shade clothe percentage

[espranch]

Exactly, Amey! When the sun gets overhead, a 50% shade cloth will be put on top of the 40 % to keep my orchids from BURNING. Summer heat is very intense here in Texas. Every place is different, and everyone must "do what they need to do!" Betty

You have got very good advice from others, but I would like to add my two cents. I grow my orchids in a greenhouse year round in hot sunny conditions. Since my greenhouse is on a terrace with unobstructed sunlight, I use a 90% shade cloth (allowing just 10% light in). Light and temperature go hand in hand. Under low temperatures orchids can take more light whereas under hot conditions the same amount of light can burn them. In the cooler months I remove the shade cloth to allow direct light.

[Horst]

50%, 60% or 70% is relative. Important is the light intensity reaching the plants!
50% in 2 meters above plants gives more light and burns plants more easy than 50% in 4 meters hight. That's why some orchids are placed higher in the shade house and others are placed lower.
Two options to get it right:
1) Experience is one option. It's based on observing your plants. If the plants have dark green leafs they don't get enough light. Medium green leafs indicate good light intensity. Yellowish green leafs are the result of too much light.
2)Buy a light meter and measure the light intensity on the leafs and adjust your shade cloth according.
Ups...., and read this: Cattleya Orchid

The easiest way to compensate winter and summer intensity is to add a second layer shade cloth late spring and remove it early autumn.

Most commercialized Dendrobiums can take more light than most Cattleyas.

Hope this helps to get it right in a more professional way.

[Cjcorner]

If you put up a 50% shade cloth, you can always add a piece of lattice work up top your shelves to help diffuse the sunlight during the intense summer sun. I put mine outside in the summer, i'm lucky to have a few large trees at the back of the yard that provide just enough shade.

[georgeo]

50%, 60% or 70% is relative. Important is the light intensity reaching the plants!
50% in 2 meters above plants gives more light and burns plants more easy than 50% in 4 meters hight. That's why some orchids are placed higher in the shade house and others are placed lower.
Two options to get it right:
1) Experience is one option. It's based on observing your plants. If the plants have dark green leafs they don't get enough light. Medium green leafs indicate good light intensity. Yellowish green leafs are the result of too much light.
2)Buy a light meter and measure the light intensity on the leafs and adjust your shade cloth according.
Ups...., and read this: Cattleya Orchid

The easiest way to compensate winter and summer intensity is to add a second layer shade cloth late spring and remove it early autumn.

Most commercialized Dendrobiums can take more light than most Cattleyas.

Hope this helps to get it right in a more professional way.

Horst,

Well structured and written. Some valuable advise, and the use of a light meter a very good recommendation.

Regards

George

[cdayinflorida]

I really try to keep all of mine under something solid. Being in Florida we can go for days with torrential rains. While the vandas like rain, being wet overnight is not what I want. I've lost many catt and laelia types to black rot for staying too wet, to. I use a thin plastic roof and shade cloth over that. It assures me that I will keep the crowns dry overnight.

[fbashplant]

Thanks Cathy, I will attend to providing rain shelter, per your advice, as I know we will be having the regular afternoon downpours before long.

[fbashplant]

Thanks Horst for the good information.