Think this is too blocking for cacti- something more open is used for cacti. Square mesh is often used. While growth is almost similar, cacti in full sun are usually spinier(longer and denser) than shade cloth counterparts.

Grace

I wonder about this statement: “75% more shade,” More comparing to what? This seems to be typical advertising statement - but maybe I am wrong. I never bought shade cloth, so maybe shouldn't comment... Is the photo you posted of exactly what you bought or a product sold in GH/farm supply store? Is there any other info on the package? Is there any chance of comparing this product to those sold in GH supply stores? If correct, do you think you need as much as 75%? I see that is also "Lowers temperatures up to 15*F" - is that what you want? (I understand it that it gets very hot where you are).

I am new to all this, but what I would do is keep an eye on the plants for etiolation during the next few weeks. If any are colored up they may go greener. If it’s facing east or west, does it get morning or late day sun? In the fall and winter it might get more sun since the sun is lower. The cactus could probably take quite a few hours of full sun but they look small so probably not all day.

I’m in zone 10a and had my collection in full sun for a couple years ago. Nothing fried but it was tough on them. Then I put up a free-standing umbrella so they get some shade each day. If it’s gloomy like the last couple weeks, I put the umbrella down.

What a beautiful display of your plants! The benches are a pretty color, nice variety of pots and plants. Spectacular!!

I live on Spain´s Mediterranean coast - we have hot dry summers - and my Mexican desert cacti love it here - they all live outdoors and seem to enjoy the sun - except Obregonia denegrii, which definitely likes a bit of shade. I put it behind some of the bigger pots, but don´t use any shade cloth of any kind. The rest enjoy the sun, although I would say that the Mediterranean sun is not quite as fierce as yours in Nevada, Grace. But then, those growing in the fierce sun in habitat in their native Mexico don´t have any shade cloth.

SpanishFly, las vegas is sunnier and hotter that anything here in europe. While it is a native habitat for cacti(ferocactus, opuntia, echinocereus) and yucca and agave, bear in mind its not suitable for some plants, especially common succulents(echeveria, sempervivum, schlumbergera etc). The temps go higher as well( average 5 C' than andaluzia i believe ). Not that id use it for all plants, but for stuff that can get sunburned(new, rotated, sunburn prone, young)./

Cant say that i know how you feel, here the hottest weve had was 42+ C". It was like being in an oven. But we tend to have high humidity which makes it worse, especially if its >35 C".

I'm with Rina here. 75 percent more shade than what, exactly? I use the same shade material in my pergola, but for myself, not my plants--so I can park myself under it with my laptop. I do have plants under that much shade though---an orchid and a hoya which are both under-story tropical jungle plants. At noon, it's not enough shade (also for me, not my plants, heh).

That much shade will etiolate plants like adeniums, for sure.

Not as hot here, Grace, the sea keeps the temperature down a bit - but it gets 45+ C or so in the highest summer heat. Air con rules then.

I suspect many if not most of your plants will like the shade cloth.