ORCHIDS: Don’t follow these instructions!

Q:I was shopping recently and saw a display of orchids with a sign "Orchids are easy as 1-2-3. Just add three ice cubes once a week." Does this really work? -- Sara N.

Answer: Buyer beware! If orchids were this easy, there wouldn't be instructional books, videos and classes -- or orchid societies, shows and specialists.

There are three problems with these care instructions: the amount of water, the temperature of the water and frequency of the water.

Successful growers "drench" their orchids so the potting media is thoroughly wet. Several cups of water flow through each pot. Three ice cubes wouldn't provide enough water.

Water temperature has a substantial effect on plants. Landscape exhibitors at flower shows are sometimes seen watering their large evergreen trees with buckets of ice so that the "slow thaw" will keep the roots alive while not flooding the convention centers. Ice melts at 33 degrees, so top roots will be subjected to very cold droplets -- something that native Virginia shrubbery are used to.

Tropical plants, however, are sensitive to cold temperatures and commercial growers are conscious of this -- sometimes installing hot-water heaters so as not to shock the roots. Phalaenopsis, in particular, require a very warm environment -- at least 65 degrees for trouble-free growth. In the rainforest, orchids receive moisture from clouds, streams and rain. The temperatures are moderate -- never hot or cold.!

Aside from the quantity and temperature of water, today's orchids need a watering frequency of about twice a week, particularly those that don't have water-storing pseudo-bulbs such as paphiopedilums and phalaenopsis. Otherwise, the leaves go limp and the blossoms close early as the roots can't find the necessary moisture. The potting media should never get so dry that it's crunchy.

Care instructions that promote three ice cubes a week will hook the buyer but doom the plants to an ill-fated life.

Q:I'm a little worried about the 15 orchids in my apartment. The sunlight is good, but the windows are leaky. What's the lowest temperature permitted? -- Miles Q.

Answer: It's a safe bet to keep most orchids between 60 and 90 degrees year-round. At this time of year, phalaenopsis need slightly cooler nights to encourage flower spikes -- usually in the mid-50s for a few weeks -- then it's back to normal household temperatures. Drafty locations can be problematic for orchids. Perhaps adding weather stripping, plastic sheeting or storm windows would do the trick.