Best shade screen (30% or 70%) for Phalaenopsis? outdoors in West Central FL

[birdwomn]

I am currently using a 30% shade screen on my lanai for all of my orchids, but am wondering if I should switch to a 70% shade screen for the Phals as a few of them have a bit of purple in the leaves. I recently arranged them in hanging wooden baskets which provides better drainage.

As stated in the title, I am in west central Florida, about 4 miles form the beach.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[estación seca]

Most Phals are plants of dense shade. They flower better in lower rather than higher light. Given your location I would use 70% shade cloth.

[RJSquirrel]

what kind of shade cloth you use is IMO just as important. Some of it holds too much heat and can overheat and stress the plants itself from the radiance.

order the size you need and get the Aluminet.

[birdwomn]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

what kind of shade cloth you use is IMO just as important. Some of it holds too much heat and can overheat and stress the plants itself from the radiance.

order the size you need and get the Aluminet.

Thanks for the tip! I am using Coolaroo screening on the lanai. From looking at the two online, the Aluminet is more of a true shade cloth for a greenhouse, while the Coolaroo is more of a screen. I have the current 30% screening on the corner areas where the phals are hanging that get the most morning sun. Have you found that the Coolaroo screening holds the heat?

The lanai is 20x30. This is two 5 ft panels.

[Ray]

Being that you're growing in an open lanai, rather than a closed greenhouse, heat buildup is unlikely to be an issue.

If there is a way you can locate the plants where they will be exposed to the sky but never in direct sun, you needn't bother with shade cloth. Mine, for example, are out on my deck, up against the north-facing wall of the house.