Hot take: watering succulents with ice cubes is actually bad for them

I see people on plant forums swearing by ice cubes for low maintenance watering, but the shock of cold water can damage the roots over time and I've lost two jade plants this way, so am I wrong for thinking room temp water is the only way to go for these guys?

3 comments

3 Comments

tyler8222mo ago

My panda plant started dropping leaves like crazy after I tried the ice cube trick for about three weeks in a row. I read later that cold water can actually cause root shock and make the soil stay wet too long since the ice melts unevenly. Room temperature water from my watering can has saved my surviving succulents and I won't go back to that ice cube nonsense.

the_terry2mo ago

The "soil stay wet too long since the ice melts unevenly" part really got me thinking. @tyler822, did you notice if the soil was still damp near the top but dry deeper down after using the cubes? I have a feeling the uneven melting creates pockets of moisture that mess with root health without you realizing it. Room temp water is the safer bet for sure. I always let mine sit out for a day before watering just to be safe.

bailey.sandra5d ago

Oh man, SAME thing happened to me with my jade plant a few months back! I thought I was being clever using ice cubes, but it was a total disaster. The top inch of the soil would feel damp and cold for days, but when I finally stuck my finger way down in there it was bone dry. My poor jade dropped leaves all over the windowsill and got these weird brown spots at the base. I switched back to room temp water after that mess too, and now I just keep a big jug sitting on my counter so it's always ready. Even just a few hours makes such a difference compared to that freezing cold water right out of the tap.