Hanging pots are one of the easiest ways to add greenery to a small balcony, sit-out or verandah without giving up floor space. In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where many of us garden on apartment balconies and terraces, a few well-placed hanging pots can turn a bare railing or ceiling hook into a green corner. With the Northeast Monsoon arriving in October, this is also the right time to set them up properly, so they stay safe and healthy through the rains and windy days.
Why choose hanging pots?
- Save space: They use vertical space, leaving the floor free for chairs, drying racks or larger pots.
- Show off trailing plants: Plants that spill over the edge look their best when they hang at eye level.
- Easy to move: Lightweight plastic hanging pots can be shifted to a shadier or more sheltered spot when the weather changes.
Choosing the right hanging pot
For most balconies, a 7 inch hanging pot is a practical size. It holds enough potting mix for a healthy trailing plant but stays light enough for a standard hook. Look for three things:
- Drainage holes so excess water drains out instead of collecting at the roots.
- A strong hanger that clips securely onto the pot rim.
- Lightweight, durable plastic that won't crack in the sun or become too heavy when the soil is wet.
Our 7 Inch Hanging Premium Plastic Pot with Hanger comes in several colours, and if you want to cover a whole railing, the Pack of 6 Hanging Pots is better value.
Best plants for hanging pots
Choose plants with a trailing or cascading habit. Some easy options for Indian homes:
- Money plant / Pothos: Very forgiving and happy in bright, indirect light. Ideal for covered balconies. See our Pothos varieties.
- Creepers and climbers: Many creepers can be grown to trail down from a hanging pot instead of climbing up. Browse our Creeper Plants collection.
- Succulents with trailing stems: Good for sunny spots, as long as the pot drains well and is sheltered from heavy rain.
Before you buy, check how much sun your balcony gets. A north- or east-facing balcony with soft light suits money plants; a west-facing one with strong afternoon sun needs tougher, sun-loving plants.
Potting mix for hanging pots
Hanging pots should be filled with a light, well-draining mix. Heavy garden soil gets very heavy when wet and can strain the hook. A simple home mix is garden soil or red soil blended with cocopeat and some compost. Cocopeat keeps the pot lighter and holds moisture without staying soggy.
Monsoon care tips for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry
October to December brings heavy rain, strong winds and the occasional cyclone warning to our coast. A little preparation keeps your hanging pots safe:
- Check the hooks: Make sure ceiling hooks and railing brackets are firmly fixed. Wet soil adds weight.
- Take them down before storms: When a cyclone or very strong wind is forecast, lower hanging pots and keep them on the floor in a sheltered corner.
- Water less: On cloudy, humid days the mix dries slowly. Water only when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Keep drainage clear: Make sure the holes are not blocked, so rainwater runs out quickly.
- Watch for pests: Damp weather can bring snails and fungus. Remove yellow or rotting leaves promptly.
Summer care, for later
When the heat returns from March onwards, hanging pots dry out faster than floor pots because they are exposed to air on all sides. Check them daily in summer, water early in the morning, and move them out of harsh afternoon sun if the leaves start to scorch.
Get started
A few hanging pots, a light potting mix and the right trailing plants are all you need to brighten up your balcony. At Dream Nursery in Perambai, Puducherry, we make our own plastic pots and hand-pick every plant we send out. Buy online with delivery across India, or visit us at the nursery.