How to Place Plants on Roofs in The Sims 4 (March 2026 Guide)

Looking to create stunning rooftop gardens and greenhouses in The Sims 4? You’re in luck! The July 1, 2025 base game update introduced the ability to place plants directly on roofs, opening up exciting new possibilities for nature-loving builders. Whether you’re crafting a whimsical fairy cottage or a modern eco-friendly home, I’ll show you exactly how to transform your Sim’s rooftop into a lush paradise.

Quick Overview: Rooftop Plant Placement

Feature	Details
Update Released	July 1, 2025
Access Method	Build Mode > Roof Sculptures
Plant Types	Shrubs, Flowers, Selected Outdoor Plants
Requirements	Base Game (Free Update)
Platform Support	PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

How to Place Plants on Your Roof in The Sims 4?

Step 1: Enter Build Mode and Prepare Your Roof

First, make sure you have a roof structure ready. If you’re new to building, check out our guide on best laptops for Sims 4 to ensure smooth gameplay. Enter Build Mode by clicking the hammer and wrench icon or pressing B on your keyboard.

Step 2: Access Roof Sculptures

To place plants on the roof in The Sims 4, players must open the Build section in Build Mode and select the Roof Sculptures (represented by an icon of a chimney). This category contains various decorative elements, including the newly added plants.

Step 3: Select Your Plants

A selection of shrubs and flowers can now be placed on rooftops in Build Mode, if the footprint allows it. Browse through the available options – you’ll find several plant varieties specifically designed for roof placement.

Step 4: Alternative Method – Outdoor Plants

Alternatively, gamers can also visit the Outdoor Plants category in the Build section. They will find plants that can be placed on the roof in the Shrubs and Flowers category. If you happen to be looking at “Outdoor Plants”, hovering over any plant will tell you if the plant is “Roof Placeable” or not.

Step 5: Ensure Proper Viewing

Before dragging the plants onto the roof, players should make sure that their view has the walls up and that it’s on the top floor of the house so that the roof isn’t hidden. Press Page Up or use the wall view controls to adjust your view appropriately.

Creating Different Types of Rooftop Gardens

Traditional Rooftop Garden

For a classic rooftop garden, combine multiple plant types with outdoor furniture. Use the UI Cheats Extension to quickly adjust your Sim’s gardening skill for better plant care.

Greenhouse on Roof

In Sims 4, virtually any room with a glass roof can become a greenhouse because it’ll provide enough light to grow all flowers and plants. With today’s base game update, Simmers can now bring the indoors outdoors with brand new glass walls and roofs.

To create a rooftop greenhouse:

1. Build a room structure on your roof
2. Replace the roof with glass panels
3. Add glass walls for full transparency
4. Place planters and garden pots inside

Fairy Garden Aesthetic

The update was released alongside the Enchanted by Nature expansion, making it perfect for creating magical rooftop spaces. Combine roof plants with:

• Whimsical decorations
• String lights
• Small water features
• Colorful flowers

Important Considerations for Roof Plants

Sheltered vs. Unsheltered Plants

Yes, greenhouses turn all plants into sheltered plants, which makes them grow 3 times slower than they would outside in their season. This is crucial to understand when planning your rooftop garden.

Plants under a square of roof will get marked as ‘sheltered’ even though they’d be all means be exposed to the weather. Consider this when deciding between covered and open rooftop gardens.

Weather Protection

Rain and snow now stay out of enclosed rooms. This update ensures your rooftop greenhouse plants stay protected from the elements when properly enclosed.

Plant Selection Tips

Not all plants work on roofs. Many plants in The Sims 4 are found in the Decorations tab. However, these are considered indoor plants, as most of them have a vase, and cannot be used as roof sculptures. Stick to the designated roof-placeable plants for best results.

Advanced Rooftop Building Techniques

Using Different Roof Types

The Sims 4 base game, now free on PC and consoles, comes with 12 default roof shapes that can be customized. For rooftop gardens, consider:

• Flat Roofs: Ideal for large garden spaces
• Glass Roofs: Perfect for greenhouse effects
• Partial Roofs: Create interesting multi-level gardens

Combining with Other Features

The update also included improvements that work beautifully with rooftop gardens:

• Glass walls for modern greenhouse aesthetics
• Improved inventory system for managing seeds and plants
• Enhanced notebook features for tracking plant discoveries

For players interested in expanding their gardening gameplay, consider using Sims 4 skill cheats to maximize your gardening abilities quickly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Plants Won’t Place on Roof

1. Ensure you’re using the correct plant category (Roof Sculptures or Roof Placeable outdoor plants)
2. Check that your roof has sufficient flat space
3. Verify walls are up and you’re viewing the correct floor level
4. Try different roof angles – some steep roofs may not support plants

Performance Issues

If you’re experiencing lag while building elaborate rooftop gardens, consider:

• Reducing the number of plants in one area
• Updating your graphics drivers
• Checking our guide on save file management

Plants Dying on Roof

Remember that Sheltered plants also have the possibility of dying if you move a plant from an unsheltered environment to a sheltered one. Always grow plants in their intended location from the start.

Creative Rooftop Garden Ideas

Urban Oasis

Transform a city penthouse with:

• Modern planters along roof edges
• Minimalist shrubs and grasses
• Sleek outdoor furniture
• Glass barriers for safety

Cottage Core Paradise

Create a whimsical rooftop with:

• Wildflowers and climbing plants
• Rustic wooden planters
• Vintage garden decorations
• Natural stone pathways

Eco-Friendly Haven

Build a sustainable rooftop featuring:

• Vegetable gardens in planters
• Solar panels (from Eco Lifestyle)
• Rainwater collection systems
• Native plant selections

Maximizing Your Rooftop Garden Experience

Skill Development

Enhance your gardening experience by:

• Developing the gardening skill through rooftop plant care
• Using parenthood cheats to teach children about gardening
• Creating multi-generational garden legacies

Social Activities

Rooftop gardens make perfect venues for:

• Garden parties and events
• Romantic dates under the stars
• Family bonding activities
• Photography sessions

Seasonal Considerations

Who doesn’t love a fabulously decorated space? When your Sim is surrounded by top-notch decor, they’ll now be able to enjoy related Moodlets. Plan your rooftop garden with seasons in mind:

• Spring: Colorful flowers and fresh herbs
• Summer: Drought-resistant plants and shade structures
• Fall: Harvest decorations and autumn colors
• Winter: Evergreen plants and weather protection

Integration with Expansion Packs

Eco Lifestyle

• Add solar panels alongside your plants
• Create vertical gardens on walls
• Implement water recycling systems

Seasons

• Plan for weather changes
• Use greenhouse structures for year-round growing
• Add seasonal decorations

Cottage Living

• Combine with chicken coops (if space allows)
• Create herb gardens for cooking
• Add rustic decorative elements

Future Updates and Community Resources

On July 1st, we’ll be releasing a Base Game update that brings new features and improvements to enhance your gameplay experience. Stay updated with the latest features by:

• Following official Sims social media channels
• Joining community Discord servers
• Checking patch notes regularly
• Experimenting with new building techniques

For players looking to enhance their building skills further, explore relationship cheats to quickly befriend neighbors who might enjoy your rooftop gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place any plant on the roof?

No, only specific plants marked as “Roof Placeable” or those found in the Roof Sculptures category can be placed on roofs. Indoor decorative plants with vases cannot be used.

Do roof plants need special care?

Roof plants follow the same care requirements as ground-level plants. However, plants under any roof coverage become “sheltered” and grow 3 times slower.

Can I create a functioning greenhouse on my roof?

Yes! Use glass roofs and walls to create a fully functional greenhouse. Just remember that plants inside will be considered sheltered.

Will rain affect my rooftop plants?

Rain and snow now stay out of enclosed rooms, so properly enclosed rooftop greenhouses will protect your plants.

Can I use mods with rooftop gardens?

Yes, many building and gardening mods are compatible. Always check mod compatibility with the latest game version.

Do I need any expansion packs for roof plants?

No, this feature was added as a free base game update on July 1, 2025. All players can access it regardless of owned packs.

Can Sims access rooftop gardens?

Yes, as long as you provide proper access via stairs or elevators. Ensure your routing is clear for Sims to tend to their plants.

What’s the best roof type for gardens?

Flat or slightly sloped roofs work best. Glass roofs are ideal for greenhouse effects, while open roofs allow for traditional outdoor gardens.

Conclusion

The ability to place plants on roofs in The Sims 4 has revolutionized building possibilities, allowing players to create stunning rooftop gardens, greenhouses, and fairy-tale inspired spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting out, this feature opens up countless creative opportunities.

Remember to experiment with different plant combinations, roof types, and decorative elements to create your perfect rooftop oasis. With the continuous updates and community support, The Sims 4 continues to evolve, making it the perfect time to explore these new building features.

For more advanced gameplay tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our guides on university cheats and pregnancy cheats to enhance your Sims’ lives in every aspect.

Happy building, and may your rooftop gardens flourish!