I Kept My Stubborn Orchid Alive For Two Years Using This “Wrong” Watering Method

Born without a green thumb, I’ll try anything.

In a room of avid gardeners and houseplant connoisseurs, I’ll happily admit that I’m missing any sort of green thumb. In college during my introductory horticulture class, in which we had to nurse one of the easiest houseplants out there—a tiny, leafy-green pothos—it was wilted in record time, only slightly (and guiltily) resuscitated by plant-growth food by midterms. Turns out, plants don’t always thrive in cramped sorority house bedrooms.

However, the first houseplant I was ever able to keep alive for a respectably long time also happened to be one of the most notoriously stubborn: an orchid. It was unexpected and not without a stroke of luck, I’m sure; but I attribute it all to following the easiest watering method passed along by a friend: ice cubes. 

Should You Water Orchids With Ice Cubes? 

According To Most Orchid Labels, No

Watering orchids with ice cubes is actually not often recommended, despite many people’s personal experiences. At the time, I was completely unaware that watering orchids with ice cubes was discouraged by garden experts and orchid labels. I was gifted the orchid—a pretty purple-and-white thing—and simply followed a friend’s advice. Other methods are generally recommended for watering orchids, and there are certainly reasons why people say not to water them using ice cubes. 

In My Experience, Yes

However, I was able to keep my orchid alive for over two years using the ice cube method of watering. It entailed putting two large ice cubes, give or take, once a week into the pot. Similarly, I’ve seen others recommend putting one ice cube into the pot two or three times per week instead. For reference, my orchid was not in direct sunlight, nor in a very warm area. 

The once-per-week watering worked out well for me, since I could water before heading out on a trip. It wasn’t until I moved homes, and eventually states, that the orchid finally gave out during the chaotic moving process. 

I’d never tell anyone to water their plants a certain way, but using ice cubes worked well for me, as a very inexperienced (and not very naturally talented) houseplant owner. As always, do your own research—and may you discover a green thumb. 

More Houseplant Tips 

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough from Southern Living