Ice Cubes & Orchid Care

Cooling Period

• In nature, orchids undergo a temperature shift from above 90 to 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit during seasonal changes. The temperature shift triggers growth of new flower buds. Houseplant orchids, however, rarely go through any temperature change as the temperature of most houses remain steady throughout the year. Therefore to grow new flower buds, a temperature shift must be forced upon the orchid. To shift the temperature, ice cubes are placed on the bark so that when they melt the cold water filters directly to the roots causing a temperature shock. The ice water is enough to trick the plant into reproducing new buds.

Slow Watering Benefit

• Along with triggering new flower growth, watering orchids with ice cubes has the added benefit of slow or gradual watering which keeps the bark and roots moist for a longer period of time. If an ice cube takes 20 minutes to melt, the plant is essentially watered for a 20 minutes period. Another benefit of ice cube watering is convenience. For people who forget to water their plants or who find the task too time consuming, placing a few ice cubes in the pot is a relatively simple maintenance routine.

Icing Frequency

• Small orchids should receive two to three ice cubes at a time about twice a week. Larger orchids should receive more frequent icing, about three to four times a week. Never completely cover the bark around the orchid with ice, an excessive large amount can freeze, shock and kill an orchid.

Water Rinsing

• While icing may be sufficient water for an orchid, a thorough rinsing with cold water under a sink faucet must be performed at least once a month to flush out water mineral deposits built up from the ice. After rinsing with water, douse the orchid with a very weak (diluted) liquid commercial flower fertilizer to give it added nutrients.