Winter growing in Florida

[CTB]

In Florida we have temps of 75 during the day and 38 at night. This happens for 3 or 4 days then its back to 60 at night and 85 during the day. We usually end up bringing plants in and out, in and out. Its a real pain. This year I used an enclosed porch area for all my plants that don't really enjoy weather below 55.

I used folding 4 ft tables, under the bed size storage bins, Cloths rack for vanda like hanging orchids, and fencing trellis style set up like a construction horse for mounts. I have four 65W grow lights with clip sockets that I can move around easily. Plus 2 bulb overhead.
This is working out really well, I have my gallon sprayer for watering and by using storage bins I can easily water without getting making a mess. Windows for extra light or opening for air, I can also set up heaters if necessary.
So far I haven't needed the heaters, 39 outside but 60 inside. Outside I have two shade houses that I have drop down plastic curtains for wind protection, which works for everything else. This set up made it so much easier this winter, One time in and out.

[silken]

It looks well thought out and efficient. Happy growing!

[Junebug]

Carol,

How are you insulating the roof of your outdoor structure?

I'm still hauling my chids indoors if the temperatures drop below 48 degrees. I used to not be so picky with some of my plants. Over the years I've noted that many of my plants tolerated even colder temperatures but they often exhibited signs of stress such as leaf blemishes, leaf drop, and loss of roots. Even after Spring arrived they were slow to grow. As far as actual temperatures go, this winter has been mild. Last winter the plants spent most of the time indoors to escape freezing temperatures. Most of my plants are warm to hot growers whose parentage, if known, indicate winter temperatures no colder than mid fifties or low sixties. With this in mind I've become even more protective. In prior years 48 degrees was my cut-off point for certain plants like phals, but this year I'm using that temperature as a tolerable limit for almost all the chids. The plants I've excluded are limited to a few cool to warm growers that benefit from a chill. So far, my chids look great. I'm hoping that my over protective efforts will result in improved vigor come Springtime.

[CTB]

I have clear plastic on top and on the south and north ends. West is solid privacy fence and east is roll down curtains. That clear plastic keeps plenty of light coming in. This year I used clear plastic roll down curtains on one whole shadehouse for the catts. I have thought of using propane heaters outdoors but so far they haven't been needed.

[CTB]

A cold 35 this morning, this afternoon back up to 65. Poor orchids they are so confused!

[Artrussell]

Nicely done!

[Bud]

Impressive ! You have happy healthy plants...I am just so envious of your vandas...they all look magnificent

[nlm2951]

Hi. I just saw the pictures of how you take care the orchids for the winter. Well, what I do I made some curtains from blue plastic tarps, this year I have to do something more practical, last year, going up and down , I got a litter hurt, pulled a muscle, so this year I'm already working on it.