This research-backed method will make overwatering a thing of the past.
Too much moisture is among the most common reasons indoor orchids meet their demise.
You may have heard that using ice cubes towater your orchidsis a solution, but does this work?
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
And wont the cold hurt these tropical plants?
Boonekamp and the team developed the three-ice-cube-watering method to give gardeners a measurable and ultra-simple way to water orchids.
Although the trial only included moth orchids, its possible to waterother types of orchidswith ice, too.
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
As the ice cubes melt, the roots and media absorb the water.
(There usually isnt any excess water draining out after ice cube watering.)
The cold wont hurt your plant because the ice melts relatively quickly.
Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo
Another cue is the leaves.
Underwatered plants will have wrinkled, dull green, limp leaves.
Poke a finger about an inch down into the bark or moss.
If you feel dampness, dont water yet.
Wait a few days and check again.
Ice for Other Houseplants?
Most plants can be watered with ice cubes,but it is not always practical.
Stick to using your watering can forbig houseplants.
A boggy root zone brings on root rot and invites pests.
South, Kaylee et al.
“Ice Cube Irrigation of Potted Phalaenopsis Orchids in Bark Media Does Not Decrease Display Life.
“HortScience, vol.
9, 2017, pp.
