Can someone tell me what % of sun block shade cloth should be used for Brugmansia? My greenhouse is made from polycarbonate and the plants are wilting terribly from the hot sun. We won't have many more hot days this year, but the temperature has gone back up to 87 degrees with no clouds in the sky for protection. I need to cover the greenhouse very soon with shade cloth

Is it possible to move the Brugs back outside for a few days during your hot weather? The greenhouse environment is much hotter than outdoors. That might give it a break?

I can't move them back outdoors. There are about 60 plants in 30 gallon containers, and we had to use the tractor with bucket to move them inside. The temperature got down to middle 40's and we were not supposed to have any more hot weather. Geeze! We did put up a shade cloth over the larger plants, but that is not sufficient. I've misted them 4 times already today to keep them hydrated. Most of the plants are between 7 to 12 feet tall and once in place, it is very hard to move them around. It should start cooling off again next week, but I need to go ahead and order a shade cloth that will fit the top of the greenhouse. The temperature inside the g/h is 99 degrees today. I could kick myself for taking them inside prematurely.

Thank you so much for the speedy reply.

Whereabouts are you? That will help determine how 'shady' your shade cloth needs to be. The Aluminet I have came in a range from 30% up to 90% as I recall. What you order depends on how strong your sun is through the fall/winter and spring.

You can put your location (city, state etc.) in your personal profile and then it will show up each time you post in the upper right corner. This really helps others a lot when answering your questions.

I live in Tremont, MS, zone 7B. The sun is medium strong in fall/winter, but the temps in summer range from about 90-100. The greenhouse is out in an open area with no shade trees. We had a couple large pieces of shade cloth and just now finished putting them up temporarily, until I can order what I need. I really hate stressing my Angels this way, but maybe they will be OK with lots of misting, until it cools off. They can tolerate some morning sun but afternoon shade. Most of mine have been in a shady spot under oak trees this summer and they are really suffering from this heat.

I will add address, etc. in my profile, and thank you so much for answering and the advice.

If you are just looking for a temporary solution you could try some shade paint. If you decide to do so, just make sure you buy one that can be used on polycarbonate. There is of course some work with removing it, but it doesn't cost much and it's very effective. If you have the need to add or remove shading completely several times over the season, it wont be a good idea as it will be too much work.

It would only be temporary because by next spring I'll have a permanent shade cloth put on the greenhouse. It'll have to be special ordered because of the size. Thanks so much.

How far are you from Starkville, Sunnie? I can lend you some shade cloth to get you by. I have two greenhouses but without plants. I have removed my shade cloth. Let me know.

If you want to purchase shade cloth instead of borrowing some, I use 70% on one and 50% on another (more shaded).

Ken Ramsey
662-338-9189

Ken, it's not a good idea to give out your phone number on the public forum. I would edit that out if I were you. Send Sunnie your number via Tree Mail so it's private.

Elaine, I appreciate your concern but you know I have a website with all my information on it. Thus, I am wide-open for contacts. I don't know how to have a viable "business" and hide these things from the public.

Ken:

Could you please let me know the sizes of your shade cloth? My greenhouse is 24' X 36'. We live about 80 miles from you and are planning a trip to Raymond, MS. this coming Thursday. If they are large enough, I'd be interested in buying them. We could detour and come by Starkville. Thanks.

No, no. I am not trying to sell you anything, Sunnie. My shade clothes are about 12'x20', perhaps a few feet wider (24-26'?). I think I may have three but don't remember whether I bought an extra one thinking I would need more shade value. You could put two together and possibly shade enough to make them work. You can use them free of charge regardless. Then next spring, purchase one that really fits. I will be home all day, pretty much every day. We are in the midst of constructing a solarium, and I like to be here during construction.

Ken:

I'll let you know tomorrow about the shade cloth. My husband is conducting a honey bee seminar tonight and won't be home until very late. I can call you tomorrow for directions. I surely do appreciate your kindness. Thanks again.

Ken:

Will it be OK to stop by probably mid to late morning on Friday? We'd have more time coming back from our trip. I looked at your very nice website, saw your staghorn ferns and would like to pick up a few babies. We have about 5 large 10 years old ones and love them. We'll put your address in the GPS and shouldn't have any problem finding you. Thank you so much for your kindness.

That should be no problem, Sunnie. With the solarium construction ongoing, I am usually home all day, every day. That is unless I am traveling to football games. We are home this weekend though, and have "guests" coming in from Pascagoula for the game. Your visit won't interfere with anything. I will see you Friday AM.

I will see if I have that third shade cloth. An extra would help you out. When you get to my street, the house number is clearly marked on my mailbox and there is an MSU flag hanging there as well. You can't miss the flag. It is the only MSU flag on the street.

Some of this might have been better served by using the ATP Tree-mail system.
While I find this conversation fascinating, can anyone answer the original question posed by the OP.
What % of shade cloth does she need to order for her needs?
The main reason for my post is that I have inherited a ton of shade cloth and could send it for postage if it should be the correct type needed.
Thanks.

I hope you have what Sunnie needs, Greene. I have already posted that my greenhouse in full sun has 70% shade cloth over it spring and summer. I am quite sure I could have used 80% just as well. Regardless of shade cloth, my greenhouse in full sun get so hot during the summer months, it is basically unsuitable for growing much of anything. It is not the sun, it is the heat. I guess they are called "hot-houses" for a reason. When it is 95-100F outside, it will be no less than 120F in that greenhouse. I have fans running, but all they do is move hot air around.

Just to remind everyone...The question that requires an answer is:
"what % of sun block shade cloth should be used for Brugmansia?"

I think Ken's experience with keeping his greenhouse cool is probably pretty good for Sunnie's question.

She might need 70% shade cloth for the next month or so to keep the brugs alive in there.

In the meantime, Sunnie, I hope either the weather is cooler or you have put a (cheap, reflective) tarp or something over that greenhouse to shade it in the middle of the day? Poor brugs could surely cook if it gets hot again before you get the shade cloth on there.