How To Use Soil Moisture Meter To Avoid Over & Under Watering - Houseplant Care Tips
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- 📊 You can find the soil moisture meter chart for common houseplants here ➡️ mycityplants.c...
In this video, I will show you how to use a soil moisture meter, a simple and affordable device that can be a game-changer for your houseplants. You will learn how to insert the probe into the soil, read the moisture levels on the gauge, and interpret the results.
You can purchase 🪴💦 SOIL MOISTURE METER here - mycityplants.h...
Are you struggling to keep your houseplants alive? One of the most common reasons for indoor plant failure is overwatering or underwatering. But don't worry, there's a tool that can help you avoid these issues and become a more confident plant parent - a soil moisture meter!
But why is a soil moisture meter essential for houseplant beginners? Well, as mentioned earlier, overwatering and underwatering are common mistakes made by new plant owners. A soil moisture meter takes the guesswork out of watering, helping you to determine when it's time to water and when it's not. This prevents the plant from suffering from waterlogged soil or drying out completely, which can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Using a soil moisture meter is an easy way to make sure your houseplants are getting the right amount of water, so you can sit back and watch them thrive. With this simple tool, you'll be on your way to becoming a green-thumbed plant parent in no time!
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😍 ✂️ My Favorite Tools/Materials:
🌿 Soil moisture meter ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Lechuza planters ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Essential Plant Hydration & Nutrients Kit ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Watering can ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Energy PRO pressure 360 sprayer ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Potting mix ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Fertilizer ➡️ mycityplants.s...
🌿 Indoor thermometer and humidity gauge ➡️ geni.us/vNU6 (Amazon)
🌿 Scissors ➡️ geni.us/ClqDuc (Amazon)
🌿 Sharp knife ➡️ geni.us/kEYs (Amazon)
🌿 Plant support stakes ➡️ geni.us/3WiMu (Amazon)
🌿 Fruit fly traps ➡️ geni.us/CiAU6 (Amazon)
🌿 Neem oil ➡️ geni.us/NF4U6 (Amazon)
🌿 Spider mite killer ➡️ geni.us/fuhCG (Amazon)
🌿 Humidifier ➡️ geni.us/JDBBY (Amazon)
🌿 Grow light ➡️ geni.us/92S61 (Amazon)
AFFILIATE MARKETING DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, the channel may receive a small commission to help make more plant videos!
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I am the founder of the online plant shop in New York - mycityplants.com
For many years, I have been taking care of plants, consulting people and companies on the right plant selection for their spaces. I provide customer service to thousands of our customers, solve all kinds of plant issues, address concerns, struggles, challenges, and find solutions.
On this channel, I am sharing with you my experience, expertise, tips, and tricks. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to grow happy and healthy plants. FROM OUR BLOG
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📊 You can find the soil moisture meter chart for common houseplants here ➡ mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter
I didn't know about this testing after watering. Thank you lady. ♥
Hi! Glad the video is helpful!
Thank you for watching!
these things don't work in the long term, in truth they measure conductivity not moisture, if the soil has more water it is more conductive and reads as wet or moist, but If your water is very hard, containing mineral salts that will increase conductivity, that too will lead to readings of moist even when the soil is clearly dry.
If you use fertilizers, these too contain mineral salts which alter conductivity readings, if you have fluffy soil with a lot of air in it that will give a dry reading because air is a bad conductor, I hear this is common if you use coconut coir.
Thank you very much came here because I received this ping peace Lilly from my mommas funeral and I'm trying to learn about it but I can't ever tell when it needs to be watered
Hi!
Sorry for your loss :(
Glad the video is helpful!
Water your plant when the meter reading is in the zone 4-5 or when the plant looks droopy.
May your Peace Lily grow happy and healthy!
Fun fact: They use the salt in the soil to measure the amount of moisture so if you know a plant is super dry but is reading wet it probably has a salt build up 👍🏼
I just like to season my plants
This would explain...A LOT... Thanks for the tip!!
And does this mean it needs new soil?
@@gnomie2.0 probably yeah 👍🏼
Thank you! I’ve been doing it all wrong when testing after watering. Thanks for explaining so clearly. Hopefully my difficult citrus will become healthy again!
Hi! Glad the video is helpful!
May your citrus grow happy and healthy!
Green Cheers!
That was a great video. I didn't know about this. She explained it well.I'm getting a meter today
Hi! Happy to know you like this video.
May your plants grow happy and healthy!
Dah! Spaciba! I thank you soooo much ... very well explained and I am confident I will no longer " drown " my poor babies ! Going to subscribe ❤❤🙏🏼😎🥰😘
Hi! Glad the video is helpful! May your plants grow happy and healthy! Green Cheers!
I noticed variations with some of my readings based on the soil they use regardless of them being totally dry. I now like to test soil before I re-pot my plant so I can establish its base reading for that soil I am using. For example, I purchased a premium soil mix recently and it showed up as moist (half way on the meter) before I even watered it! So if I wait for it to dry out it will never get to the 1 (dry) reading on the meter and I would probably kill the plant by waiting for it to do so.
Hi!
It is normal for a fresh potting mix to have some moisture in it.
I would not worry about it as much.
If the soil is moist, water your plant just a little after repotting to help the roots to open up and adjust to its new pot.
Then test the soil once a week and water when the plant has absorbed the moisture and is ready to be watered.
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching 🌱
My fiddle fig tree is always moist or wet even after 25 days , how can this be ?
@@azap7488 Hi! Maybe the pot is too big??? Pot should be no more than 5" larger than the root ball diameter....
This was great! I want to make sure I understand... should ALL plants be in the blue zone after watering? I have a ZZ plant, a Philodendron, a succulent, and a snake plant. Thanks for this!
Hi! Thank you for watching.
Yes, the meter should show show wet after watering. Just make sure the soil is dry enough before watering. You may find the basic meter chart in my post here: mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter/
Green Cheers!
very helpful, thank you
Hi!
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching 🌱
How long should you leave the meter in the soil before reading the result? For most of my plants it starts at like 7 or 8 and keeps dropping until 2 or 3 in like a minute. Which is the result I should use?
Hi Frederik,
Thank you for watching!
I go by instant meter reading results.
** Make sure to insert the tool as deep as possible(without hitting the bottom of the pot) to test the lower soil levels.
Green Cheers 🌱
i got the same problem cuhz
Thank you so much for your video... We have a garden and what i have done was to test the water but i have left the meter several times in the soil.
Now i learned to remove it and clean it, so would that affect the meter by leaving it in the soil several times ? My meter is about 10 years old.
Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you for watching 🌱
I would recommend getting a new Soil Moisture Meter 😀
May your plants grow happy and healthy!
Do you have a list with all plant types and the level they should read? The one on the carton isn't extensive enough.
Hi and thank you for watching!
You can find the basic list in our post here: mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter/
Green Cheers!
Hi, truely, all your advices are diamond valuable,
mind telling me please for rosemary plants as well as murraya what meter level should be before watering?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
Based on these plants watering needs for INDOO watering:
Water Rosemary and Murraya plants when the meter reading is in 4-5 zone.
Green Cheers and May your plants grow happy and healthy!
@Mycityplants thanks but they are outdoor
@@Mycityplantssame if outdoor?
@@bassemmokhtar4853 Don't have any experience in growing plants outdoors :)
Bought one and won't live without it as long as I have plants
Hi Darneitta,
Same for me 😀
Thank you for watching 🌱
How do you use it ?
Should snake plants be in the blue range as well after watering? Or they need less water? Would you mind telling me the range for hoya heart plants as well (for when to water and after watering)? Thank you so much from a first time plant mama, your video is super helpful ☺️🙏🏼
Hi! Thank you for watching! Both Snake plant and Hoya plant should be watered when the soil is dry!!
For Snake plant, I wait till the meter reading is down to zone 1 + wait 1 more week for small size plants and 2-3 more weeks for larger plants before watering.
For Hoya plant (one of my faves), I water when the meter is in the zone 1.
Yes, after watering the reading should be in the blue zone.
Green Cheers & May your plants grow happy and healthy!
She said snakes should be dry
Thanks for this great video! Why cant I leave the meter in the plant?
Hi!
Thank you for watching
The tip of the Soil Moisture Meter should be clean and dry for proper test results.
If left in the soil, it will rust and the moisture reading will not be accurate.
Green cheers 🌱
Thank you! Very helpful info. The plants I bought the meter for are very large. All the signs of over watering BUT they are measuring dry. I think I need to give less water but maybe water more frequently. That stupid plant app has ruined some of my plants with their "diagnosis" and how to correct. They've been wrong on everything. Thanks again
Hi! Thank you for your comment.
Would love to help!
Let me know what type of plants you have, how big are the pots + what signs of overwatering you are observing?
I am not a big fan of those app too..... :)
I have a similar problem but the signs aren't too obvious. My monstera has water droplets form on the leaves, which then rot parts of the leaves.
Hi! The ZZ should dry out all the way down so it makes sense to insert it deep but what if the plant recommendation is for it to dry 1 in, like epipremnum. Won't that mean I should insert the tool just around 1-2 inches and water when this shows dry even when deeper in the pot it may still be moist?
Hi! Thank you for watching.
For any plant type, test the soil as deep as possible without hitting the bottom of the pot.
Water your Pothos plants when the meter reading is between 1-3.
You may find a moisture soil chart for the most common indoor plants in our blog post here:
mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter/
Green Cheers!
Excellent!
Hi! Thank you for watching 🌱
May your plants grow happy & healthy!
How long I have to wait after putting the meter for it to give me a result ? Thank you
Hi Camila,
I go by an instant reading and do not keep the meter in the soil.
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching 🌱
Can you please make a video about using grow lights?? I watched the Birds of Paradise video and listed in your description is a grow light from amazon on your tools that you use but knowing how exactly you use it and what BOP need would be soooo helpful!!
Hi! Thank you for watching!
Added your request to the list.
Green Cheers!
Thank you!
Thank you!
How do I know what zone are all my plants? Is there a chart or reference I can use?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
You may find a chart for the most common plants in our blog post: mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter/
Green Cheers & May your plants grow happy and healthy!
What about hindu rope plants pearl plantsand other small succulents? I do have the moisture tester. Thank you for your thoughts.🌼🌹
Hi Elly,
All succulents require the soil to be very dry before getting a drink.
So, the soil moisture meter reading should be down to zone 1 + wait 1 more week and then water your succulent plants.
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching 🌱
Digging this into soil won’t hurt roots?
HI! Thank you for watching!
Generally, using a soil moisture meter won’t harm plant roots if you’re careful.
Insert the meter slowly and gently, and find a spot where the tool goes in easily without any resistance.
Most plants can tolerate minor disturbances, so as long as you handle the meter carefully and vary the placement, your plant roots should remain unharmed!
Green Cheers!
Thx you SO much!! 😊
THANK YOU!
May your plants grow happy and healthy!
What meter reading for chinese evergreens and arrowhead vines please. Love your videos very helpfull
Hi! Thank you for watching 🌱
chinese evergreens zone 1-3
arrowhead zone 3-4
May your plants grow happy and healthy!
You are awesome!
HI!
Thank you for watching 🌿
What should be the meter reading to water Syngonium plants?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
I let my Syngonium plants dry till the reading is on the red 2-3 zone.
May your plan grow happy and healthy! Green Cheers!
When should I water my pathos by using this tool?
Hi!
When the meter reading is in the 1-3 zone
Thank you for watching 🌱
Bless you
Thank you 🙏
This conductive sensors are the worst anybody can use for soil moisture measurements - just because they don't measure the moisture, but the conductivity, which varies a lot, depending on soil, water, salt, fertilizer and more factors. If you want to know how moisture the soil is, use the weight method or a tensiometer (industry standrad).
Right my friend. I have some of those things and they all 'read' dry while my pots are just soaked. Do you know a beter meter?
I've just bought a moisture meter, but the guide to watering doesn't have quite a few plants listed, like the wax flower/ Hoya Australis, Pothos, and Monstera delisciosa. Any thoughts. Thanks
Hi! I am happy you got the meter!
Hoya zone 1 + wait 5-7 more days before watering.
Pothos zone 1-3
Monstera zone 1-3
May your plants grow happy and healthy! 🌱
I always use my moisture meter. I read an article saying never use this instrument because it's really inaccurate. I have never had an issue but I was wondering what are your thoughts? I know you recommend this but have you encountered any problems with the use of a moisture meter?
Hi!
I have been using Soil moisture meter for many many years, and this tool works well for me!.
The only problem is that the tip of the tool is very delicate and gets damaged easily, especially if the forth is used to push it into the soil through the roots.
If the reading makes no sense at some point - plant was just watered but the reading shows dry, etc. - then the tool needs to be replaced.
Also, if rocks (or other solid elements) are mixed into the soil, the meter might not work well as it can only detect moisture in regular potting mix.
Some people leave the tool in the soil, the tip gets rusted and the reading is not accurate in this situation.
Glad the tool works for you and helps you to keep your plants happy!
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching!
@@Mycityplants thank you for your insight
It must be a hassle to do this technique every week? One of the hardest cactuses that I tried growing was the bunny ear cactus. Those cacti need high amounts of attention since they droop very easily.
Hi!
Thank you for watching!
Since you have a cactus, you do not need to test the soil once a week. These plants prefer the soil to get bone dry before getting a drink.
Bunny Ear Cactus Care:
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 40 degrees. Does well in the heat.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. ...
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Green Cheers & May your plant grow happy and healthy!
If you are supposed to shoot for the wet zone how do you know if you over water? I thought the moist zone was the proper zone?
Hi!
Thank you for watching!
On average, the amount of water you need is approx. a half of the pot size.
Start with a smaller amount and test the soil after 20 min to check if the water amount you used have reached the lower roots.
If the meter reading has not change to wet, add a bit more water and repeat the process.
** DO NOT keep the meter in the soil when watering. Use it only to test the soil.
Make a note of how much water you used to get the soil moisture level to wet and this will be the amount of water you need for each watering.
Hope this helps.
Green Cheers! 🌱
@@Mycityplantsthanks for such a great info!❤
What should the meter read before watering a mammy croton?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
Meter reading before watering Croton plant should be 4-5
Green Cheers!
how long do you wait for the reading? mines goes all the way to 2 or 3 if i leave it in long enough immediately after watering
Hi!
I go by an instant reading and do not leave the meter in.
Green Cheers and Thank you for watching!
After watching I am still confused. I got one of these for my BoP and in some areas of the pot it shows level 1 all the way down and in others it shows level 10 just a few inches deep.
Hi! Thank you for watching!
If the top layer of the soil is wet and the lower layer of the soil is dry - it means that you are not using enough water and water doe not reach the lower roots.
After watering your plant, wait for 20 min and use the meter to test the soil as deep as possible. If the soil is still dry, add more water, wait again and test the soil.
Keep doing so until the moisture level, at the lowers possible level, reads wet.
Count how many watering cans (or other vessels) you have used to reach the proper soil moisture - this is the amount of water you will need for each watering.
** do not keep the meter in the soil when watering
Test the soil once every 7-10 days and water your Bird of Paradise when the meter reading is in 4-5 zone or below.
Hope this helps.
Green Cheers!
when stick the meter as deep as possible, how to avoid damaging the root?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
You need to find a spot where meter can be inserted without any resistance.
If this is not possible, then maybe your plant is root bound.
Green Cheers!
hi, so I have a croton mrs.iceton 1.2m tall, i was told at the shop to check the soil and put 1.5 litres of water when top soil is dry, but now i bought a lechuza moisture meter, and 2 days after wattering, it still shows at 10, is this normal or I put to much water? and at what number should i water a croton?
Hi!
When you say "Lechuza moisture meter" - do you mean you have potted your plant in Lechuza self-watering pot?
If the plant is in Lechuza pot:
Since there is water in the reservoir for the plant to use as needed, the soil will not dry out as fast.
Water the plant (or refill the reservoir) when the soil moisture meter (tool I use in the video) is in the 3-4 zone.
"" Make sure the Croton plant gets a lot of bright light!
Hope this helps!
Green Cheers!
@@Mycityplants yes i have the plant poted in lechuza self watering system, but at the shop they did not recomend to use this system, they recomended that i use the regular watering way
You need to water the plant from the top for the first 12 weeks or so and then you can switch to using the water reservoir.
Here is our video abut how to water plants in Lechuza planters: bit.ly/3bWSmRs
If the soil is not drying out fast enough, you may aerate it.
You can see in this video how: ruclips.net/user/shorts1WRfyswc1CA
I got the Xlux moisture meter but the watering guide seems wrong. They list sansevieria as a green zone 6-7 plant when it should be a red zone 0-3 plant. Am I reading the guide wrong?
Hi! Thank you for watching!
Yes, the soil should be completely dry and all the way through before watering Sansevieria plants.
You may find our basic meter reading chart here: mycityplants.com/plant-care/how-to-use-soil-moisture-meter/
Green Cheers!
@@Mycityplants Thanks! The the guide that comes with my moisture meter is way off. I won't use it for guidance.
I checked several moisture meter guides and yours is my favorite because it's the most detailed with additional pointers, and most of my plants are in that guide.
Great! Thank you, and may your plants grow happy and healthy!
I use an capacitive soil moisture sensor, and get reports to my computer. This is different though, since these sensors are typically inserted in a pot permanently.
Hi!
I wonder about the erosion of metal electrodes ....
How often the sensors need to be changed to keep the moisture readings accurate?
Hi there!
It depends upon time in use, and the conditions. Like 100 days times 0% moisture = 0 corrosion. Easiest way though is to look at your meters rod, if there's corrosion it is visible. With your meter I wouldn't worry too much, unless you forget it in a moist pot for a long time.
Cheers!
i st00pid i was putting is 24/7 in the soil. I was leaving it in the soil. I think it damaged the thing...
Hi!
Don't be so hard on yourself:)
Wash the soil moisture meter with dish soap and check if it still works - gives you proper soil moisture readings.
I not, its time to get the new tool :)
Green Cheers!
Probably good for people who cannot judge the moisture from using their fingers or weight of pot. Like my husband.
:) Thank you for watching!
Cookin him
Thanks Lady, you helped me waste a $1000 and lose $24,000 trying to grow my weed plants!
What to do if one side is dry and other side is wet?
Hi!
If your plant is a tropical foliage plant, water just the dry side and wait for the rest of the soil to dry out.
If your plan is a succulent/cacti or ZZ plant, you should wait for the rest of the soil to dry out.
Green Cheers!
Please in what number I should watring date palm tree .thanks⚘️💞🌹.
Hi! Thank you for watching!
Water your date palm tree when the meter reading is in the 3-4 zone. Make sure the pot has drainage! Green Cheers & May your plant grow happy and healthy!
Poinsettia zone plz??
Hi! Poinsettias 3-4 (lower light) 4-5 (brighter light) or when droopy.
Green Cheers and Happy Holidays!!
💚
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for watching 🌱
The deeper you insert the magic rod the reading changes!
Hi!
Yes, this is right. The top layer of soil dries out faster.
Thank you for watching 🌱
Can anyone tell me why my moisture meter consistently tells me I need to water ? I’m not living in 1000 degrees but if I water it today it will say it needs water tomooorw 🤷♂️
Faulty moisture meter perhaps?
HI!
If a soil moisture meter reads dry the next day after watering, it could be due to several reasons:
- Root Bound Plant: If the plant is root bound.
- Too Much Sand or Drainage-Improving Materials: If the soil mix has a high proportion of sand or other drainage-improving materials, water might drain too quickly through the soil, leaving it dry shortly after watering.
- Incorrect Insertion: The meter might not be inserted deeply enough or in the right location to get an accurate reading. It's important to insert the meter close to the root zone where moisture levels are most indicative of the plant's needs.
- Malfunctioning Moisture Meter: The moisture meter itself could be faulty.
- Using too little water: It is best to water the plant, wait for 20-30 min and test the soil using the meter - to make sure the amount of water you used have reached the lower roots and the plant is well watered.
- Hydrophobic Soil: Sometimes soil can become hydrophobic (repelling water), especially if it has dried out completely. When this happens, water runs off or drains too quickly without properly moistening the soil.
Hope this helps. Green Cheers!
@@derekcash3608 it’s brand new but not impossible maybe I’ll buy another one
@princessmami8112
Test your meter before buying a new one. :)
If all your plants are potted in the same type of soil, you can test the soil with the meter outdoors. Soil around any outdoor plant will do. Find moist/wet spot to test. If the ground is dry, pour some water and test the soil after.
If this test shows you the meter is working, the reasons below might explain it all:
reasons:
- Root Bound Plant: If the plant is root bound.
- Too Much Sand or Drainage-Improving Materials: If the soil mix has a high proportion of sand or other drainage-improving materials, water might drain too quickly through the soil, leaving it dry shortly after watering.
- Incorrect Insertion: The meter might not be inserted deeply enough or in the right location to get an accurate reading. It's important to insert the meter close to the root zone where moisture levels are most indicative of the plant's needs.
- Using too little water: It is best to water the plant, wait for 20-30 min and test the soil using the meter - to make sure the amount of water you used have reached the lower roots and the plant is well watered.
- Hydrophobic Soil: Sometimes soil can become hydrophobic (repelling water), especially if it has dried out completely. When this happens, water runs off or drains too quickly without properly moistening the soil.
Hope this helps. Green Cheers!
@@Mycityplants hi thanks for your reply. I got another meter I think mine was faulty as this one seems to be working thank you
what is wrong with it ion it stops working?
Hi! The tip/sensor of the soil moisture meter is easy to damage, especially if the force is used to push the tool into the soil, and it is a very common issue. Best to get a new one :)
Green Cheers & Thank you for watching !
mine’s doing nothing at all
Thanks for a matter of fact tutorial. Hey everybody, let the ads play and or click on them so she gets a few pennies.
Hi! Thank you!!!! Green Cheeers!
I find these meters
To be questionable
In there accuracy
White Christopher Jackson Betty Lewis Angela
These things are a load of shit, I once tested a bag of soil that I'd just brought home from the store & it went straight to wet, the soil inside was bone dry!
Hi!
Usually, soil bags have a very high humidity inside - unless the bag is very very old.
Allow the soil to "breath" after opening the bag and then test the soil again.
In any case, the soil moisture meter does help with establishing a proper watering frequency.
NOTE: the tip of this tool is very sensitive and can be easily damaged.
Test the soil where it is easy to inset the tool in, do not push it through the roots.
Green Cheers!
Every every moisture meter I see in made in China which aren't accurate.
Thank you this very helpful
Hi Tamisha,
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching 🌱