Hi Larry, Since it doesn't stay cold for long in your area, then
you might get by using heating cables. They come with a thermostat & you
could put them on a timer.
I think Charley's sells them & then you have OFG in your neck of
the woods.

--
Cheers Wendy

Remove PETERPAN for email reply

Larry wrote:
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