Note: Many growers prefer our lath weave design shade cloth that provides better air circulation and is generally cooler during the summer months than shade fabrics of comparable densities. The open space in the fabric design lets air/heat pass through, helps prevent water accumulation from rainfall or irrigation, and reduces the pressure from high winds. Some growers select the lath weave design for its aesthetic qualities as well. See the new and improved version of our 78% lath shade fabric that is available in both black and green shade fabrics.
Shade Tree provides shade cloth for a wide range of agricultural and horticultural applications. You need to select the best cloth for your specific needs based on:
- Geographical location
- Type of plant(s) you are growing
- Frequency and force of prevailing winds
- Irrigation and fertilization practices
Recommendations
While we at Shade Tree fabrics are not expert growers, we have a lot of customers who are. The following recommendations are based on their collected experience. Please use these recommendations as guidelines for your own research when deciding how much shade is right for your application.
Potted Plants
Type of Potted Plant |
Recommended % Shading |
|---|---|
| Caladiums | 47% |
| Chrysanthemums | 30% |
| Geraniums | 47% |
| Gloxinias | 47% |
| Iris | 47% |
| Lilies | 47% |
Orchids
Type of Orchid |
Recommended % Shading |
|---|---|
| Cattleyas | 63% |
| Cycnoches (Swan orchids) | 73% |
| Cypripediums | 73% |
| Dendrobiums | 55% |
| Epidendrums | 55% |
| Phalaenopsis | 73% |
| Vandas | 55% |
Cut Flowers
Type of Cut Flower |
Recommended % Shading |
|---|---|
| Asters | 30% |
| Chrysanthemums | 30% |
| Lilies | 47% |
| snapdragons, | 30% |
| Bedding plants (pansies, petunias, zinnias, marigolds, and so forth) | 47% |
Foliage Plants
Type of Foliage Plant |
Recommended % Shading |
|---|---|
| Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) | 95% |
| Anthurium | 73% |
| Bromeliads | 55% |
| Calatheas | 63% |
| Diffenbachia | 63% |
| Dracena | 73% |
| Ferns (Aspargus, Leather leaf, Stag horns) | 73% |
| Ficus | 55% |
| Neanthe Bella Palms | 95% |
| Pepormia | 73% |
| Philodendron (Selloum requires 30% shading) | 73% |
| Pothos | 73% |
| Sanseveria | 55% |
Landscape Plants
| Landscape plants embody a broad range of shade cloth requirements. Container-grown stock can often benefit from a light shade, and nearly all landscape plants benefit from some shade during propagation and until their roots are well established. The following is a list of landscape plants that require shade during their growth stages. |
|---|
| Acacia | African Tulip Tree |
| Almond | Black Olive |
| Cajeput | Camphor |
| Cassia | Cassaurina |
| Chaste Tree | Citrus Tree |
| Cock Spur Coral Tree | Crape Myrtle |
Need help deciding which Shade Tree shade cloth is best for your use? Don’t see your application of shade cloth discussed here? For answers to these and similar questions, send an email or call Shade Tree at (800) 972-8057or (706) 778-8654.