Shading

[PuiPuiMolcar]

Hello folks, I have this greenhouse lying at the West facing side of the home. In the winter right now, it get just enough heat and light to not burn the orchids. In the summer, there is almost no direct light hitting the tent, but I still want to reduce the intensity even more.

I've looked up that many people use Aluminet shade. Which percent does everyone reccomend to get? and what's the best source. Thank You in advance.

[Ray]

I can answer the second question: Gothic Arch greenhouses in Alabama will make one to your specs, less expensively than anyone else I have found.

“What percentage” is an entirely different issue, as that depends upon your specific ambient light intensity and what you’re shooting for.

I grow paphs, phrags and a few phals, my plants grow outside all summer, but up agains a north wall, so they get no direct sun whatsoever, and I use no additional shade at all.

[Louis_W]

I have a little greenhouse grow space not too unlike yours. When my plants started burning i put a mist of white spraypaint onto the polycarbonate. You can go as light or heavy as you want. I went heavier on the top so the winter sun comes in stronger through the sides.

Just a low tech /cheap idea

[Roberta]

I use mostly 60% aluminet. My yard toasts in summer. there are shadier spots on the north side shaded by a fence for Pleurothallids and such. so the 60% overall works well. If you don't get direct sun in your grow area in summer, 50% might be adequate. If that turns out to be too much shading, then you probably don't need it at all.