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Proper Pot Drainage Protects Just Add Ice Orchids

October 7, 2011

Water is essential to the healthy life of most plants, including Just Add Ice Orchids. But too much of a good thing can be a killer, especially for Phalaenopsis orchids. The biggest mistake most novice orchid owners make is over-watering their plant which can cause root rot. Proper orchid pot drainage is essential to maintaining your Just Add Ice Orchid in good health.

Every Just Add Ice Orchid arrives in local stores potted in a clear plastic growing pot placed within a second, more decorative pot. The holes in the bottom of the growing pot provide your orchid with excellent water drainage. To prevent over-watering, use the recommended Just Add Ice watering method – just add 3 ice cubes to the orchid pot each week. To ensure your Just Add Ice Orchid’s health, check the decorative pot for excess water once all three ice cubes have melted. Any excess water that has accumulated in the bottom of the decorative pot should be dumped out to prevent root rot.

Orchid owners can learn to tell whether their orchid is getting the right amount of water by observing the plant’s roots through the clear plastic growing pot. When your orchid is receiving the correct amount of water, the roots will be a healthy, bright green color. If the roots are grayish white, your orchid needs more water. If the roots look brown and mushy, the plant is receiving too much water. Another indication that your orchid is receiving too much water is increased root growth above the soil surface and outside the pot. Orchid roots frequently loop out of the soil and may grow over the edge of their pot. Outside root growth will not harm your orchid; but if it seems excessive, allow your plant to drain thoroughly before watering again. For more orchid watering tips, see our Orchid Care Videos.