Looking through a ‘breathable’ balcony

Our outward lifestyle got more confined within our homes since we were struck down by the unprecedented crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic. To make our homes a more productive space to live in, a lot of us have been trying to take up hobbies within the limited free space that we get indoors.

People are taking to gardening along with many other leisure indoor activities. Either inspired by "DIY" videos or to just remain engaged, people have been planting creepers, shrubs, and houseplants to make a living breathing screen.

Planting small house plants in balconies has been a practice in urban residential areas for quite some time. Some people plant varieties of small indoor plants for beautification, others to cultivate small fruits and vegetables.

Since the purpose is different, the variety of plants that are planted are different too.

Aloe vera, tulsi, spearmint, mint, lemon, lemon grass, pomegranate are the plants mostly sought after for indoor plantation. A few vegetables like ribbed gourd, tomato, chilli, radish, spinach can also be grown in pots and planter boxes in balconies.

Apart from these, rose periwinkle, several types of orchids, white plumeria, petunias, impatiens and such flower giving plants are also planted indoors for beautification.

Nowadays, water based plants like lotus, lily, and Thai poppy are also planted in water retaining containers which should be carefully cleaned and maintained so that mosquitoes cannot lay eggs and it does not promote the growth of algae on planter surface.

Several online based groups have emerged to meet the increased demand of the users. They provide custom made pots of various designs and plants of various origin. Also, they try and help with any queries regarding indoor plantation.

Many enthusiasts share concern regarding installing creepers inside home as rumor is it creates a bad impact on the structure or interior wall. In this regard, architect Sheikh Rezwan says, "There are various creeper species that are not penetrative, rather, they use only the surface as a support to grow. These species are not harmful at all for a structure."

Experts also suggest to plant wall creepers on wall. If you want to plant creepers on an exposed brick wall surface, proper pointing between bricks with three-four coats of water repellent is required before planting. And for a plastered surface - three coats of water repellent would do.

Moreover, galvanised wire mesh or powder coated net can be place on a wall which can allow a creeper to grow onto the mesh.

Creepers and pot plants can act as a wonderful screening surface and can enhance the beauty of interior décor. You can spend some time in a fresh environment after a long day and rejuvenate yourself.

BRAC Nursery

BRAC Nursery houses every element for a green home to suit every part of a house.

Specialization: Regular houseplants, cactus, bamboo, orchids, etc. 

Contact: @BRAC.Kanon

Satvai.com

If you want to start a fruit garden on your balcony or rooftop, Satvai carries fruiting seeds and plants from different countries.

Specialization: Fruit saplings, seeds and plants

Contact: 01902824021, @bdonlinenursery

Bonayon.com

Beautify your home with Bonayon.com with their curated selection of fruiting and flowering saplings and creepers or hanging plants.

Specialization: Planting decor, artificial grass flooring, wall creepers 

Contact: 01878-831959, @bonayonbd