Helen

Sorry for the situation, unfortunately not much can be done wit new construction. Nice set-up, I can see why other tenants like it too.

If raising plants higher helps at all with new obstruction, I would do it. And do not forget that outdoors light is still stronger than indoors.

Thanks Rina. Most of the ones I've had for ages are stretched out and growing towards the light already, particularly the Aeoniums that I have. Are there any that prefer or don't mind no direct sunlight? And what sorts would just not do well at all. I've got a lovely little Echeveria with dark red and green leaves (veriagated?) that was hoping to nurture and see pups, but Echeveria need direct sunlight?

I don't really want them to just unhappily exist, I'd rather give some of them away and get others more suited to the conditions available : (

Haworthias grow well in less than full sunlight, and also some Sansevierias - these are 2 I can think off right now. Sadly, most succulents like lots of sunlight, as you can see by etiolation on some you have now.

There are many, many interesting species, hybrids & cultivars of the 2 mentioned above. I have few haws that grow very well and are easy to take care of and just couple of sans; they are in quite poor light whole winter long and I believe they look OK:

Maybe you can try growing non-succulent plants...very easy one and suitable to low light conditions is Chlorophytum comosum - a.k.a. spider plant. They look great in hanging baskets, and also available in few varieties.

And maybe ferns - they don't need much light but more moisture, so you need to check them out ahead for watering needs.

I don't think you mentioned it, but is a sunny window available? You could at least put some of your plants there

Would it be possible to set up a light for them indoors? Perhaps a long fluorescent light over a long table? I grow lots of plants indoors with extra light.

Rina. I might look into the two you mentioned. Yes already thinking of other types of plants although Succulents are very unique and pretty special ;) I'm thinking maybe I could set up a bit of a Succulent garden at my sister's place. She'd love it and it would satisfy my urge to "play" lol.

One huge plant on the balcony I think might be a spider plant. There are bits of it showing on the left of the last 2 photos. Definately not into ferns, although I love some of the big healthy ones when in someone else's garden.

Christina, I have a small balcony off my room that gets sunny, burning in summer. Less of it and less intense in winter. The only problem would be that side gets the full force of any storms. But I could put any plants on the shared balcony when I'm worried or away.

Barb, under lights isn't possible, lack of space, even in the common areas.

Thankyou so much for your thoughts and caring. I feel a bit better after a winge, and then a caring response : ) Also my brainstorming mind is coming alive in response to your thoughts and ideas. I appreciate it a lot

I'm in the same situation. The past 5 years I would guesstimate I've lost about 25% of the sunlight coming in, due to the alarming number of highrise buildings going up in my entire neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, right by the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel. Now the parking lot next to my bedroom is going to be turned into a huge high rise. I'm going to lose my best window. Sucks.

Manual. Yes it really sucks!!! It sounds like yours will be worse than mine. Will you still have any direct sunlight available for your Succulents?

Helen

Yes, I just noticed the plant and it looks like spider. I gave you advice based on assumption that you don't really have enough space indoors - otherwise I would have suggested supplemental lights. And sure, you could do lights on the balcony, but not sure how practical that is.

If you have, even small, balcony in better lights, maybe you can use it. Not sure how protected it is from the winds, but you may be able to use some kind of plastic sheet/cover to protect them from too much rain.

Yeah only got bedroom, bathroom and small balcony that's mine. So grow lights are out. My balcony (along with many others on 3 levels) is on the west outer wall of the whole complex so gets the full brunt of any wind and rain. If I set up a sheltered bit, they would lose any sun. I could use clear thick plastic but I think that would make a lot of noise, and possibly rip. But thanks, any thoughts get me thinking ; )

Do you have room for a mini greenhouse? I use one in summer, wide open to allow ventilation but keep rain off. It is weighted down with 80 lb patio stones, but the covers tend to deteriorate after a few years in the sun..

Helen

There are ready-made, portable greenhouses available in different sizes, that have metal frame, few shelves and a see-thru plastic cover that can be zipped up -see here- . You don't need it for a heat protection (you could cook your plants!!! - pls. do not keep your plants covered with plastic in your climate!) but the cover could be zipped up when needed. Look them up just for inspiration...

I had a sheet of plastic fastened to a piece of 2x2 wood that I used to drop down over he plants (it was permanently attached to the wall with another piece of wood, and rolled up when not needed. But if there are high winds, it may not be that easy to anchor it...it is possible but may be too much/complicated work.

eta: ...as Breton said...about GH...:)

Thanks Breton and Rina. Certainly something to think on. I think I'll go to a nursery I was recommended and check out what Bunnings have got.

I will still have sun coming in through my kitchen windows, but even there it's not the same as it was 5 years ago. With so many tall buildings going up in the area, the sun is just not the same. For instance, from my roof I used to be able to see the Hudson River. I could also see all the way uptown. Now I can't see uptown anymore, and my view of the river is almost gone

That's sad. You would have enjoyed those views. We used to be able to see a the Adelaide Hills from the shared kitchen balcony, but not now. That was a lovely view too. From my balcony I can see the Adelaide Parklands and parts of the city. That won't change which is good.

A related but different suggestion from a mini greenhouse, but first a few Qs:

If your balcony gets the brunt of any storms, does that mean the commons balcony does not?

Is there an electrical outlet accessible on the commons balcony?

Is the commons balcony protected overhead from rain?

Since you mention that your housemates enjoy having the plants on the balcony, how about putting a metal shelving unit ( see if my attempt at a link works ... something like this: metal shelving unit ) like those used for storage on the commons balcony? They are common here at any BBS. The shelves are adjustable and sturdy. Some have a plastic coating to reduce rusting. The unit could be bound to the balcony railing via zip-ties or wire for further support in case the balcony is ever subject to strong winds to prevent tipping. If the balcony possesses an electrical outlet, inexpensive shoplights ( shoplight ) could be suspended via chains from the shelf above (and perhaps one from the balcony ceiling) to greatly increase the light the plants receive. The lights could even be plugged into a timer that would turn them off and on. With or without lights, such shelving would likely be both sturdier and cheaper than one of the aforementioned portable greenhouses and would probably provide more growing area to boot.

I'd like to add, if you can get a shelf with lockable wheels! So much easier to move around if need be. :)
I have one for my own plants, and Paul pretty much described the set up I have.

Love Happy Endings!! Yay

Ya know, it's absolutely possible to file a lawsuit for sunlight obstruction... ;) learned it when taking my real estate course! lol

Lol that could be interesting. 100 tenants file into court. I think the biggest agenda would be the TV signal damage.

"I've never noticed a power outlet on the shared balcony, but I wouldn't use it anyway because we have a lot of people here that have absolutely no idea of safety. "

Doesn't say much about the folks in your building. :p

BBS = Big Box Store = any of a chain of "superstores"

(Such as Walmart, IKEA, Lowes, Home Depot, etc cetera)

Glad we were able to give you an idea that may work. :-)

Lol yes we have an "interesting" mixture of people where I live. Staff onsite 24 hours etc. But a lot of nice people too.

I'm 4 hours north in Port Augusta at my son's place right now, helping my daughter in law with my 4 yr old Grandson while she's working and my son is working out bush.

Can't wait to get back and see what I can find for my babies :-D

Thanks for the BBS tip, we have a huge IKEA, Bunnings and other places. I will be doing some instore research :-)

Update on sun loss.

#Shared balcony: Big building next door, external work has finished and we haven't lost all our sun!! In fact it it already appearing longer and stronger as the sun shifts position and approaches the hot summer. Yaaaaay!

#My small balcony: Sun is shifting and most of it is now in full sun most of the afternoon. It will gradually increase and is very bright most of the day. Wind and rain don't seem to be a problem since I got the bakers tray, 3 teired wheely trolly and a few other bits to hold pots together.

So things are looking really good!

Just wanted to share and say thankyou to those who encouraged me and got my brain ticking again.

Love you all

Balcony sounds like the best bet. Are storms common so that would be a problem? But you don’t have to do the same with all your plants. Some could go to your sister, watch around your building to see if areas actually do get more sun where you could put your plants. As for your sister, if putting plants there would make her happy and you would enjoy seeing them thrive in better light, Then take some plants over there. I believe portulacarua afra can also take a little less light. You can keep an eye your plants to see which ones are tolerating the lower light and which ones are reaching. You’ll get it figured out. Lots of good ideas here. You have a nice collection. Sorry about the high rise.