Orchid Watering with Ice Cubes: A Look at the Advantages and Disadvantages of This Debated Approach
The ice cube watering method for orchids, popularised as a simple and convenient technique, has sparked debate among growers and horticulturists. While some appreciate its controlled, slow water release and potential for preventing crown rot, experts generally advise against its use.
Ice cubes, while providing a steady water supply, can cause temperature shock or stress to orchids. Direct contact between ice and plant tissue could be damaging, so it's important to rest the ice cubes on the growing medium, not on leaves or roots. Contrary to some myths, freezing water does not kill bacteria that could harm the orchid. However, the cold water can damage roots and impede growth, making it a less desirable choice compared to traditional watering with tepid (room temperature) water.
Orchids thrive best with tepid water, which avoids root damage. The frequency of watering depends on the orchid species and light conditions, but generally, orchids should be watered about once a week, allowing the medium to dry out between waterings. Both top and bottom watering with tepid water are preferred; ice cubes are less consistent and risk chilling the plant.
The most common indoor orchid — Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) — thrives best with tepid water and should be watered every 1–2 weeks, allowing the medium to dry out. While some mention ice cubes as an option, it is not officially recommended as it can inhibit growth or future blooms due to temperature stress.
Maintaining ambient humidity (40–70%) and appropriate temperature (65°–75°F) also supports orchid health, factors that cold water watering can disrupt. Overwatering orchids can lead to issues like root rot and crown rot, making regular watering with good drainage the best way to water an orchid.
For those struggling with overwatering issues, a better solution is to repot the orchid into a specialist orchid container with drainage holes using a prepared growing medium. The ice cube watering method aims to simplify the care process and take the guessing out of orchid watering, but its controversial nature and potential for causing issues make it a less desirable choice for most growers.
Mary Ellen Ellis, with degrees in Chemistry and Biology, specializes in flowers, native plants, and herbs, and advises against the ice cube watering method. For a standard-sized orchid, three ice cubes should be placed on the medium surface each week and allowed to melt. However, the safer and more effective approach remains traditional tepid water methods for watering orchids overall.
[1] Orchidcarecentral.com, (2021), Ice Cubes for Orchids: Pros and Cons. [Online] Available at: https://www.orchidcarecentral.com/ice-cubes-orchids-pros-cons/
[2] Orchidweb.com, (2021), Watering Orchids with Ice Cubes. [Online] Available at: https://www.orchidweb.com/orchids/watering/icecubes.html
[3] Orchidsolutions.com, (2021), Watering Orchids with Ice Cubes: Yay or Nay? [Online] Available at: https://www.orchidsolutions.com/orchid-care/watering-orchids-with-ice-cubes-yay-or-nay/
[4] Myorchidstory.com, (2021), Watering Orchids with Ice Cubes: Is It a Good Idea? [Online] Available at: https://myorchidstory.com/watering-orchids-with-ice-cubes-is-it-a-good-idea/
[5] Orchidcaretips.com, (2021), Watering Phalaenopsis Orchids: The Right Way. [Online] Available at: https://orchidcaretips.com/watering-phalaenopsis-orchids-the-right-way/
- For a balanced home-and-garden lifestyle, it's essential to follow expert advice when caring for orchids, as using ice cubes for watering might inhibit growth or future blooms due to temperature stress.
- Instead of relying on the ice cube watering method, which can disrupt humidity and temperature levels, it's recommended to water orchids with tepid water, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for these delicate plants.
