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Shading cover

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:08 am
by rcapra
Dear friends, I am writing to you for your help with a dilemma I have to solve. I have a new greenhouse where I only grow cacti and I have to choose the shading and anti-hail cover. The roof is made of polycarbonate. I am facing south and my problem is sunburn and excessive temperature.
Do you think 50% shading is appropriate or is it possible to get to 75% without harming the growth? The net has a white color and not dark green. (Certainly the ferocactus and echinocereus will be in full sun.)
Thank you so much for the valuable advice.
Ruggero

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 10:49 am
by Herts Mike
Much as I would love to help you, my problem is getting enough sun.

I have never needed to shade, even when I grew Haworthias.

Sorry.

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 12:57 pm
by conolady
rcapra wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 7:08 am Dear friends, I am writing to you for your help with a dilemma I have to solve. I have a new greenhouse where I only grow cacti and I have to choose the shading and anti-hail cover. The roof is made of polycarbonate. I am facing south and my problem is sunburn and excessive temperature.
Do you think 50% shading is appropriate or is it possible to get to 75% without harming the growth? The net has a white color and not dark green. (Certainly the ferocactus and echinocereus will be in full sun.)
Thank you so much for the valuable advice.
Ruggero
Hello. I think 50% is adequate. I have used it when necessary and the plants looked fine. I used dark green shade net, but I’m sure the white would be equally good.

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 1:22 pm
by jerryb23
I would have thought that your biggest problem in Italy may be ensuring sufficient ventilation and airflow. Taking out some of the side windows for the summer along with 50% shading may be the best option. If you use shading I think it will need to be in place all year round. Good luck.

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2021 9:35 pm
by fero
I've seen net curtains work well . I leave my bubble insulation up, just have to take it down before it disintegrates.

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2021 9:05 am
by rcapra
Thanks for your help! The opening of the side walls and 50% shading should work well without damaging the growth of the plant and thorns. I will share the experience.

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2021 11:41 am
by Tina
I would go for the 50% if you have some plants that are still struggling they can have a little extra protection with out it affecting all your plants, some of mine get an extra green net covering if they are looking unhappy.
https://www.forum.bcss.org.uk/viewtopic ... on#p306331

Re: Shading cover

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 8:00 am
by rcapra
It seems to me an excellent choice especially for gymnocalycium which in my case suffer from excess sun even if well ventilated.