Stop Killing Phalaenopsis with Ice Cubes: Proper Watering and Repotting

The Ice Cube Myth

A Maine grower lost their first Phalaenopsis to overwatering and is now using ice cubes and a spray bottle on a new plant—back blooms are wilting. Ice cubes deliver freezing water to tropical roots; spray bottles wet leaves, not roots. Both are harmful.

Correct Phalaenopsis Care

• Repot immediately after flowers drop into fresh bark-based orchid mix (available at Lowe's, Home Depot).
• Water only with room-temperature water when the mix is nearly dry. Lift the pot—if heavy, wait.
• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C). No cold drafts.
• Mix must drain freely and allow air to roots. Old mix compacts, suffocates roots, causes leaf shrivel.
• Repot annually after blooming.

Why the Current Flowers Are Wilting

They're likely just old. The plant may also have been chilled during transport. Focus on root health for the next cycle.