Shading from the sun

[Corwin]

The only windowsill I have with enough room to accomodate more than a few orchids is facing south, so I guess I have to filter the direct sunrays so that the orchid doesn't burn.

I don't really like the way they hide the bottom of the windows here in Germany, so I found translucent glass film at my local hobby store and wanted to use that instead.

Is that protection enough for my orchids? The sun here can be pretty hot in summer, and I'm usually away for a few weeks at that time (I plan to put them in S/H for that reason)

[Ray]

I'm sure it will be of some help, but it's impossible to say if it's enough or to much!

Before taking long trips, move the plants back from the window, so they get less light. They'll survive that better than baking.

[Corwin]

I'm going to test it, I'll keep you posted

The windowsill is 55cm (22") deep so I've got some leeway

I was thinking of moving my Dendro there, as they need more light thant the Phals

[Corwin]

So I made the modifications and that's how it looks (before and after)

Values taken the same day (15th of April), 2 minutes interval, same distance from the window (cloudless sky)

Without the film : about 40k Lux (about 4k fc)
With the film : about 16.5k Lux (about 1.65 fc)

The T° doesn't change at all (with or without)

[ChasWG]

Nicely done! I think you managed to do what you wanted.