What can I grow? West-facing deck in Los Angeles

[BarleyTwist]

Thank you Roberta — I’m happy for the encouraging words! I was thinking that I’d start with a few wood-basketed and/or mounted species positioned under the open spaces to see how they do, but worry a bit about sunburn. I can water/mist/fertilize with RO water so hoping that will help. As you know it gets pretty hot in summer — we’re just 5 miles from the beach but it sure feels hot in summer! I’ve already looked —and been inspired/jealous — at your plants and growing areas. Very very nice. I’ve been window shopping at Andy’s and I’m thinking of buying a Leptotes bicolor and a Laelia anceps from him — I think they come mounted. Do you think those would have a decent chance for happiness with what I can offer them?

Judy

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by BarleyTwist

I’ve been window shopping at Andy’s and I’m thinking of buying a Leptotes bicolor and a Laelia anceps from him — I think they come mounted. Do you think those would have a decent chance for happiness with what I can offer them?

Judy

Both of those would be excellent. I don't think that you can give L. anceps too much light... mine are up high above the Cyms in the brightest part of the yard, and I haven't toasted one yet. The Leptotes bicolor is also a high-light plant. The only consideration about mounted plants is that you'll want to water them every day in summer, maybe every other day now. I don't think you need RO for those... I grew most of my plants for years on city water. i added RO for some of the more sensitive things (like Pleurothallids) that are doing better, but my L. anceps still get city water, and Leptotes are fine either way.

Consider Sobralias, too... Sobralia macrantha, and its hybrids take lots of light - which keeps them a bit more compact. Cal Orchid has an excellent selection of those. Also pretty bullet-proof, and also attractive when not in bloom. Flowers are short-lived (like a couple of days) but keep popping out new ones, so the plants are in bloom for a couple of months (mostly in summer)