If you move in floral circles, you might be familiar with the concept of watering orchids with ice cubes. Even if you’ve never done it yourself, you may know some who swear by the practice — and a great many others who decry it as a sacrilege that shouldn’t even be considered. So, what’s the right choice, and why is ice cube-watering so controversial? Here’s what you should know.
How Do You Water Orchids with Ice Cubes?
As with most plants, it’s best not to expose your orchid to too much moisture. Otherwise, there’s an enormous risk that the roots will rot and you’ll ultimately lose the plant. At the same time, watering too little won’t allow your orchid to thrive and look its best. You’ll find that it just becomes more lackluster with time. Finding that fine balance can be tricky — and that’s where ice cubes make their appearance.
The practice is simple. First, dip a finger about an inch deep into whatever media you use. Make sure that it’s not already wet — if so, hold off on watering until it dries out. When you’re ready, set three ice cubes directly on top of the media. Ensure that they aren’t touching the plant’s leaves or roots. They’ll begin to melt down pretty fast, allowing both the media and the roots to take in the moisture. You can expect to perform this step approximately once every week to 10 days, depending on the orchid’s needs.
What Are the Benefits of Watering with Ice Cubes?
This practice is considered a simple way to avoid adding too much water. A trio of ice cubes is considered just enough to support your orchid’s vitality and needs without overwhelming the roots with too much moisture. In fact, there’s rarely any drainage to think about when using ice cubes, either.
This is the key reason people favor this method so much. It offers a very precise amount and delivery of water — something that anyone who’s ever nurtured an orchid will know is a tall order. It’s also simple and doesn’t require any special equipment, so it’s a task that conceivably anyone — even those who don’t necessarily have a green thumb — could handle with ease.
What Are the Downsides of Watering with Ice Cubes?
Orchid purists frown upon the practice because of the plant’s tropical roots. The orchid is native to parts of southeast Asia, and it’s a plant that naturally loves humidity. Those who don’t follow the practice don’t believe that an orchid can respond well to an ice cube. Some also believe that the orchid requires far more moisture than three ice cubes can truly give, especially since the meltdown doesn’t necessarily seep too deeply into the media you use.
If you get into the habit, eventually the plant may lose its luster and begin to wilt in response to a lack of moisture. Because you may not be aware of what your plant needs, you might continue to water it with ice cubes. Disbelievers think this can backfire, given that it’s so difficult to determine that the plant is actually receiving precisely what it needs.
In the end, there may be a right or a wrong answer for your orchid specifically. You might be willing to give it a shot and experiment with your plant, or you might hold off until you’ve found some evidence that it will work for your own. Whatever you choose, make sure that your orchid receives enough moisture to stay as fresh and healthy as possible.
