Gardening enthusiasts have discovered a handy life hack to revive hanging plants that become highly susceptible to drying during the winter.
Hanging plants dry out more quickly than other plants, so compost should be checked regularly to ensure it hasn’t come arid.
Fortunately, content creator Jennifer Cathcart (@jcat_2020), has discovered a method to prevent soil drying out altogether. The hack emerged on her TikTok account, which explores various types of ‘backyard medicine’, among other topics of interest.
“I learnt this houseplant life hack last week when we received some bereavement for my mother-in-law’s passing,” the TikTok explained.
“This [helps] me so much because we bring in our hanging baskets from the summer every winter. And we hang them back out and bring them back to life.”
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“So you put an ice cube down in the plant instead of pouring water straight on it, this way the soil is absorbing the water at a slow rate.”
For those looking to implement this watering method, begin by placing the required number of ice cubes on the soil surface of your plant.
Be careful to avoid direct content with any foliage, which can cause burn and other damage to the plant’s root system.
It should be noted that not all plants have equal requirements, with some tropical plants being susceptible to cold conditions due to their need for a tropical environment.
Gardeners are therefore advised to research specific plant species before trying out any alternative watering method.
Experts at Backyard Boss explain: “While using ice cubes to water your plant may be a trendy idea, the frigid temperature of melting ice cubes can shock a plant’s roots.”
Other experts endorse the technique for measures beyond hydration, including rot prevention.
Experts at OurHouseplants explained: “The ice cube trick is a simple solution that provides a safe way to prevent overwatering, by stopping excess water from gathering around the roots.
“This helps keep root rot away and your plants healthy and happy.”
