.

If you’re just getting started, here’s a tip: look around you. Notice which plants grow easily along sidewalks, in parks, or on school grounds - the ones that thrive without much care. Nature has a way of telling you what works in your environment. Even if you’re a total beginner, you can grow something. Just start somewhere.