Growing orchids outside

[(..._...)]

Hello

Last year I grew my orchids outside behind my shed, however. they did not recieve enought light. This year, I am planning on placing them on the right side of the shed, inbetween the shed wall and a fence. The only problem is that the plants would recieve too much bright afternoon sun. I plan on purchasing a 5- tier "heavy-duty" shelving unit

similar to this, but black

Sterilite 5-Shelf Shelving Unit, Light Platinum - Wal-Mart

I was planing on placing shade cloth on the side of the shelf, as well as on the top, in order to keep the direct sun away from the leaves.

Is this enough shade? Should I use black cloth? Also, Might the black frame cause it to get too hot?

[Ross]

I looked at that shelf the other day and I don't think it will hold up to constant outdoor use. Maybe one season. but surely it will be all sagged and brittle by end of season. A cheaper and longer-lasting solution might be to make one yourself out of treated wood or cedar. This would eliminate the heating issue. Shade cloth is available in many grades - graded by percent shading. 70% withholds 70% of the light, etc. One layer would be sufficient if it's the right percent.

[(..._...)]

Hmm...well the one I saw seemed a little sturdier than this one, and is on sale for 25$... Ill purchase it and see how it does, without the orchids. Also, building a wooden one is a good idea... hmmm I will look into that

Thnx

[PAorchidman]

I am a designer by trade, and am lucky enough to have a millwork shop at my disposal. I just did a project like this for a friend of mine. what i did cost around 50 bucks but is multi functional and will last a long time. I built the infrastructure with redwood 2x2's and covered the walls bottom and top with 1/8" plexi and drilled holes for air circulation. now here is the fun part. on top i mounted tracks meant for a camber desk (rolltop desk) so now there is a wood top that rolls over the top extending over the front to block those nasty hot afternoon sun. and late afternoon he slides the top back to completely reveal the plants through the plexi letting in full light on all sides and top. I am working on a design to hook it up on a motor with a timer, so at a certain time of the day it will cover itself and open inself back up after the hot part of the day passes

[lostonthebeach]

I built the infrastructure with redwood 2x2's and covered the walls bottom and top with 1/8" plexi and drilled holes for air circulation. now here is the fun part. on top i mounted tracks meant for a camber desk (rolltop desk) so now there is a wood top that rolls over the top extending over the front to block those nasty hot afternoon sun. and late afternoon he slides the top back to completely reveal the plants through the plexi letting in full light on all sides and top. I am working on a design to hook it up on a motor with a timer, so at a certain time of the day it will cover itself and open inself back up after the hot part of the day passes


Now I would really like to see photos of that. Sounds like a great idea.