Ifraser, I've never heard of the use of ice to try to get a stubborn plant to respike. I have a favorite once good bloomer that I divided and repotted three years ago and it hasn't bloomed since, and would dearly like to learn this secret.

I heard that in order to get a Phalaenopsis to spike, there needs to be a day and night temperature differential of at least 10 degrees. Maybe that explains the 'ice' method. I also heard that people had put their plants in the fridge to try to get that temperature differential. But I never heard if the 'fridge' method was successful or not.

I just purchased my first orchid back in July. It is a "Just add Ice" orchid. I'm not new to gardening or to growing house plants, but I am new to orchids. I guess I didn't know the ice thing was intended to force the plant to re-bloom. I believe the mane purpose of watering with ice is to give people who have a hard time with plants an easy way to care for their orchid without overwatering. I noticed my orchid's exposed roots had frost bite from the ice. So I got online and found out how to water my orchid with water. It's not that hard. My new orchid finished flower and is now growing new roots and new leaves. It is doing great!

Matthew
Indiana.Matt