People who live in a harsh climate sometimes feel star-crossed; especially they have a passion for gardening. It is really tough to maintain this passion while you stay in weather that sees the extreme temperature on both of the sides along with dryness. However; if you live in a desert-like climate and have a passion for gardening, then don’t be disheartened. Nature has blessed us with a variety of desert plants that will help you to keep this fervour alive.
The plants that can survive extreme temperature differences and low humidity are known as desert plants. The water requirement of these plants is also very low as they can sustain days in dry soil. Thankfully; the desert plants are also very low maintenance ones. Plants like adenium, cactus, rose succulent, desert lily, aloe vera, the living stone, and many others come under this category.
So, if you want to add some desert plants to your balcony; here is the curated list exclusively for you that will add beauty to your place.
1. Adenium Plant
Nature is the greatest architecture and the adenium plant is an example of it. The curves of the trunks of the plants are so beautiful that every plant looks like a piece of art. It is also called the desert rose plant as it is gifted with beautiful flowers.
There are so many ravishing colours of desert rose flowers like pink, white, yellow, purple, maroon, bi-colours and many others. Apart from the flowers, due to the interesting shape of the trunk of the plant; many people like to have the adenium bonsai for home décor as well.
2. Cactus Plant
Cactus is born in the desert area only. They love the dry yet extreme weather and thrive in it. This beautiful plant is very low maintenance and does not need much care. Even the water requirement is very low as it can sustain weeks without water. The cactus needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
There are so many different types of cactuses available. You can buy bunny ear cactus or zebra cactus for the corner shelf or study table. Nowadays; cactus is a nice gifting option as well because many people love to give the eco-friendly and sustainable option.
3. Succulents
If you check the deserts plants which look beautiful; then you will surely never miss succulents. There are so many different types and shapes of succulents that you will never get bored. In colour option; this plant will never disappoint you as there are so many beautiful variations like pink, blue, orange and red apart from the green are available.
Burro’s tail succulents are an excellent choice for a hanging pot. Desert rose succulents can increase the beauty of your coffee table or side shelf. Apart from adding beauty; succulents come with another excellent feature which is low maintenance. They actually thrive in negligence. All they want good amount of sunlight and water every 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Aloe Vera
If you want a desert plant with medicinal value; then go for aloe vera. This beautiful plant is an ideal choice for people who live in an extreme climate. It is also gifted with medicinal value as the leaves are used for burns and cuts. Many people drink or apply the juice that comes with many health benefits. It is a low maintenance plant as well with a very low water requirement.
There are so many varieties of aloe vera available in the market and you will definitely find one suitable for your garden according to your required size and shape. Though the plant is popular for its thick green leaves, the yellow or bright orange flowers are quite attractive as well.
5. Agave
You cannot think of a desert landscape without agave. This is a beautiful plant with a flower-like formation of leaves. The triangular petal-shaped leaves spread upward creating a beautiful rosette. Whether a landscape garden or a balcony garden; you will find agave of the required size. Different varieties of agave come with various leaf shapes, colours and variegation.
This plant is from the Asparagaceae family and is closely related to succulents. It needs very less water and the care is also very easy. Just make sure that it gets an ample amount of sunlight and the soil does not remain wet for long. The flower of the plant is an added beauty.
6. Lithops
If you keep a tray of lithops on your centre table; you will not need anything else to décor. It will be definitely a conversation starter for your guests. Lithops or people called it living stones have a peculiar shape that anyone can barely miss. The plants look like colourful printed stones that are available in the desert.
Lithops are a kind of succulent and it thrives in hot blistering temperature. The colours of the plant get more vibrant in extreme heat. You can make a tray with different colours of living stones. It does not need much water as occasional bottom watering is enough for it.
7. Desert Lily
If you think that the desert rose flower is the only flowering plant for this extreme weather, then you are wrong. The desert lily can survive the harsh climate quite well. Desert Lily or you can say ‘hesperocallis’ is a beautiful way to bring the gorgeous beauty of blossom in the desert.
The native of the plant in Mexico and can survive in a planter in the balcony as well. In the spring; whitish cream coloured flowers bloom and they stay for at least 2 months. The plants have bulbs from where the stems of flowers and leaves come on the surface.
8. Desert Marigold
For the people who love the bouquet of blooms in their garden but live in an extreme climate, the desert marigold is the golden key for them. And most importantly; they are easy to care for. You don’t need to devote time to this yellow beauty and they will give you an abundance of flowers during spring, summer and even fall months of the year. During the flowering season, the whole plant covers with bright yellow blooms.
This plant is also from the Mexican desert. The furry stem of the plant helps it to protect against UV rays. The flowering season of desert rose starts from spring and stays up to autumn. So, if you want to add some vibrancy to your garden, you should definitely consider desert marigold.
9. Desert Palm
If you have a lawn or want to try landscape gardening; then you must think of the desert palm. You can rarely think of a desert without the picture of a palm. The plants are very popular as they create an excellent skyline with them. With time, it also has fruits.
The care of this tree is very easy as it loves negligence. You don’t need to add much water or fertilizer to it. The desert palm is an excellent addition to the garden as well. This hardy plant can add beauty to your landscape for years without any hassle.
10. Pencil Plant
This plant came from Africa but was well settled in the dry and extreme weather of India. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can easily survive in desert climates.
The steam of the plant is a beautiful green but it may turn yellow if the water is too little. A colder climate is also not good for the plant. The sub-branches are spread like pencils from the main stem giving an interesting look at the plant.
In A Nutshell:
So, if you are thinking of a desert garden; then your dream is going to be true very soon. Just add these plants to your wishlist and start to make a place for them. Thankfully; all of the listed desert plants need minimum care. That’s why; you don’t need to devote much of your time yet you can enjoy the green beauty.
