So you've got yourself a new houseplant. Congratulations! You've done your research and found one that it'll work great in your house. Perhaps it is a spider plant that is safe for around your furry friends or an indoor plant that thrives in the humidity of a bathroom. You picked out the perfect pot and set it near a window, making sure it got just the right amount of sun. Daily, you made sure it got enough water, but after a few weeks, your precious plant starts to droop and lose life. How did this happen?
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Surprisingly, the most common way houseplants die is due to overwatering. The first time I got a hanging plant I overwatered it to the gills and it left me wondering if my green thumb was actually a black thumb. Thankfully, there is a way to care for new plants and it involves ice cubes.
How To Use the Ice Cube Plant Trick
When I first saw this ice cube trick over at Reader's Digest I almost wanted to smack myself on the head because it was so simple. Instead of using a watering can and risking overwater and water pooling at the bottom of your plants, stick a large ice cube or two in the dirt of your houseplant once a week. Not only will the slow-melting ice allow the plant roots to suck up the amount of water it needs, but it also allows you to consistently water your plant the right amount. This method also works great to water plants that are out of reach.
Can You Use This Method for Orchids?
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Orchids are known to be finicky because they like to be watered, then have their roots completely dry before their next watering. The ice cube method would let the ice melt at just the right speed, making your flowers happy and refreshed, however, according to the Oregon Orchid Society, watering with ice can actually kill the plants due to the drop in temperature. So in short, don't add ice to your orchids.
