Orchids and peace lilies are some of the most popular houseplants because they are easy to care for as long as they are watered properly. One of the biggest mistakes houseplant owners make is forgetting to water their plants, and sometimes, they can overcompensate by watering too much at once.
Pouring too much water into a houseplant can overwhelm the roots, and it will not be able to absorb the moisture. The leftover water can cause the plant to begin wilting, have yellow leaves or even cause the roots to begin rotting away.
Instead, Jo Lambell, the founder of Beards & Daisies has shared that a simple way for careless houseplant owners to keep their plants hydrated is to add an ice cube to their soil.
She said: “Hydration is key, but overwatering can be a problem, especially if the weather’s changing. Try adding an ice cube to the soil instead of watering all at once.
“The ice melts slowly, giving your plants a steady supply of water without the risk of waterlogging or root rot. It’s like a mini spring spa treatment for your plants.”
Ice cubes take a long time to melt, so they release a little bit of water over time, allowing the plant to absorb moisture at a steady rate.
Since it takes so long for the ice to melt, the water will be room temperature or not too cold once it reaches the roots, so the plant will not become stressed.
This is an easy method to make sure plants are receiving the right amount of water over time, and is highly convenient for any forgetful houseplant owners.
However, it should be noted will method will work best for orchids and peace lilies are they prefer to have consistently moist soil. Do not do this with a houseplant that prefers drier soil, such as succulents.
You can also keep orchids and peace lilies hydrated by simply placing a tray of water underneath their plant pot as they love humidity.
Jo said: “Spring brings warmer air, but indoor spaces can still be dry, especially when the heating’s on. Make a humidity tray by filling a shallow dish with pebbles and adding water just below the surface of the stones.
“Place your plants on top, the water will evaporate, increasing humidity around them and keeping them happy.”
A little of the water will evaporate over time to create a humid environment that will feed the plants so they stay watered for much longer.
However, you should also make sure to add pebbles to the tray as the stones will collect any excess water to prevent too much humidity from oversaturating the plant.
This is a quick and easy way to ensure your orchids and peace lilies are watered properly so they do not dry out or become waterlogged once the warmer weather arrives.
