We Figured Out the 7 Best Houseplants You Can Water With Just an Ice Cube

We love a smart shortcut, especially one that keeps our beloved houseplants happy without constant trial and error. Enter: ice cube watering—a simple way to hydrate plants slowly and evenly. This trick is ideal for busy people who want lush greenery without all the guesswork. While orchids are famously known for being watered with ice cubes, many other low-maintenance plants can benefit from being watered this way.

“It's less about the plant and more about the situation,” says Tom Knight, founder of Ourhouseplants.com and member of the Royal Horticultural Society. “For example, ice cubes are more appropriate for plants in hard-to-reach places, or in very fast-draining potting mixes like orchid bark, as the slow melt helps absorption.”

Knight also recommends ice-cube watering for inexperienced plant owners, who might be prone to overwatering their plants. He cautions, however, that some plants should never be watered with ice. “Definitely skip this method for plants sensitive to cold or temperature shock, especially tropical varieties. And don't use them for any plant you're growing in special environments like a heated grow cabinet.”

Basic Ice Cube Watering Tips

Ice cube watering is meant to be a time-saver for busy plant parents—but make sure you're following these key basics for the best outcome:

• Use standard-size cubes (about 1 ounce each).
• Always place cubes on the soil, not on the plant itself.
• Monitor how your plant reacts to the ice and adjust as needed.
• Avoid ice for plants that need warm, tropical conditions or bottom watering.

While we’ve provided starting ice cube doses for the plants in this guide, it’s important to assess how your plants respond to this method of watering and expect to slightly change things up throughout the year.

“A plant's water needs constantly change based on light, temperature, humidity, the season, and plant size,” says Knight. “Because needs vary so much, you must adjust the amount of water and frequency based on these changing conditions and the plant's specific needs. A fixed number of cubes on a fixed schedule won't work universally.”

Now that you're familiar with the basics of this clever watering method, here are seven plants that you can easily water with an ice cube (or a few!).

More inspiration for green thumbs:

• The Best Perennials For Your Garden’s Shadiest Spots
• We Found 14 Plants That Repel Mosquitos Like MAGIC
• The Easiest Way to Keep Your Cilantro Plant Thriving All Summer Long