06/11/2026
Do you own an orchid and are struggling to keep it alive. Here are some tips that may help.
1. Check what type of medium your orchid is growing in. If it's bark, make sure that you soak it down long enough for the bark to absorb the water. Allow it to soak for about 20 minutes in room temperature water.
2. If it's growing in moss, keep in mind that moss holds a lot of moisture so don't soak it down the same way. Water it slowly with room temperature water until the moss is damp. Bottom watering can help.
Bark is the most preferred medium because it dries out faster and the roots get more air flow.
When you water them, the roots will change colour from silver/grey to a bright green. That's how you can tell that they're hydrated. Don't water it until those roots turn silver/grey again.
One last thing....yes it's a controversial subject but please no ice cubes. This is a simple marketing scheme by the growers for an easy way to water them. It is a pre measured way they suggest to prevent overwatering. The ice cube method lasts long enough for the orchid to finish its bloom period, after this point most people discard it assuming it's dead. They suggest using 3 cubes, but how big is the orchid, how much medium is it in, and what medium type? What about fertilizer?
The ice melts slowly and does not soak the entire medium leaving dry spots that don't hydrate the entire root zone.
Ice should never be placed directly on the leaves, roots or in the crown. You would never place an ice cube on your arm and leave it there for hours to melt, why would you do it to your orchid?
They do not see ice in their lifetime where they grow.
