Why use a soil moisture meter for houseplants?
A soil moisture meter is a simple and affordable device that can be a game-changer for your houseplants. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of soil moisture meters for houseplant beginners, how to use them, and their benefits.
WHY SOIL MOISTURE METERS ARE ESSENTIAL
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of using soil moisture meters, let’s talk about why they’re an essential tool for any plant lover:
.Prevent Overwatering: One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is overwatering their plants. Soil moisture meters help you avoid this by giving you a clear indication of when your plants actually need water.
.Prevent Under watering.: On the flip side, under watering can also be detrimental to plant health. Soil moisture meters ensure that your plants get the hydration they need by alerting you when the soil is too dry.
.Optimize Plant Health: By maintaining the perfect balance of moisture in the soil, you’ll promote healthy root growth, lush foliage, and vibrant blooms.
.Save Time and Effort: No more guesswork or sticking your finger in the soil to see if it’s dry. Soil moisture meters give you accurate readings in seconds, saving you time and effort.
.Prevent Overwatering: One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is overwatering their plants. Soil moisture meters help you avoid this by giving you a clear indication of when your plants actually need water.
.Prevent Under watering.: On the flip side, under watering can also be detrimental to plant health. Soil moisture meters ensure that your plants get the hydration they need by alerting you when the soil is too dry.
.Optimize Plant Health: By maintaining the perfect balance of moisture in the soil, you’ll promote healthy root growth, lush foliage, and vibrant blooms.
.Save Time and Effort: No more guesswork or sticking your finger in the soil to see if it’s dry. Soil moisture meters give you accurate readings in seconds, saving you time and effort.
HOW SOIL MOISTURE METERS WORK
Now, let’s demystify how these little marvels actually work:
Soil moisture meters operate by measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil, which is directly related to its moisture content. When the soil is wet, it conducts electricity more effectively, resulting in a higher reading on the moisture meter. Conversely, dry soil has lower conductivity, leading to lower readings.
Most soil moisture meters consist of a probe that you insert into the soil, a display screen that shows the moisture level, and sometimes additional features like light indicators or pH measurement capabilities.
Soil moisture meters operate by measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil, which is directly related to its moisture content. When the soil is wet, it conducts electricity more effectively, resulting in a higher reading on the moisture meter. Conversely, dry soil has lower conductivity, leading to lower readings.
Most soil moisture meters consist of a probe that you insert into the soil, a display screen that shows the moisture level, and sometimes additional features like light indicators or pH measurement capabilities.
How to use a soil moisture meter for houseplants BEFORE watering to avoid over or under-watering issues:
Insert the probe into the soil
Insert the probe into the soilInsert the probe of the soil moisture meter into the soil as deep as you can around the plant in a few spots, close to the plant’s stems, and without hitting the bottom of the pot. Wipe it clean before testing each spot.
Read the moisture levels on the gauge
The moisture levels are indicated by a gauge on the soil moisture meter. It usually ranges from dry to wet or from 1 to 10, depending on the type of moisture meter.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT keep the meter in the soil while watering. Use it only to test the soil!! Don’t forget to clean the tool after and put it aside.
Interpret the results
Moisture-loving plants like Bird of Paradise or Palms should be watered when the soil is slightly moist still, whereas plants like Snake plants, ZZ plants, and Succulents need to be watered when the soil is completely dry.
Learn about your plant watering preference and, if the meter reading is in the suggested moisture level for your plant type, or below, water the plant. If the reading is above the suggested moisture level, wait for a few more days and test the soil again.
If one side of a plant is dry but another is still wet, water a little just the dry side.
Learn about your plant watering preference and, if the meter reading is in the suggested moisture level for your plant type, or below, water the plant. If the reading is above the suggested moisture level, wait for a few more days and test the soil again.
If one side of a plant is dry but another is still wet, water a little just the dry side.
AFTER watering to make sure you use enough water, your plant is watered well and water has reached lower roots.
.After you water your plant, wait for 15-20minutes and check the soil.
.Stick the meter probe in the soil as deep as possible without hitting the bottom of the pot.
. If the meter reading is in the blue wet zone, the plant is watered well!
. If the soil moisture meter reading is still anywhere between zone 1 and 7, add a little more water, wait, and test the soil again. Repeat until the meter reading is in the blue wet zone.
.Stick the meter probe in the soil as deep as possible without hitting the bottom of the pot.
. If the meter reading is in the blue wet zone, the plant is watered well!
. If the soil moisture meter reading is still anywhere between zone 1 and 7, add a little more water, wait, and test the soil again. Repeat until the meter reading is in the blue wet zone.
Benefits of using a soil moisture meter for houseplants
Prevents Over and Under Watering
By using a soil moisture meter, you will be able to ensure that your houseplants are getting the right amount of water, preventing over and underwatering.
Promotes Healthy Growth By using a soil
moisture meter, you will be providing your plants with the optimal environment for growth, leading to healthier and happier plants.
Saves Time and Money
By using a soil moisture meter, you will avoid the cost of replacing dead plants.
By using a soil moisture meter, you will be able to ensure that your houseplants are getting the right amount of water, preventing over and underwatering.
Promotes Healthy Growth By using a soil
moisture meter, you will be providing your plants with the optimal environment for growth, leading to healthier and happier plants.
Saves Time and Money
By using a soil moisture meter, you will avoid the cost of replacing dead plants.
using a soil moisture meter is an easy and effective way to ensure that your houseplants are getting the right amount of water. By following the simple steps mentioned above, you will be able to prevent over and underwatering, save time and money, and promote healthy growth. So, go ahead and get yourself a soil moisture meter, and become a green-thumbed plant parent in no time!