Hello Evan.
Yea, with the amount of space I have, it is almost impossible to not touch them when we walk on the balcony. Each time I get another plant , the biggest decision is what to move! HEHE! I have been considering building a roof over the stairs up to my balcony, because that would give me more unfiltered sunlight space for my "big" plants. I am using the wall that surrounds the stairs as a plant stand which gives me about 12 feet, & the balcony is about 12 feet long. This is my complete area for plants. Inside the apartment is too dark even with a sliding glass door which is odd to me. I could use some help figuring out which of my plants actually do like low light situations, so I can improve my space allocation. All tropical plant vendors & most sites dedicated to them in the states say low light when they should say filtered full sunlight, so I dunno who to trust. The whole point of climbing plants is to reach higher intensity sunlight at a higher level in the canopy. What I am seeing is between 15 & 40 feet up in trees with small widely spaced leaves. The sunlight they allow to penetrate is strong , but filtered.
Anyways, the vines I have all want strong filtered light, so what do I have left to work with on the low light indoors? The larger elephant ear species seem to like high intensity filtered, or unfiltered sun depending on which one.
Also, I have a small problem that I would like as many ideas as possible about. Most of these plants get damaged when I collect them as it is not possible to collect a whole plant that is 40 feet long with leaves 3X4 feet. My question is how do I help prevent or combat transplant stress? I have heard old wives tales that say to water with distilled water, & not feed right away. I have also heard to feed a balanced mix. I have also heard to keep the plant in the dark for a couple days to recover. I have tried many methods, but I want to hear what you seasoned plant fanatics have to say?
Sincerely,
Noel
