Examining the Practice of Irrigating Orchids with Ice Cubes: My Personal Experience
Examining the Practice of Irrigating Orchids with Ice Cubes: My Personal Experience
In a space filled with passionate plant enthusiasts and houseplant aficionados, I'll openly confess my lack of a green finger. During my initial horticulture course in college, where we were tasked with nurturing one of the simplest houseplants, a tiny, verdant pothos, it turned brown prematurely, salvaged somewhat by plant stimulants only around midterms. It seems that plants don't necessarily prosper in the confined quarters of a college sorority house bedroom.
However, the first houseplant I managed to keep alive for a considerable period also had a reputation for being quite hard to maintain: an orchid. It was a surprise, I'm certain; I believe my dedication and a hint of luck played a significant role. I credit the secret to its survival entirely to my friend's easiest watering technique: ice cubes.
Should You Water Orchids With Ice Cubes?
Orchid Labels Typically Suggest Otherwise
Watering orchids with ice cubes is less frequently advocated, despite many people's experiences. I was oblivious at the time that using ice cubes to water orchids was advised against by gardening experts and orchid labels. I received the orchid—a charming purple and white variety—as a gift and followed my friend's advice. Other watering methods are more commonly suggested for orchids, and there are, undoubtedly, reasons why they advise against using ice cubes.
My Experience Was Different
However, I maintained my orchid alive for over two years employing the icy watering method. It involved placing around two giant ice cubes (plus or minus) once a week into the pot. Some even suggest placing a single ice cube into the pot twice or thrice per week. It's worth noting that my orchid was not exposed to direct sunlight and was not in a particularly warm location.
The once-a-week watering routine suited me well, as it allowed for watering before going on a trip. It was only during the chaotic moving process that the orchid eventually succumbed.
I would never advise anyone to water their plants in a specific manner, but the ice cube method worked wonderfully for me, as an inexperienced and seemingly lacking-in-talent houseplant owner. Always conduct your research—and perhaps you'll discover your green thumb.
More Houseplant Tips
Caring for Houseplants During Your Absence
Prepare your plants for success, even when you're away on a vacation. After all, why invest energy into nurturing them only to leave them neglected?
User-Friendly Houseplants for Novice Gardeners
Make plant parenting a little easier with these houseplants suitable for beginners.
Proper Feeding and Fertilizing of Indoor Plants
Did you know that the nutrients present in your potting mix are washed away every time you water the plant?
After discovering the success of watering my orchid with ice cubes, I started exploring SouthernLiving's Gardening Ideas for more user-friendly houseplants. Despite advice against it, this method worked wonders for my challenging purple and white orchid, proving that every houseplant enthusiast should consider their plant's unique needs.
As someone eager to expand my houseplant collection and improve my gardening skills, I found SouthernLiving's articles filled with valuable care tips, especially for maintaining plants during absences. With their suggestions, I hope to conquer the gardening world like a true green thumb, even when I'm not at home.