Choosing Polycarbonate Panels for a Carnivorous Plant Greenhouse in Tucson, AZ

A grower planning a Rion greenhouse in Tucson (intense sun, high heat) asked which polycarbonate panels suit highland and lowland Nepenthes, sundews, and butterworts.

Recommendation: Translucent (Diffusing) Panels

Jeff Dallas advises translucent, slightly opaque panels that transmit ~80% of light but obscure direct view. Benefits:

• Excellent light diffusion—reduces hot spots and leaf burn.
• Retains good winter light transmission.
• Summer shading still needed: 50% shade cloth is standard; Tucson may require 60–70%.

Critical for Highland Nepenthes

Air conditioning is assumed necessary for highland species in Arizona summers. Panel choice alone cannot compensate for extreme heat.