Shade cloth %

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Kim, i want to snuggle with that Vanda rack!!

It is only 10' x 18' (built in 6' sections, since I had to erect it by myself). Still need to wrap legs w copper tape to keep the slugs out. Total material cost $250, but it took me a couple of days to put it together (drilling holes through pressure treated wood takes forever).

There is a sprinkler mounted on top, which I control with a an electronic timer (less than $45 at Home Depot).

Normally I would not need quite that size, but due to cancellation of the last 5 shows I was booked into, I have excess inventory of Vandas.

[rymor]

Thanks for the insight and suggestions. I was thinking somewhere between 40-60 as well.

I do want to "push" plants into as much light as they can take, so I may start out with a higher shade as the plants move out and see if I can harden off the plants as the season progresses.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Kim, I love the “get it done” mentality. I’ve been doing a lot of home construction, by myself, this quarantine, and it can be done in small enough bites. Well done

[Keysguy]

Hope no one minds if I re-open this thread but I have parallel questions and didn't think it made sense to start over.

I'm planning a near total remodel of my 10x20 shade house this coming fall. There are a handful of reasons (critter control, more plant hanging capacity, mister relo) but the primary one of which is that my current knit poly cloth is disintegrating after 5 years in the sun and wind of the Florida Keys. Specifically, the finished edge stitching is letting go leaving big gaps.

It's currently done half in 60% and half in 80%.

1) I really think if I pressed the light just a little bit more I could get better blooming and am thinking of going to 50%/70%. Any super light sensitive plants I have I can move to an off-line grow space with higher shade. Anyone think of a reason I shouldn't?

2) Aluminet or poly again? and why? Or does someone have another suggestion?

[estación seca]

Here in Phoenix people use 60% Aluminet. Some use a lower %. People use strong fans. You're farther south, but not nearly as hot.

[Roberta]

I use 60% aluminet practically everywhere. I had to replace it over my patio, started to tear easily - but only after about 10 years. Plants that need more shade I put on the north side of the fence, and there are some trees... and they get shaded by other plants. It's mostly an issue in the summer when the area gets essentially full sun all day (east west orientation.) But 60% seems to be the sweet spot 50% seems like it doesn't do much, 70% makes the area a black hole.