A shade screen for producing the spectral distribution of radiation of natural shade under foliage is provided. A coloring agent which absorbs radiation in the visible wavelengths and transmits radiation in the infra-red wavelengths and which comprises a pigment or dye or combination of pigments or dyes is applied to or incorporated within a spectrally neutral carrier medium. A spectrally neutral material such as carbon black may be added to the coloring agent to approximate different percentages of light available for photosynthesis. The shade film can be used for cultivating plants having a shady, tropical native habitat, such as ornamental and terrarium plants.
