Ice Orchids

[Diamond]

I understand the bad intentions of those sellers, of course.
but...
@ Derek, i think i didn't get the real meaning of your reply.

did you mean, maybe ice is good just to get them bloom, but not for the whole year?
Here they don't reccomend ice for watering, but to get the cool temp around the roots to get blooms.

We don't have the good altitude and low temp that is convenient for cymb in my city
Is it worth, what do you all think?

[Ephemera]

Would think ice is the kiss of death for most orchids!

Michael

[stefpix]

the kiss of death for an orchid means the grower is likely to sell a new plant.

easier to replace than to fix something. for most easier to buy in bloom a new plant than replacing it!

lots of Paphs on sale at the Brooklyn NY boxstores for 5 bucks and big Sarracenias.... rescue ad save and rebloom

[navyderek]

@ Rosalia-- Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I don't think I would want to use ice as a watering tool, but as a bloom initiator. From what I've read some cymbids are very hardy and can handle occasional temps as low as the high 30's Farenheight. So, I would think ice might not give it too much trouble, and I would consider using it this next year if I don't get blooms!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[BKirk783]

Ice? I guess if the orchid were in bark and you kept the ice far from the leaves it might work. The idea sounds marginal at best. I get irritated when I see box stores get orchids and remove them from their usual medium and then pot them in sphagnum moss that then stays soaked. It might be ok for phals for a little while, but Cattleyas? They just rot. I guess it looks prettier and they sell better that way.

[catttan]

*Rosalia: Please tell me if it works on cymbidiums as a flower initiator. Would really love to be able to grow cyms.

[Diamond]

@ Cattan, me too. I will try it next autumn, then i can tell you how it works or not for me.

Here the growers take cymb to the high and very cold areas in april to get them bloomed, after that they came back to sell them for mother's day. It's a fever here.

I'll tell you later.My cymbidiuns are all hibrids and they're growing very fast and healthy. Let's see it.

[catttan]

* Thanks Rosalia. At the moment I have a warm tolerant Cym Golden Elf which bloomed around November last year with 8 spikes in the pot.Unfortunately I couldn't take any pics then as I had to go visit my eldest son in Hong Kong at the time. But my neighbour who waters my plants when I am away tells me it was a spectacular display and now I have to promise to give her a division when I repot.

[Diamond]

@ derek, thanks for your reply above.


@ cattan, hummm Golden Elf, ......must have been a nice show, so many spikes.....hope you get another amazing blossom again...please don't miss taking a photo this time, ok

it's a pity that we live so far one of the other....I wouldn't mind watering your orchids when you need if we were neighbours, rsrrsrsrsr

[rich63]

No ice on my phal. I'll stick will what works for my kids. Does anyone really use this marketing ploy? Sounds like like a way to sell more orchids,to me. Have fun iceman and welcome to our educated group. Rich