When (and if) to bring orchids in during "Winter"

[paphlovian]

Hello!

I live in Florida (south of Tampa) and am wondering when (and if) I will need to bring my orchids indoors this season from my patio. The lowest it's gotten so far this year is probably in the 60's (at night), but it CAN get down to the 30's (though, VERY briefly, if so). What's best in the Florida climate? I have limited room indoors for them, so would prefer to leave them outside but only if it will not harm them. I am wondering if yellowing of leaves could be from the climate change, though I didn't think it's gotten cold enough yet, but I might be wrong, as orchids seem to be a bit sensitive to some things!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[khill]

That is a good question, and one I was wondering about as well.

Last night I did bring in all my vandas, as it is to get into the high 40's here. Two of them have flower spikes and I don't want to compromise that.

[cb977]

I'm about 40 miles north of Tampa on the west coast of FL and we had a brief "freeze" period last night. Woke up to 39 degrees. The chids shouldn't be left in temps lower than 50 at the minimum, preferably 55-60. Mine are all in their room with the portable heater's thermostat set to go on if the temps go below 50.

[Ray]

It depends, to some degree, on the plants.

I would agree whole-heartedly with Susanne on phals, vandas, and bulbo's, but would worry less about cattleya-types and cymbidiums, potentially allowing them to see the mid- to upper 40's.