just add ice orchids - Knowledgebase Question

Rosendale, Wi
Avatar for lindakc2
Question by lindakc2
April 2, 2010
just bought some just add ice orchids. There are no drainage holes in the pot, should I repot? The instructions say add 3 icecubs per plant what size icecube? I dont want to over or under water my plants. Thank you


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Answer from NGA
April 2, 2010
Ordinarily orchids only need repotting every 3-4 years because they bloom best when their roots are crowded. However, growing in a pot without adequate drainage is courting trouble. I would repot in bark chips or a specialized orchid mix using a container with drainage holes. Keep the potting medium moist, but not soggy wet, and reduce the frequency of watering during the winter months. I'd use tepid water rather than ice cubes. I think the suggestion to use ice cubes is to keep gardeners from accidentally overwatering their plants. I'm not a fan of this marketing strategy (can you tell?) Orchids like moist soil and appreciate being misted once or twice each day. To increase humidity around the plant, place the pot on a layer of rocks in a tray of water. As the water evaporates it will provide moist, humid conditions around your plant. Mist the leaves occasionally to rinse off dust, keep the plants out of drafts, and shade them from direct sunshine. When yours flowers and the flower is spent, cut the stem off just below where the old flower was. It should develop another flower. When that one is spent, cut the entire flowering stem down to foliage level. Enjoy your orchids!

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