Watering, whether too little or too much, is probably the #1 killer of houseplants.
This moisture meter helps to take the guesswork out of watering your plants by providing readings of the moisture content in your plant’s soil.
Simply stick this probe into your soil, and it will read the moisture level on a scale of 1 to 10. No batteries needed.
How much does a moisture meter cost?
We at Cal Plants sell it for $12.50. Please note that ours is intended for potting soils.
How does a moisture meter work?
Moisture meters actually do not check moisture levels, but rather electricity levels in the soil. Water conducts electricity, so measuring the electricity levels indirectly help to measure moisture levels. High electricity suggests high moisture content. Low electricity suggests low moisture content.
Do I need a moisture meter?
Instead of using a moisture meter, you can stick your finger into the potting soil.
However, many find that moisture meters are much more convenient. Hey, sometimes you'd rather not have dirt under your fingernails and potentially damage them as well. Also, the moisture meter probe is a lot longer than a finger, and breaks through compact soil easier.
Are moisture meters accurate?
These moisture meters are meant to be affordable and accessible to the general public, rather than a tool for a lab research study that requires high accuracy.
Remember, these moisture meters indirectly measure water levels by directly measuring electricity levels. Some elements that will hinder the accuracy of the readings include pieces of metal in the soil, very high salt and mineral content, and chunky mixes of soil for plants such as orchids that need air for breathing.
We, personally, have had great results with the moisture meters so far. Many gardeners that we have talked to are happy with their moisture meters as well, and many beginners claim that it helped them to not overwater. For most people that have houseplants with regular potting soil and regular tap water, having a moisture meter handy will be valuable. We especially recommend it for beginner gardeners that are not yet confident about how to water plants.
Should all plants always have moist soil?
Please look at the care instructions for each plant on our website.
Some plants, such as ferns and bananas, like to only ever so slightly dry out. It would be best that these plants have consistently moist soil, drying out slightly but never hitting 1 or 2 on the moisture level.
Others, such as succulents and cacti, like to be completely dry in between waterings. These plants should be allowed to get bone dry before getting watered. If they have wet (8-10 on the moisture level) soil for over a day, put them in a warmer and/or sunnier spot so that they can dry out.
Most popular houseplants, such as philodendrons and hoyas, are in in the middle. They should be watered when they are entering the dry zone from the moist zone.
How can I take care of my moisture meter?
Wipe down the moisture meter after each use. Store the meter in a dry, cool location to keep the longevity of the meter. Do not immerse in water.