Lightweight Planters for a Balcony: Fiberglass, Resin and Fabric
Fiberglass, resin, plastic and fabric planters compared with terracotta for a balcony: empty weight, wet weight, drying, frost and wind.
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The lightest balcony planters are fabric grow bags and pots made of plastic, resin or fiberglass. Empty, they weigh far less than terracotta or ceramic, and the plastic, resin and fiberglass ones hold moisture longer than clay. Once filled and watered, though, most of the weight is potting mix and water, so a light shell helps less than people expect.
If you are weighing the heavier side of the choice, read ceramic and terracotta planters next; the very lightest option, fabric, has its own page in grow bags vs pots. Every other material is listed on the balcony planters hub.
Lightweight planter materials compared
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends fiberglass, plastic or lightweight metal containers for balconies and roofs. Each light material has its own trade-off.
| Material | Weight | Drying | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric grow bag | Lightweight and portable (UMD) | Check often in heat | Drains from every side |
| Plastic or resin | Lighter than terracotta (RHS) | Holds moisture longer than clay or wood (UMD) | Sun can degrade plastic over time (RHS) |
| Fiberglass | Recommended for balconies (RHS) | Holds moisture longer than clay or wood (UMD) | Check the maker’s frost rating |
| Lightweight metal | Recommended for balconies (RHS) | Holds moisture longer than clay or wood (UMD) | Heats up quickly in summer (RHS) |
| Terracotta or ceramic | Heavier than plastic (RHS) | Porous, so dries out more quickly (UMD) | Unglazed terracotta can crack in winter (RHS) |
University of Maryland Extension groups clay, ceramic, concrete and wood as porous materials that dry out faster than plastic, resin, fiberglass or metal. On a hot, windy balcony, that difference decides how often you water as much as weight does.
Lightweight planters in fiberglass, resin and plastic
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How heavy is a planter when wet?
A planter’s real weight is what it holds after watering. University of Maryland Extension says a 20-inch container filled with moist potting mix and plants can weigh 100 pounds. Swapping a terracotta shell for resin trims the pot’s own weight, but the mix and water stay the same.
Three choices cut the load more than the pot material does:
- Pick the smallest pot that suits the plant. University of Maryland Extension lists ½ gallon as enough for leaf lettuce and 2 to 5 gallons for basil, thyme and mint.
- Use a soilless mix. The RHS says soilless mixes are lighter than loam-based composts, though loam-based ones dry out more slowly.
- Place heavy pots with care. The RHS advises setting heavy containers near load-bearing walls or over a beam, which carry more than unsupported areas.
No planter label tells you what your balcony can carry; that question goes to whoever manages the building. Our guide to balcony weight limits explains how to add up what you plan to put out there.
Are lightweight planters stable in wind?
Lightweight planters are easier to blow over than heavy ones. University of Maryland Extension warns that tall plants in relatively small, lightweight containers can be blown over.
The RHS suggests a low center of gravity for pots on exposed roofs. On a balcony that means:
- Choose a wide, low pot for a tall plant rather than a narrow, tall one.
- Keep tall pots in a corner or against the wall, where University of Maryland Extension notes walls give protection from strong winds.
- Group pots so they shield one another.
University of Maryland Extension notes that a light container that tips over may need added weight in the base. That adds weight, so weigh the gain in stability against what you have learned about your balcony’s limits.
Which lightweight planter should you choose?
Start with how often you can water, then with how far the pot has to travel.
Fabric grow bags suit crops you replant every year and a balcony you can water daily. They fold flat for winter. See grow bags vs pots for sizes by crop, and vegetables in containers for which crops suit a pot.
Plastic and resin pots suit most balcony plants. They hold moisture longer than clay and are easy to carry up stairs. Pick a light color: University of Maryland Extension warns that dark containers can raise mix temperatures and injure tender roots.
Fiberglass planters suit large pots for shrubs and small trees that stay out all year. Look for a stated frost rating and drainage holes in the base, and ask the maker if holes are missing.
Lightweight metal planters stay frost-proof, the RHS says, but heat up quickly in summer, so they suit shadier spots best. Our metal planters guide covers the details, and window boxes covers the rail-mounted kind.
Large lightweight pots with water reservoirs
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Moving lightweight planters around
Lightweight pots are easier to move, but a large one is still heavy once wet. University of Maryland Extension suggests plant caddies, which are low wheeled platforms, to make heavy containers easier to shift. Check that any caddy or pot feet leave room for drainage, and set a saucer under each pot so water does not run onto the balcony below. Our guide to planter saucers and drainage covers the options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lightest material for a balcony planter?
Fabric grow bags and plastic or resin pots are the lightest to carry. The Royal Horticultural Society suggests fiberglass, plastic or lightweight metal containers for balconies and roofs, and says plastic is lighter than terracotta.
How heavy is a planter once it is filled and watered?
Much heavier than it looks in the store. University of Maryland Extension says a 20-inch container filled with moist potting mix and plants can weigh 100 pounds. The mix and water make up most of that, whatever the pot is made of.
Are fiberglass planters good for a balcony?
They suit a balcony because they are light for their size and, like plastic and resin, they hold moisture longer than porous clay or wood, according to University of Maryland Extension. Check the maker's frost rating and drainage holes before you buy.
Do lightweight planters blow over?
They can. University of Maryland Extension warns that tall plants in small, lightweight containers can be blown over. Choose a wide, low pot for tall plants and set it in a sheltered corner.
How can I make a big planter lighter?
Use a soilless potting mix rather than a loam-based one, which the Royal Horticultural Society says is lighter. Choose a plastic, resin or fiberglass shell, and pick the smallest pot that still suits the plant.
Sources
- Growing Vegetables in Containers and Salad TablesUniversity of Maryland Extension
- Greening balconies and roof gardensRoyal Horticultural Society
- Growing plants in containersRoyal Horticultural Society
Filed under Balcony Planters: Which Container Fits Each Spot.
