If the air is dry outside, I don’t think an air conditioner will make it much dryer although it does remove some moisture. Flowering in orchids is mostly triggered by a change in temperature, usually a drop in temperature. Since then there has been some research to see if ice cubes harm phalaenopsis orchids. Simply arrange three standard-size ice cubes on the surface of the potting mix around the plant; avoid letting the ice touch the orchid directly. Thanks Nicki. They do it because it is a slow way to water the orchid-as the ice melts, and prevents people from overwatering. It is a good idea to give an orchid a rest after flowering. This is about the right amount of water that an orchid needs weekly, and many gardeners have gotten great results with this method. If you live in the desert, it might be very dry in summer and you need to water more often than me. I just bought two orchids from a big box store and it already has some of the roots hanging out of the pot and they are dried out and look dead do I cut those off and is it time to repot? The orchid is now swimming in a pot full of water. My latest blog post will show you that they don’t need regular watering. Well grown plants have bigger leaves than those not grown well. Ryan’s Recommendation: Hi Michelle & Janet, This is a great topic to cover this week! They need very little fertilizer – if a bird poops on them once a month that’s lots. Not Helpful 29 Helpful 27. I noticed the roots starting to climb out of the pot more, so i repotted my orchid and since have been feeding it 5 ice cubes weekly. The plant has a card that says “add three ice cubes once a week.”. You clearly said you let the water run over the fertilizer that you added. It said to water with ice cubes…so glad I didn’t! This argument almost doesn’t make sense. If the sphagnum stays wet for more than 5 days try taking some out – too much will keep the roots too wet. Where I live, it is quite humid in summer – they don’t need to be watered as much. It takes a bit of practice to use the lifting technique, but it works very well once you get the hang of things. The point of using ice cubes is that they melt slowly – releasing the water in a slow drip. The water released from the ice will slowly absorb into the bark mixture and … The tip of flower stems are very oval, roots are round. Write the repot date on a small plastic label, in pencil, and stick it in the pot – that way you know when to report again. It also looked at a bark mix and most orchids sold here are in sphagnum moss. The ice cubes should not touch the leaves or the stem of the plant. i enjoyed the reading and when you said “if you killed your last orchid…” i looked behind me to see if you were there. Besides that there is no such thing as “blooming fertilizer” – that is a marketing myth. That I have right. There is another plant surrounding the orchid. My next post on GardenFundamentals.com will be on flowering orchids. Can you explain why the opened flowers fell off & give any recommendation about watering while the plant is in bloom. (ive killed two) but got a third for mothers day and i really really want to do better. The care instructions say to water it with 3 ice cubes once a week. Never expose your Just Add Ice Orchid to direct sunlight. Orchid Minis One ice cube, once per week. Pot size should be fitted to the plant. Flower stems do not have velamen. Too much salt – fertilizer is a salt – kills orchids. The thick root like structure you see is mostly velamen. (Apparently people think it's easier than "Just Add Water! Now I now why I killed many orchids. There have been a plethora of "ice cube orchids" readily available at mainstream grocery stores that claim to only need an ice cube to be maintained. How does that happen? I always use any fertilizer at 1/4 to /12 strength. That's called a keiki, and it is its own plant! You can repot it in flower, but you can also wait. Do you mean exact orientation needs to be maintained? They still need small amounts of fertilizer. A 6 inch pot is lots for a large flowered phal. Any advice would be appreciated thank you everyone. Although they’re quite hard to look after sometimes, when you get it right the rewards are that much sweeter. This gives the resting orchid enough water without drowning the plant. Water your orchid once a week. ", though I find that hard to understand.) I have always water them where I let them soak for 15 min and then dump out the water but now they are drying out super super fast. If you forget to water for a few days, or you are away on holidays for a couple of weeks, don’t worry. Hi really enjoyed reading your advise. So you’re saying to take out all of that sphagnum completely before adding the bark mix? If I forget about it for a few days, it’s ok. 65 … I am contemplating purchasing a programmable drip watering system designed to be used to water houseplants so my 6 orchids (4 four inch pots and 2 six inch pots) will be watered when I take a 3 week vacation to Japan this fall. The point at which to cut the stem depends on the type of orchid and what you want. When repotting do you increase the pot size by half a size bigger or full size. Step 1 If you would like to rebloom, remove stake and clips first. I’ve also given on to a relative that had beautiful blooms but has never put up a new spike. The exact size or the shape of such a cube is not relevant. See Method 2 in … My phalaenopsis bloom almost continually. I wasnt concerned after the first one fell….but all!! May 2017. 3 Simple Care Steps. I have a question. I have had my orchid since I received it as a gift for Mother’s Day. In nature, phalaenopsis grow in warm jungles. That is what I wrote when I first made this post. It is a way to get people not to overwater – I agree. Contrary to popular belief, orchid flowers do not last forever, but when properly cared for can last a month or more. In temperate regions of the world, our homes tend to be cooler and dryer than their homeland. Your post says ice cubes are a bad idea. Why not just put it in the freezer for a day? It means they release water in a slow drip. I was double-checking if the outer pot is ever filled first and the plant takes water from the bottom. Sure does sound crazy. You can stick your finger into the pot and if it feels wet – don’t water. Orchids are beautiful, delicate flowers that come in array of colors, shapes, and sizes. If you set the pot into water to let it soak up water as I recommend, then you can add fertilizer before adding water or after – both ways result in a plant sitting in water with fertilizer in it. This is the great orchid debate. I just bought a grocery store one on sale a few days ago, of course in sphagnum. This is probably the best option for a new orchid owner. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(52259, '9e89d841-72b6-4845-ae70-4763845b78c6', {}); Orchid Care Tips: Ice Cube Watering Specifics. Watering Orchids With Ice Cubes, by Robert Pavlis. There are several things you can do to prevent this. Once you know how to care for orchids, you can enjoy endless orchid flowers.. probably in Asia. Hi there, I live in Mozambique (Southern Africa) and have three orchids. Thank you so much for caring people who loves orchids like me. As the media breaks down it tends to settle, it stays too wet and it keep out the air. I’m so excited. The root is actually very thin and is only a very small part of what you think is the root. And my husband gets the 90% rubbing alcohol is that too strong? But why not simply learn to water when the pots are dry? How do I pot this? You don’t have to wait, but it is the best advice for new gardeners – less stress on the plant. May 2, 2016 - You've probably heard it all: Watering orchids with ice will kill your orchid. How to Water an Orchid Plant With Ice Cubes . I have several other posts about orchid care here: http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/orchid-care/. I do fertilize weakly, monthly. To avoid over-watering the plant, the common recommendation is to place 3 ice cubes in the pot once a week. Powered by, been some research to see if ice cubes harm phalaenopsis orchids, https://www.facebook.com/groups/GardenFundamentals/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfo8JIjtkH0&list=PLq7hmpP9i05QQcIDQQb9RnNa4s62CrWms, https://www.gardenfundamentals.com/blooming-orchids/, http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/tag/orchids-repotting/, http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/orchid-care/, http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/repotting-orchids/, Homemade Weed Killer – Roundup vs Vinegar vs Salt, Anecdotal Evidence – Not Worth The Screen It’s Displayed On. As long as there is a bit of bark between the ice and the roots it will be sufficient to insulate the plant from the very localized cold temperature. I just bought my wife an orchid at the local mega store and thought the ice instructions were a little confusing. What happens if the orchid gets dry, and you forget to water it? First of all, orchid infections come from other plants, not water. Over time the media starts to break down which creates a susceptible environment to root rot. Mealybugs are covered with a hairy surface which makes it hard for water to penetrate. but for now I will check out the blogs. And we even recommend how much -- 3 ice cubes per week. I am also scared of plant roots because of bugs etc. I have read on various sites that it is a good idea to cut the stem down to the bottom or between two knodes after it has flowered. What does the size of the leaves mean on a Phil… if anything? Jul 4, 2016 - Wondering how using ice to water your Phalaneopsis orchid works? This post is written for the person who bought an orchid at the local grocery store, or nursery. It's just a marketing scheme. There is a good closeup picture, showing the difference, here : https://www.gardenfundamentals.com/blooming-orchids/. Won’t the ice cubes be too cold for the orchid?” – Janet Riles Calgary, Alberta . This video is sponsored by rePotme, who also provided the medium, pots, clips, some of the stakes and fertilizer I used for the Orchids in this video. The main reasons for repotting orchids: To replace the media the orchid is growing in. We aim to make watering your beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid simple by helping you remember to Just Add Ice once a week. Would it be better to let them soak a bit longer? Whatever your care challenge, we have a solution. Ice Cube Orchids on orchids? Make sure you stick to your watering schedule and your orchid will be pretty much safe. Error message: "The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your, Copyright © 2020 Garden Myths | Interesting post which probably explains how my house orchids thrive on neglect. Do I need to change the pot, do anything with the roots, or fertilize it at all? Moth orchids are native to areas in southeast … We asked an expert from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota. Can you please help, I ask how old, because I don’t know how long the orchid is, to re-pot, please help, I love my orchids and don’t want to lose them, they are my new hobby and my center for peace and serenity. Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated. Try not to get water in the crown of the plant. At one point I grew over 1,000 orchids in my home – I know a bit about this subject. I like the soaking idea. Use whatever you give other potted plants. Don’t water if there is any moisture in the pot. Then repot every 2 years with no exception. It only looked at Phalaenopsis which tend to have a thicker velamen coating. However leaf size also depends on genetics. Yes it works couple weeks but then after flowered they started not doing well. Every few days it just needs an ice cube. I would change the watering as follows. Frank Paul is the Head Grower at Just Add Ice Orchids. At first I didn’t do this, but then read a lot of the “expert” advice on the Web that said that ice cubes were the way to go. However, the plants sold around here get potted in sphagnum moss which is very hard to water properly. Sphagnum is hard to use for an orchid medium, and any container without holes is probably a death sentence. Watering your orchid plant with ice cubes is pretty easy. The rule of thumb for orchids is to water once a week in the winter and twice a … HELP!! Watering is one of the most important aspects to keeping your Just Add Ice Orchid plant flourishing and in bloom for months. I do not recall ever caring for an orchid in my entire life. Now I’m afraid if I water again I will lose the rest of the blooms. When your new plant is finished flowering, repot it immediately. Water with six ice cubes once a week. For potting medium, I suggest either bark chunks or coconut husk chunks. I have had good results with the ice cube method. So, although i enjoy your article, I have to respectfully disagree with your statement that feeding an orchid ice cubes is dumb. West did not work (no direct sun due to tree outside) I will label all my pots and repot every two years. Since it is in flower it is not the best time to do this, but if you are careful you will not damage the plant or flowers. For larger orchids, use two ice cubes a week. Place in a bright, well lit location, avoid direct sunlight. Probably not – but you can add a bit of water to make 70%. 65-85°F, never below 55°F. But just to be fair to all the orchids on your shelf, don’t use ice cubes … http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/52/9/1271.abstract?etoc. It certainly does. I’m getting obsessive about this orchid,on further inspection of the bowl I find(and I bet this doesn’t surprise you) that there appears to be at the base of the bowl Phalaenopsis leaves!!! Nanoose Bay (Vancouver Island), BC. That does not make it a smart idea. I do have a question..does my orchid need to be in a pot with drain holes in the bottom? For real, ice cubes. It’s probably a phalaenopsis because they flower for a long time. They do need water – they don’t need ice. Other orchids will hate you until the day they die if you “ice cube” them. If you are an orchid enthusiast, and grow the weird orchids, you don’t need to read this post. You can also try the ice cube method by simply dropping 3-4 ice cubes on the plant container for a week. The phalenopsis I’ve had for over 20 years had a flower spike with at least a dozen buds & flowers. If this is the goal, cut it back right to the point where it comes out of the leaves. And are stems initially also covered in velamen? I’m in Southern Ontario as well, east window, so morning indirect filtered sun. the ice only supplied water – no nutrients. They need lots of air around their roots, or the roots rot. It looks magnificent. Repotting should be done every two years. I dont know Should you water Phall before you fertilize them? We aim to make watering your beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid simple by helping you remember to Just Add Ice once a week. Here are the three most common myths about the ice cube … When the plant is finished with the flower scape it will die naturally. (It can be hard to know how long the plant has been in bloom when you buy it!) Read this article for more orchid care tips. have you written any books, if not please please beginners like me need a handy bedside reference! Watering your orchid plant with ice cubes is pretty easy. Proper plant care after flowering ceases determines the continued health of orchids and ensures future blooms. Any idea why the Orchids decided not to grow a flower spike? Having said that a lot of newly purchased orchids are in very tiny pots and should be moved into larger ones. Just Add Ice Anthuriums 3 Simple Care Steps. I have also written this about Orchid Care. In winter the air in homes tends to be dryer and you need to water more often. After 3 months or regeneration a new spike has been growing 1/2 inch daily. How long would it take to completely drown them the bugs if the fish can’t get them all? I don’t think anyone said they do it because they need ice. According to Ice Cube Irrigation of Potted Phalaenopsis Orchids in Bark Media Does Not Decrease Display Life, a study done for the American Society for Horticultural Science by Kaylee A. Do not place ice on rchid roots. It's just a marketing scheme. MaryAnn Hardy Common advice says orchids need about 1/4 as much fertilizer as other house plants. I had read about people putting ice cubes in order to water their orchids, but it just did not make sense to me! Freezing water kills bad bugs and saves your innocent orchid plant from fungal infection and other bacteria-borne diseases, at least that’s what they said. Thanks for the better method of orchid watering. Option 2 Rebloom your orchid. They are healthy just wondering if the size means anything like the age of the plant or something like that? Water your orchid once a week using this method. I would replace that stuff as soon as the orchid stops blooming. Here is info on http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/repotting-orchids/. Part of that care is watering your orchid with ice cubes. and Following a routine of a fixed number of days does not make sense because orchids can use the humidity in the home as a water source and that changes throughout the year. I cut mine back just above the “eye” or so I thought. I was thinking I would dispense a small amount of water each day but I don’t know how much should be provided weekly. Orchid care may be easier than you think. How well this works depends on the genetics of the plant – some work well, others don’t. 65-85°F, never below 55°F. It’s very disappointing to see the flowers die so quickly. Some people run water through the pot for a while, letting the excess run out the bottom. What happens to the roots when they sit in water? After i did extensive research to make sure I’d have a spike come back. £ I have had a phalaenopsis sitting on my desk with no potting medium and no water for over a month now, and it looks great. the roots need lots of air. There are a number of reasons why I think watering your orchids … Go have breakfast or a cup of coffee. Add water to the container, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then dump all of the water out. Blooming orchids: http://www.gardenfundamentals.com/blooming-orchids/ Do you recommend this or is it best to leave it? The fact that your orchid is blooming well has nothing to do with ice cubes. I’ve only had my beautiful moth since Mother’s Day. The results from the experiment show that ice cubes are a practical way to water Phalaenopsis orchids grown in bark media. Tell me you don’t do this. Being dry for an extended period of time will encourage your plant to flower sooner. Roots growing outside the pot are fine also – the orchid knows what it is doing. But if you have more than one plant in a pot, you’ll want to give each plant its very own serving of three cubes each. It had been several weeks since watering but when I watered all the flowers that were opened fell off.