Shade Cloth and Cooling for Nepenthes/Tropical Sundew Greenhouse

Derick has 10x16 hobby greenhouse (8mm triple-wall polycarbonate) for Nepenthes and tropical sundews. Wants shade cloth % for 10–20°F drop, plus evaporative cooler. Asks our cooling methods.

Target 50–60% Light Transmission

Check polycarbonate specs. If 60% transmission, no shade needed. Our HDPE cover = 55% transmission, no cloth. If yours 80%, use 20–30% shade cloth for effective 50–60%. Don't go below 50%—stunts growth.

Cooling: Shotgun Approach

Depends on budget/climate. Swamp coolers best for dry areas (<40% humidity). Some use AC. We use 5 box fans + 2 homemade swamp coolers + fan misters per greenhouse. 100°F outside → low 80s inside.

Follow-up: Derick asks AC unit sources/models. Jacob: we don't use AC—research independently. Check manufacturer for greenhouse/damp suitability.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin