Usually, balcony plants and patio plants are more or less exposed to the air. This factor – although important – is the one of the most limited interest in plant growth.

Requirements of balcony plants with regard to the air factor

These requirements are due more to the speed of air movement than to its composition. Even more than ornamental plants grown in the ground, balcony plants are sensitive to the wind because, in buildings with several floors, there is a draw of air from the base to the top. This demand for air has the consequence, in summer, of activating the transpiration of the plants – which risks causing them to wilt when the cultivated soil is not sufficiently watered and, in winter, to lower to the level. from the balcony the temperature of the outside air, which increases the risk of frost.

In summer, therefore, care must be taken to water plants in pots or containers while providing them with the necessary shade and, in winter, guarantee the plants from the cold as soon as the temperature may drop below O ° C.
Protection against cold, heat and wind can be provided by means of dried stems split in two, certain plants (bamboo, cane de Provence), assembled in the form of a hurdle and cut at a height equal to that of the balustrade .

These assemblies can also be used as a roof over the balcony platform and overhanging plants.
The composition of the air obviously cannot be changed, and it sometimes happens that the ambient air is not suitable for growing plants; this is the case, in particular, of buildings located near sources of pollution. If, in such a situation, one nevertheless wants to cultivate ornamental plants without a protective screen (for example: curtain of trees), the only possibility is to place the plants at the two interior angles of the balustrade.
This makes it possible to install overhanging pots or containers, a small roof or awning. This solution can only be considered insofar as the rental or co-ownership regulations do not preclude it.

Balcony Ornamental Plants
© istock

Requirements of patio plants with regard to the air factor

Terrace plants also have requirements that are much more related to the wind than to the composition of the air.
These requirements are similar to those of outdoor plants, but because they are located at a certain height above buildings, terraces are more prone to the effects of the wind.

Whether placed in the central part or on the periphery of the terrace, plants can hardly be protected against heat or frost.
However, along the balustrade, it is possible to envisage, in the case of small species and if the drainage of runoff water is easily ensured, the establishment of awnings fixed on the upper part. of this balustrade.

The slope of the awning must be directed towards the interior of the terrace and its width be significantly greater than that occupied by the plants. To avoid having to face these difficulties, it is preferable to use, rather than hardy species, plants capable of withstanding the cold of winter and the heat of summer without the need to protect them and which can withstand atmospheric disturbances and pollution of the neighborhood.
It is the species that are most resistant in outdoor cultivation that should be used in terrace cultivation, as long as they have a suitable root system.

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