Why on earth do people water their phals with ice cubes?

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I usually work at the 'welcome/membership' table at our orchid show each year and some people swear by the ice-cube method and are very determined that it works. We try to tell them not to do this and we need to back down as these people get quite offended. Some plants are more susceptible to shock than others and the Phals are tougher than many so it takes a long time for the effects to be evident.
There are many people who buy plants and put them in a very dark spot 'to beautify the room' and then wondering why the plants decline rapidly. Trying to explain to these people why plants need light is exactly the same as explaining why you should not use ice cubes. The photosynthesis explanation goes in one ear and out the other!

And this is why I am no longer in the nursery business.