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Orchids
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Posted by rhunt Florida (My Page) on Mon, Nov 28, 05 at 14:24
| I would like to receive some ideas on developing and maintaining orchids (vandas, etc.) on balconies that are facing northwest. I need to be able to move the orchids inside in case of wind, etc. Ideas on best methods of watering are also sought. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Orchids
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| Hi rhunt! I am an avid orchid grower too, with 36 of them about to bloom and numerous others that are already doing so. I want to suggest the orchid forum so you can net up as much info as you can, many of whom are also Floridians. But this is not to say that balcony gardeners cannot also provide info. At this time of year, there is less 'traffic' on this forum. Happy growing! John_Z |
RE: Orchids
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- Posted by jimshy z7 Brooklyn, NY (My Page) on
Mon, Jan 23, 06 at 14:56
| Rhunt, I keep most of my collection outside during the summer, with high-light plants like encyclias and brassavolas in near full sun. However, watering totally depends on a couple of different things -- how much light they get, temperatures, potting mix, potted or mounted, how big the plant is, etc. Different species and hybrids have totally different needs -- indoors I keep them on pebble trays to catch excess water, or I water them in the sink until water runs out the bottom of the pot, or I dunk them in a bucket, or even bring them into the shower with me! (Don't tell my wife ;>)) Hope this helps! Jim |
RE: Orchids
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- Posted by luxum 9/10 Tampa FL (My Page) on
Fri, Mar 10, 06 at 19:58
| Sorry i didn't see this sooner. I keep vandaceous orchids on my apartment balcony. I built a rack for them out of mix and match wire shelving unit parts from a home improvement store. It consists of a 2'x2' wire shelf, a 4' support pole in each corner, and another 2'x2' square on top, and it all just snapped together. The vandas, ascocendas etc. hang in baskets in the open area between the shelves, clustered close together. They hang towards the bottom, and i have hung various tillandsias from hemp string to fill in the space above. I use a watering can with a rose attachment to water the whole lot at once. If it's going to be below 50º i grab the whole rack and move it inside, and if those conditions continue longer than three days in a row, i can move the rack to the shower and water it there. |
RE: Orchids
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- Posted by nanzey z10/So.Cal. (My Page) on
Thu, Mar 16, 06 at 15:00
| Wow luxum - do you have a photo of your setup? would love to see it. I am thinking of orchids for my balcony (faces east and opens on a courtyard)
It gets absolutely no direct sunlight - but no wind either.
Has alot of ambient light tho.
maybe i should just stick to ferns? N :) |
RE: Orchids
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- Posted by luxum 9/10 Tampa FL (My Page) on
Fri, Mar 17, 06 at 20:29
| My balcony also faces east. It gets some sun in the early morning, then is partially shaded by trees, then completely by the building although it remains brightly lit. Humidity is nearly always very high. I have this picture of the epiphyte rack:
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