Just Add Ice Orchids - Orchid Board

yonkerj3 · #1 02-09-2010, 04:18 PM

Could you experts please give me your advice on the "just add ice" orchids that are sold at like walmart and stores like that. Are they hearty, quality plants? Or are they a dimestore rippoff?

thank you!

Royal · #2 02-09-2010, 04:26 PM

The slogan is just that - a slogan. Orchids like a good drenching when watered. It might have been an idea to keep people from overwatering. Either way, ignore that advice.

The plants look really nice - to bade NONE of them are ever labeled. For me, no name means no purchase.

Royal · #3 02-09-2010, 04:27 PM

...and welcome!

yonkerj3 · #4 02-09-2010, 04:29 PM

Is there any way to have the plant Identified? maybe by posting pictures on here?

Franco24 · #5 02-09-2010, 04:29 PM

My local Walmart just got some of these in for Valentines Day at 15$ a shot, and they look like they are healthy plants - until the uneducated Walmart employee drowns them.

If they are a fairly recent shipment at your store, and the foliage and roots of the chid looks fine (nothing mushy, rotted, limp, potting mix is not drenched, etc) you should be able to get away with a nice new orchid at a decent price.

As for the "Just add ice!" - it is utter bullcrap.

Royal · #6 02-09-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonkerj3

Is there any way to have the plant Identified? maybe by posting pictures on here?

Without a tag, it would just be a guess.

Franco24 · #7 02-09-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yonkerj3

Is there any way to have the plant Identified? maybe by posting pictures on here?

The people here on OB will be able to help you determine what the plant "looks" to be, but with the so many different phal hybrids we have, it is impossible to provide a definite identification to an orchid purchased as a NoID.

yonkerj3 · #8 02-09-2010, 04:39 PM

well thank you all very much!

johnblagg · #9 02-09-2010, 05:37 PM

some of the Just add ice orchids are actually very nice plants It is the store and the just add ice watering method that is usually the killer.

If you get them fresh before the store has had the chance to damage them they can be very very nice plants I have two recent purchases that have great roots I repotted them and they will be great additions noids or not.....If I like the plant I like the plant and the name is just a techical thing since I am not raising them to sell who cares?

I do like knowing the names if possible but it does not make them any prettier or grow any better.the very finest hybrid that cost big money is a noid if you lose the tag same for a spiecies although it might be possible to id a spiecies ?

flhiker · #10 02-09-2010, 06:00 PM

I still think the Ice method works. Well actually I know it does. I been growing 2 of them for a couple months and they are doing well, 1 even has a spike. Why it works. It doesn't s saturate the mix and keep it wet longer then need be but still allowing enough time for the roots to take up the water and nutrients. I have gone as far as making cubes with a fertilizer in it. It's also recommended by a well respected grower in Homestead. Say what you like but it's working for me.