Rookie Mistake- buying a "Just Add Ice" orchid...

[RosieC]

I actually think it might depend on your climate. Here in winter I'm struggling to keep the plants warm enough and without heat mats can get root rot in the phals and S/H cools the roots too much in the winter here. I wouldn't try ice for that reason and purposefully warm the water very slightly... however if you are in a warmer climate it probably does no damage to the roots.

I think the key thing is that the technique promotes restricted watering and not drowning the things. Personally I prefer to manage my watering in other ways, but I can see how this technique would work given the right conditions.

That having been said, I've been suspicious of some of these comments from people who only ever make one post... but I have a suspicious mind as well

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by flhiker

I have a few more post then 1.

---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 PM ----------

I've explained my results in another thread about Ice. I did not lose any plants and even went as far as making ice with fert. in it. BUT I have many Phals. and some are mounted and others potted and getting the ice to stay in place can be a challenge. If you only have a couple plants it works. I have been using a African violet pitcher with a long neck to better direct the water. It won't hurt the roots or plant using ice.

Yes, I knew we had a couple long standing members who have had success watering this way

[goodgollymissmolly]

"Unfortunately what they are really saying is that the customer is too stupid to learn to follow growing guidelines. And with the prices getting so low for phals--people genuinely do not care that it's now a buy and throw plant."

Based on this thread I'd say they are right. It really depends, White Rabbit, on how success is defined. If the goal is to grow a large specimen, "oh wow!" plant it ain't gonna' happen by throwing an ice cube on top every once in a while.

If the goal is to prolong the life of a throw away mericlone for a little longer, then it might lead to success. Depends on the goal and point of view of the owner.

I just hate for a newcomer to see this stuff and actually believe they can successfully grow a great plant this way. If you really are interested in orchids go buy a plant from a good source and have some hope it is not virused. Then grow it according to techniques proven to work.

If you are entering a science fair to demonstrate how much torture a plant can endure, get a cheap one from the grocery store and ice away to your hearts content.

Depends on what you are striving for.

[WhiteRabbit]

Oooookay... I think we've covered this pretty well now. Thread closed.