I understand your situation very well. I live in SC, near Augusta GA, and we
got down to 10 Thurs night which is the coldest we've had in 20 years. My
greenhouse pulled through just fine. I heat with a propane fired furnace in
1/2 which stays at 60-65 min, and with a kerosene 150,000BTU forced air in
the 1/2 that stays at 45-50 min. The cymbidiums, den. nobile types, zygos,
pleione, hibiscus and other tropicals have never had a problem with the
kerosene. I do vent daily when possible to change the air. I have 2 large
kerosene heaters of the type that were designed to use in the house that I
have used in emergency in the warmer section when the power goes out (hasn't
in 3 years). When I did, the only effects I noticed were some damage to the
V coerulea buds, but that may have been because of placement of the heater.
Filling and maintaining them is a pain but nothing compared to the loss of
the plants. I am presently considering a backup electric generator which
automatically kicks in when the power goes out. This is also a boon in the
summer when an electrical storm takes out a transformer and you're left with
no power for fans when the sun comes out! Expensive, but not compared to
the damage no electricity can cause. Hope things are ok for you. I've had
phals pull through a 35 degree night with rather minor setbacks (they may
skip blooming this year). The vandas may not like you for a little longer,
but should pull through. Best of luck. Gary

"Frank H. Kirchner" wrote in message
news
It's the worst cold snap here in Virginia in years! And the electricity
failed last night. The greenhouse temperature reistered a low of 34. Are
we a happy camper today!? :-( At least it wasn't truly freezing.

Two questions:
How long before my plants will tell me how much damage they sustained? My
collection is your typical serious hobbyist of about 500 plants rangeing
through most of the comonly grown plants-vandas to phals.

If I add back-up heating for such emergencies, how damage could I expect
from a kerosene heater vs. a propane heater. Are both likely to blast
buds?

Why don't I live in Hawaii?

Thanks.

--
Frank H. Kirchner