Max temp and growing conditions

[lauraeli]

Is it possible to grow phals on top of the air conditioning unit? Outside, i mean. Or would I have to move them while it was running?

I had nasturtium growing on the rail out there, where the hot air blew directly on them. They dried out quick but, as long as they got enough water, the only thing they complained about was the lack of light. Not sure if nasturtium are considered heat-tolerant, but they did okay.

Probably not going to grow anything in that spot this year...except maybe my rosemary since it is already there. But i was considering setting my phals on top of the unit (the hot air would not be blowing directly on them there). Not sure how they would take the higher temperature. But of course I could move them inside on the really hot days.

[WhiteRabbit]

If the unit gets hot, I'd probably not try it ... especially as I'm guessing it's probably already toasty outside if the a/c is on.

[lauraeli]

The unit itself doesnt get hot. It blows very warm air out the back.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Not a good spot. Too much heat & air movement, I think they would dessicate. Is that the only outside spot available?

[lauraeli]

For the most part. I cant put them on the top of the rail because they would get some mid-day sun. And whatever floor space I have (on my balcony) already has a plant on it.

[MattWoelfsen]

It might be time to start hanging or mounting orchids? Up until last year I had everything on shelves. Now I have over 30 plants hanging. Going vertical freed walk space.

[WhiteRabbit]

Can't you keep them inside?

[lauraeli]

Not sure if that is entirely possible here. Most of the wall space out there is a window. The rest is vinyl siding...

I suppose what I COULD do, is find a way to hang pots on the inside of the rail. They would be getting filtered and unfiltered sun until maybe 11.

---------- Post added at 07:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 PM ----------

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Can't you keep them inside?

Yes, I can always keep them inside lol. I could move my plant nursery/hospital and put all my phals in the east window.

[AnonYMouse]

I have the ideal spot for it, just send it along!

Don't A/C units vibrate? If the plants aren't well established, media and plant could get dislodged.

[lauraeli]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

I have the ideal spot for it, just send it along!

Don't A/C units vibrate? If the plants aren't well established, media and plant could get dislodged.

Mine doesnt. I had a plant fall off last year, but it was because of a violent wind from a thunderstorm. Usually when it storms I run outside and set my plants on the floor against the building.