wall of orchids
 

Hello all and thanks for being here, I have a balcony garden in sydney that I am screening off with panels that serve as a wind break on one part of the balcony which faces east the screen is about a metre wide and 1700cm high, I have bought some clear orchid pots and will hang them off of the screen in horizontal and vertical rows I am not sure how many but probably about 16 I would like to know what kind of orchids that situation would favor and any issues this kind of arrangement may create, I am an absolute beginner and would really appreciate any clarity that is offered, thanks again for being here.

Welcome! It will depend on how much sun, for how long each day, and how much wind they get. Can you elaborate?

They get very little direct sun and some wind the panels they are hanging on are like venetian blinds,

Orchids tend to grow verrryyy slowwly. And tend to not be particularly attractive when not in bloom. You might consider plants that expand more rapidly, then add in some orchids, maybe change them out as they go out of bloom.

Thanks very much for that, I actually do not mind the plants without flowers and if the whole wall was covered in lovely green fronds it would not be so bad, the thing with changing plants is that I do not have so much space and will need to figure out just how to go about it but it is a very good idea to have seasonal adjustments to the display, once again thanks for the positivity.:)

---------- Post added at 08:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:51 AM ----------

[QUOTE=Roberta;1018179]Orchids tend to grow verrryyy slowwly.

I grow succulents and bonsai which are slow as well, I like the pace as it gives plenty of time to consider the next move especially with bonsai as adapting to the changes the tree makes can make it challenging to make optimal decisions, I was going to ask about how often orchids need to be repotted but I think you just answered that, I will ask though if you can treat them like bonsai and trim the roots or whatever to keep them small and cute.

Noooo... don't cut roots! Orchids can only take in nutrients and moisture through their roots (unlike some succulents that can do it though leaves) Take a look at the Root Porn thread Root porn!! to see what makes orchids (and orchid lovers) happy.
If you want "small and cute" select orchids that stay that way naturally - there are many wonderful miniature orchids. (I'm out of room, so those are the ones that I buy, especially lately) Don't try to go against nature! There are plenty of types in every size and shape.

Many orchids are epiphytes by nature - growing on trees. To maintain mounted orchids, though, you need humidity and rain, or a good sprinkler system (so you can take a vacation). You will need to give careful thought as to what orchids will do well under your conditions of light, temperature, and watering practices. Since orchids come from every continent except Antarctica, at elevations from sea level to above treeline, at latitudes from the tropics to far north and south... obviously not the same orchids. So you need to choose them for YOUR environment.

So you need to choose them for YOUR environment.[/QUOTE]
That is the thrust of this post actually although most here are in america and the northern hemisphere is different, I have messaged a supplier here regarding this issue and hopefully he will be able to steer me in the right direction, thanks.

Take a look at my website (in my signature) I am in the northern hemisphere, but about as far north as you are south, also coastal. many similarities in climate. The orchids do their thing based on season, so will be in different months for you and me. But choice, and care, are very similar.

For sure I will, thank you so much.

For what it's worth, I was in Sydney rather briefly several years ago, was wandering in a botanical garden, seeing many familiar plants. I had the thought, "I spent 12 hours in an airplane, and it feels like I haven't gone ANYWHERE!"