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