Ice-Cube Watering Myth: Use Room-Temperature Water Instead

Helen asked whether 3 ice cubes or more water was correct for her orchid.

Expert Verdict: Abandon Ice Cubes

• Roots dislike cold shock from melting ice—can promote rot.
• Water with room-temperature water when mix is dry.
• If mix is old/broken down, it stays wet too long—repot in fresh coarse bark mix.
• Soak new bark mix thoroughly before use (dry bark repels water).