[OGD] Re: ice cubes on orchids

Hey Larry:
 
I first heard of this about 10 or 15 years ago when someone  was told by a 
florist that this was the way to water Phalaenopsis easily. My  reply was : 
"only if you intend to throw the plant out when flowering is over".  That is 
of course the fate of most of the Phalaenopsis grown for the pot plant  
trade (which is most of the Phalaenopsis grown). Matsui, Nurseryman's Exchange  
and other mass producers are supplying the pot plant trade. They do not see 
 themselves as catering to hobbyists except perhaps on a very minor level. 
So it  makes sense that the care instructions they (or the retailer) supply 
are based  on ease and convenience, not the long term longevity of the plant.
 
There is, of course, nothing wrong with marketing mass  produced cloned (or 
seed crop) orchids in the same way that Hydrangeas,  Calceolarias, 
Cinerarias and so on are marketed. People who develop the desire  to cultivate 
them 
will see soon enough that ice cubes don't work and turn to  orchid 
societies, orchid shows, books, the web and so on for better  information.
 
I don't know of anyone who has used ice cubes on their  Masdevallias or 
Cymbidiums, but I do know a woman who claims they help her  Peonies (not 
Pleiones) bloom in San Francisco!
 
Dennis 
 
 
In a message dated 7/21/2009 10:13:10 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
orchids@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
"ice  cubes on orchids"

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