Larry,

You obviously need heat supplementation, much better insulation, or go back
to moving them indoors.

The minimum temperature should be based upon those plants needing the
highest minimum, but if you need a general figure to start with, 55° is a
good choice.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!
..
"Larry" wrote in message
...
Hello. In the summer most of my orchids are outside in the screened-in
porch or hanging outside in trees. In the past I have moved the plants
indoors during the colder days. However, this year I bought lighted
shelving so they can be kept warmer outside. I also purchased a vinyl tent
that covers the whole unit.

Question: I live in Jacksonville, FL, and it does get cold at night
during the winters (for example, down to mid-upper 20s tonight/now). But,
I don't think the current lights are not keeping the plants warm enough as
it gets that cold. The shelving has 3 light fixtures (1 per shelve), using
two, 40-watt wide spectrum lamps per fixture (go to
http://www.indoorgardensupplies.com, click on flora-carts, combo BA3-SE2
at the bottom).

Any suggestions on how to keep them warmer within the shelving unit I
already have? Different bulbs?

What is the minimum temperature I should aim for? I remember hearing 55
degrees at one point but am not sure if this is true. I have several
different orchid varieties.

Thanks in advance!

Larry
laf_at_lwpes_dot_org