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Let’s face it, a major nemesis for most indoor plants is either too much or too little water. It doesn’t matter whether you are experienced or a newbie plant person, we can still get it wrong.

Monitor Water Level

Why you should monitor watering

Have you noticed that the cost of plants seems to be increasing like that of groceries, especially the unusual and hard to get varieties, which were always expensive.

Indoor plants which are usually tropical varieties are particularly finicky about their moisture levels. You don’t want to buy a rare tropical plant only to take it home and have it die on you.

However, there are ways to save money and minimise plant loss due to root rot and other issues from improper watering. Here are three key ways to deal with water issues which are to vital to plant health.

Give it the Finger

While this may sound very basic, sticking your finger in the soil is a tried and true method. Before you do this, wash your hands so that you are not transferring something you shouldn’t to your plants.

Stick a finger at least two inches into the soil as the recommendation for many plants is that once it is dry at this depth it will be time to water again.

Moisture Meter

A reliable moisture meter is relatively inexpensive. In addition, a good meter will capture the PH level of the soil.

Reasons to Use a Moisture Meter

As already stated, the moisture level will vary depending on the soil. A meter will help you eliminate moisture as th cause of issues if your plant is going downhill. Unfortunately, by the time you see issues with your plant due to root rot,it is usually too late.

It take you to the next level of plant care. Not everyone wants to or can put their finger in the pot.

Buying a Moisture Meter

Most basic meters are relatively inexpensive, in the $10-15 U.S. range. Most look similar and many include a PH measurement.

The meter does not actually measure the wetness of the soil. It measures how electricity moves through the soil and this indicates the moisture level.

The meter will indicate if the soil is wet, moist,or dry. There are numbers which correspond to list that usually comes with the plant. The number can then be matched to the type of plant to which your number corresponds.

Note that soil can have different moisture levels in different areas of the pot, so push the copper probe well into the soil but not right to the bottom of the pot. Results tend to be more accurate when testing plain potting mix as fertilisers can effect the meter.

Lift the pot

You will know that you have arrived when you can do this one with ease. You will feel by lifting the plant pot how much water is in the soil.

Clay pots tend are more porous and plastic or ceramic pots will hold the water longer, in addition one becomes familiar weight according to the type of soil it contains.

Once you become familiar with your plant, it will be easy to put it on a watering schedule. The previous methods will vary according to the type of plant, i.e. succulent, fern, or orchid etc. Equally important is the type of container in which your plant is growing.

Definitely choose the method which works best for you and your plants, then say goodbye to root rot and droopy leaves. Enjoy taking your plant care to the next level.

Keep growing!