Cymbidium + afternoon direct sunlight + Question

[empiref]

Hello,

Is it safe to let cymbidiums get direct sunlight from 3 pm until sunset? (Mediterranean climate)

They get direct morning sun from sunrise until 10 am everyday.

They grow outside on a covered balcony.

Thank you.

[Ray]

If you're talking standard cymbidiums, they can handle the direct light, but might not be too fond of the heat.

If they are miniatures having Chinese species in the background, as the temp goes up, they prefer more shade.

[empiref]

Originally Posted by Ray

If you're talking standard cymbidiums, they can handle the direct light, but might not be too fond of the heat.

If they are miniatures having Chinese species in the background, as the temp goes up, they prefer more shade.

Thank you for your reply Ray, they are standard cyms. The balcony very breezy too.

[WhiteRabbit]

I've grown a couple in afternoon sun. Just move them to shade during excessive heat.

[Cym Ladye]

In my experience, late afternoon direct sun is not preferred, especially if the temps are high and humidity is low. The constant breeze will be a help but will also act to dry out the plants. You can try it and if you see burned leaves and drying bulbs, you probably need to find another solution.

Have you considered getting one or two small, deciduous trees and putting them in containers in front of the plants to shade them. It is decorative and acts as a natural shade.

Cym Ladye

[james mickelso]

Where you live the sunlight at 3pm is still too much for them. After 5 would be ok but 3 is still very high in the sky. A thin blanket of some lightweight guazy material over them would help. Just put a couple of long thin plant bloom stakes like bamboo in the pot and shield the plant that way. Doesn't take much. I like Cym Lady's suggestion too. You especially need to be concerned with the sunlight striking the side of the pot and significantly raising the temperature on the inside of the pot and cooking the roots. Watering well in the afternoon would help keep the roots cooler.

[Cym Ladye]

I noticed you said the plants are on a covered balcony. Is there a chance that you can attach a sheet of shade cloth to the bottom of the overhang and let it hang where the sun hits? Shade cloth in varying thicknesses (blocking sun 30% to 80%) can be ordered in any size you want over the internet. I was looking to replace the 30% I use for my Cyms and found several sites. Just let your fingers do the walking for best price. You can buy unfinished or finished with hems to the size you want.

There was a time you could buy bamboo roll up blinds. That might work too if you can still find them but might block the sun too much.

CL