Just add ice

[Maurissa]

I came across this watering method somewhere on the web, you make 3 small ice cubes with 1/4 cup of water and place them in the pot once a week. Has anyone tried this before?

[SarinahL]

There has been a lot of discussion on this subject, and generally all agree: don't!
You'll shock the roots because of the cold, for the warm growing even more so, and the amount of water advised is just too low.
If you do a quick search you can find loads on this subject.

[Daethen]

Ice is not a good idea for orchids. They do not like to have cold roots. This has been discussed here before and we have kind of come to the conclusion that it is a way for the inexperienced to water without rotting the roots. Not a real good idea though.

[Gage]

I'm sure someone out there has had decent results with this. But I don't believe it is the best or even a very good method. I assume we are talking about Phalaenopsis orchids. Most growers let their Phals approach dryness before watering. My Phals wilt if I let them get very dry, so I wait until the top half of the medium is completely dry, which usually means the bottom half is still a bit moist. Whatever level of dryness works for you, it is always good to water very thoroughly when you do water. But don't let any water get into the crown, because it will rot the crown and your plant may end up dying a slow death. This is a must read: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ght=Phal+abuse Good luck!

[Bud]

Dont be lazy. Its easier to just soak the pot or let water run through it and make it dripping wet...more energy is spent making ice and then getting it out of its container and putting it on the pot. It is also weird. I dont think ice is found in tropical forest...it has abundant water through rain pouring or as mist...most roots are exposed above the media...contact with ice is not good...put ice on your shoe and see how it feels.