shadecloth questions

[Weetamoo]

I've ordered a pergola for our unshaded patio, and I plan to hang my vandas from it during the warmer months. I live near Philadelphia. I want to order shade cloth to drape over it, but I'm not sure what percent shading I should get?. Is the aluminum shading a good choice, and should i put it on as soon as I bring the orchids out in the spring? and when should I remove it?. I appreciate any advice on this.

[JDT]

Aluminet shade cloth is a great choice! What percentage can be tricky as most Vanda's enjoy bright light but some don't, when I had mine I had some that were in direct sunlight and thrived. The best way to determine is to check where the sun is hitting from mid morning till mid afternoon that is the time the sun can do the most damage. Personally I use 70% but I am in south Florida and most of what gets sun is my area where my Bulbophyllum are kept and most don't like harsh sunlight. As to when you put the shade cloth on and take it down when you are putting your Vanda's outdoors put it up when you take them down take the shade cloth down.

[Weetamoo]

Thank you Jack!

[raybark]

Clara,

When. I lived in Doylestown, my vandas were in a greenhouse with no shade cloth, but we had a fair amount of shading from big trees. After removing a couple, I went with 30% shade Aluminet.

Check your PMs.

[zainal abidin]

Most of the vanda species do love a lot of light, poor light may end up with no buds formation, here where I live in Equator the light so bright and strong and do love 50% filtered.