Hessian/burlap for sun-screening

[orchidsarefun]

I am using it as a sunscreen on SF windows. I have noticed though that the sun is brighter/hotter now we are coming into Spring, and it doesn't appear sufficient. I could double the layers, but I wondered if there was something better ?
In Spring/Summer I will move it to the West-facing window.

[BruceP]

What makes you think it's insufficient? If it's temp (rather than light intensity), you might want to go with something lighter-colored.

[Vanda lover]

I just have a sheer white curtain in a South window and I wonder if it blocks too much light. I need it for the seedlings though.

[orchidsarefun]

.....the leaves are warming up, they should always be cool to the touch...
I've gone from no protection, to hessian sheets, and now needs something with more protection - and that doesn't make my house look like a pot production facility !
Its just a problem for 3 months, when its warmer I am moving the whole lot outside.

[Vanda lover]

They can burn easily at this time of year.

[Wjs2nd]

You could leave the curtain up to cover a shade cloth. A black shade cloth won't reflect like a auminum one and shouldn't be noticed.

[orchidsarefun]

well I got an aluminet shade cloth ( 50% ) after advice from an Orchid Society member and now have that up in the West-facing window. I have removed the covers from the South-facing windows.....its certainly a juggling act to get the amount of sunlight "right" over all seasons.
I really like the aluminet cloth, does a good job.

[Wjs2nd]

Cool, any pictures?

[Ray]

[quote=orchidsarefun;472499].....the leaves are warming up, they should always be cool to the touch.../QUOTE]

What makes you say that?

If you are referring to Andean species or standard cymbidiums, maybe, but a phal in the wild might be 100° or more with no issues.

[ACK2]

That what makes this so fun. If it were so easy.....everyone would be doing it. Good job for figuring it out.