Shipped Orchids Arrived Very Cold

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If the plants were shipped in the temperature range you mentioned, they're fine.

If it was below 50 F, then you've got problems.

Most orchids are ok within this temperature range. Even some warm growing orchids may be able to tolerate brief periods of 50 F temperatures if they are sheltered, (e.g. like being in a box).

[Optimist]

Housermanns has been stuck in the icy grip of winter up there near Lake Michigan for nearly the whole winter. They are shipping now to 50 miles away from Chicago in heated trucks, and according to the note on their website as of the 21st, may start to ship to midwest and east locations "soon" so I am assuming you are within 50 miles of Chicago. I lost an orchid to the first bad storm that went through. It froze to death in a warehouse in Dallas, no less. It was totally blackish green, and I know what frozen plants look like. All I know is when it comes to winter and shipping plants, you are taking a risk.

[LoveOscar]

I'm in south west TN/MS border, and I received an email via USPS that said Hausermanns shipped yesterday. This is last nights USPS update:

March 21, 2014 19:00:00 ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007 DEPART USPS SORT FACILITY

We're in a warm spell right now (60-70's), so we shall see. I'll let you know if it comes in alive!

[Leafmite]

Last summer, we had many dips in temperatures and I just left most of the orchids and tropical plants outside, covered with a weighted-down clear plastic drop cloth. They did fine. Most orchids can take a few hours at 40'F or even just below as long as they are protected. The plants/orchids that can't tolerate those temperatures are the ones that live along the equator in the lowland tropical rain forests where temps are consistently hot. I have a few and I am quick to bring those in when the temps are low (along with my favorite Angraecum which I like to baby).
Your plants will be fine as long as you care for them properly.