I had a few orchids that I bought with that Ice recommendation - and, I did the full water route - then came to the realization that the media that the roots are packed in - are so tightly packed that with the full watering routine - was causing the roots to stay wet to long. A few weeks ago, I repotted my orchids in bark - and, was horrified at how many of the roots were damaged from poor drainage. I repotted 2 of these plants that were still in bloom, and if you are careful not to bang the flowers around, you shouldn't lose them. (at least I didn't lose mine). My orchids are REALLY happy now that they're in the right type of pot, the roots can be watered and drained fully, and the roots can breathe. I can't emphasize enough, please don't do the ice trick thinking that your plant will stay healthy forever - it's only a temporary ploy - like watering a plant in desert conditions and only giving it a sip instead of a glass... orchids need humidity to thrive. Go get yourself some bark, not fine moss - or other clinging stuff - but chunks - and, soak the chunks well, then, take your plant - pull it out of that damn plastic cup ((stuffed with styrophome (YES! that was in mine!) and tightly packed moss, and what looked like sawdust.)) and give your orchid a better home. If you can afford to get an orchid pot - they're AWESOME, by the way - helps a lot to allow in extra air to circulate around the roots. ONce you get your plant in a proper "rooting' home - you can water in your sink - let the warm water run over the bark for 5 minutes or more. - depending on time of year, do it once or twice a week. And, rest of the time? well, I like to spritz the leaves with a spray bottle every other morning and talk to them. Keeps them happy. :)

I have some monstrously large (over 5 foot tall, maybe 6 or 7 foot wide) jade plants (crassula) that I NEVER EVER water. They get rained on during the winter, but when the rain stops, that's it. They bloomed this year, and the leaves are still very fat and happy. When you first plant your new plant, it will need to be watered every now and then until its first winter. Then it should be fine. in el cerrito

I would tear it all out and put in Lantana. Although every year it needs to be cut back some otherwise it will get leggy. I have seen it in purple and yellow. Lantana can get 18 inches high though. Nurserys have it in flats in spring you'll need about 5 and likes full sun. You might still find it in 1 gal containers but that will cost you a lot more.

Even a new shipment of rare plants that I potted up today at the Huntington had mold growing on them. This time of the year I am finding mold. Haworthia, from my experience of growing them for the past 30 years, I noticed in hot weather even in Africa they shut down part of the year for about 3 months, they shed the old roots, which will become their fertilizer. I take a plant out of the soil when it does this which is now, law it on it's side on the top of the soil, and wait until I see the new roots growing, then replant it in fresh dry soil, and wait about two weeks before or longer before I start to water again. At that time I take off the dead roots, leaves and while upside down inspect for scale, use Windex, mealies, and wash with soap and water. This works for me, it may not work for you, I also add diatomaceous earth agg. quality that the mealies cannot live in, get it at a nursery. This information is not meant to start a war here, the lady is asking for help. Norma