Light scattering / diffusion for southern window

[dakotablue]

Hi All! Curious if anyone has recommendations for how to increase light diffusion from a window. This is for my southern facing windowsill growing area. I know that some greenhouses have special materials that help scatter and diffuse incoming sunlight.

The goal is to have more evenly spread out light, to maximize the growing area. I'm in Berkeley and this window gets direct sun in winter from late morning until late evening. In summer, however, I only get direct sunlight on the bottom half of the window. I was hoping that if I could diffuse the light that I wouldn't have to have all the orchids smashed right up against the glass.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Dakota

[Ray]

A sheer curtain is a good idea.

[rbarata]

I use a curtain, translucid, almost transparent, white...you could also use those panels used for photo sessions.

[dakotablue]

Thank you for the ideas. Would an almost sheer curtain be better than like a 30% shade cloth from a light scattering perspective? The advantage of shade cloth is that you can still see out to the backyard and trees, but I have a feeling that does nothing for light scattering.

I'm unfamiliar with the screens for photo shoots.... What are they like?

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by dakotablue

Thank you for the ideas. Would an almost sheer curtain be better than like a 30% shade cloth from a light scattering perspective? The advantage of shade cloth is that you can still see out to the backyard and trees, but I have a feeling that does nothing for light scattering.

I'm unfamiliar with the screens for photo shoots.... What are they like?

I can't help you with the photo cloth. However shade cloth is meant to do just that, block, and not scatter. The curtain idea will work, just be sure it's very sheer. There are a range of sheers.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by dakotablue

Hi All! Curious if anyone has recommendations for how to increase light diffusion from a window. This is for my southern facing windowsill growing area. I know that some greenhouses have special materials that help scatter and diffuse incoming sunlight.

The goal is to have more evenly spread out light, to maximize the growing area. I'm in Berkeley and this window gets direct sun in winter from late morning until late evening. In summer, however, I only get direct sunlight on the bottom half of the window. I was hoping that if I could diffuse the light that I wouldn't have to have all the orchids smashed right up against the glass.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Dakota

My first response was going to be, yes, go with something like sheer or lace curtains, which will definitely diffuse or soften the intensity of the sunlight, but in re-reading your post, I don't think that's what you want. You are hoping to somehow get the incoming sunlight to spread further into the room so you can have the plants that need it benefit from it without having to be so close to the window. It doesn't seem to me that sheer curtains or shade cloth will do that; I think those types of materials are meant to reduce and soften incoming sunlight.

I use sheer, lace-type curtains in my south-facing window where all my orchids are, to protect them from direct sunlight, but they do nothing to help spread more light further into the room. I'm curious myself to know if there is a way to do what you are trying to do.

[rbarata]

Mirrors or white walls might help.

[rbarata]

Elaborating a bit more about this...I don't know what kind of orchids you grow but I grow different genera, with completely different light requirements, in the same room.
For ex, I grow Catts and Phals. The room is small, maybe 14 sq m (46 sq ft) with a large south window. The catts are near the window and the phals are at the back of the room. It has white walls that reflects (and difuses) the light that comes in.

[Dollythehun]

Good call Mountaineer, I missed that. Rbarata is correct, white Walls will help. Also look for silver reflective film, you might make screens from that to focus the light.

[rbarata]

Also look for silver reflective film, you might make screens from that to focus the light.

Same concept as photo shooting screens.