Window shade for orchids
 

:waving everyone,

Not sure if this is the proper category to post this thread in, but here goes: I have several cattleyas that are in a south window, one that has successfully bloomed there, however, I believe they are getting sunburn and was wondoring what I could put over the window to filter the light? Some of the leaves are turning red, my brassavola blooms there, but it also gets red leaves. Thought about doing cheesecloth, but not quite sure...any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks...

Eddie

I have lace curtains for my windows when there's too much light, even if the light the goes through it varies a bit, it's prettier (if you don't live alone, this is my best argument for it :rofl:)

Yes, sheer curtains - or if your sills are big enough, move the plants back a bit from the window.

I was going to suggest sheer curtains as well. The plants behind it will get a strong diffused light, which should stop the sunburn.

This would depend on how important appearance is but I've diffused the light in my plant room by cutting up an opaque shower curtain to fit and taping it over the window. Works just fine and cost very little!

:)

Eddie- The reddish tinge on your Cattleyas is their way of telling you that they have reached their light level tolerance, if during the heat of the day their leaves are not hot to the touch I wouldn't worry to much about them. Nodosas in particular need very bright light to bloom well.

Well stated.

If you DO decide to add shade, don't forget to remove it this fall, as the solar intensity is reduced outside of the summer.

Shower curtain eh, love that idea

I agree that a red tint is not a problem, but a sign it's about at the upper limit.

I use a spare sheer/lace curtain in my greenhouse as a shade cloth. Seems to do the job and I just take it down and wash it over the winter, then back up in the spring.

My catt on the other hand is not in the greenhouse, but outside in full sun. Now I probably get less sun here in the UK than you do as mine's not even got a slight red tint. My dens that are next to it have a red tint though and I'n not concerned yet as I've seen them redder with no problem.