watering confusion-just add ice

[Smitha]

I bought a phal yest which says "just add ice" on it...i have other 3 phals which I water on need basis(which r not "just add ice")..My query is How do i water the new Phal??Should i follow instructions as given on their tag or should i water them like my other 3 phals??.....This confusion arised b'coz i read a couple of posts on "just add ice" that aren't doin well..Added to this a friend of mine who bought "just add ice" a few months ago said that her phal is almost on the verge of dying now.....Right now the new Phal (just add ice) has 2 spikes fully bloomed & is resting on bark....so pls help me out to water the beautiful one.....

Smitha

[johnblagg]

do not just add ice....thats is a catchy market slogan and brand....not good advice.If you have other phals and do well with them you have the correct basic culture right there.

[Paul Mc]

My mother commented to me about these recently! She thought it would be easy to take care of them, so she bought one and then called and asked me what was wrong a few weeks later when her plant started dying.

Phal's prefer room temperature water, not ice cold water, as they originate in warmer climates. As a general rule, you should never apply ice cold water to any plant.

Good luck - and enjoy the blooms!

[mspatt]

I have a couple of the "Just Add Ice" orchids. They are doing great ,but I water them just like my other phals... (Don't believe everything you read!!)

[CTB]

I think if you read the full tag, doesn't that one say throw away after flowering, we'll grow more? Everyone's looking for easy care, so add ice ought to be a good sales pitch.

I have a friend and that all she does, they're not flowering much but they are living. Of course in Florida an ice cube doesn't last long. Its quickly a big drip.

[johnblagg]

well my thought is that if its a tropical then it likes tropical water.... not glacial melt.

Would you add a bag of ice to the aquarium when it needed topped off?

[Eyebabe]

The most important thing to remember about the "Just Add Ice" orchids are to make sure you are not putting the ice directly on any part of the plant such as a root or leaf.
I have a colleague who has several and does the ice method with surprising results.
That said, I personally believe good old fashion watering is best and this is what I do. I'm just not convinced
Furthermore, the orchids themselves are just regular phal mericlones from across the Pacific so the "Just Add Ice" part is nothing more than a marketing gimmick.

[Smitha]

Thank u everybody for ur quick responses.....I really appreciate that.....Wow!!a big relief that my confusion is cleared....Thank u once more..

[kavanaru]

put in a large Cocktail Glass, "just add Ice" and shot of Coconut liquor.. GREAT Thai Cocktail! Enjoy!!

[Jennyfleur]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

put in a large Cocktail Glass, "just add Ice" and shot of Coconut liquor.. GREAT Thai Cocktail! Enjoy!!

sounds good to me!

I've never heard of the 'add ice' method, but I guess chilly ol'England would not be the best place to try that gimmick!