Soil Moisture Tester – How To Use It
This short video highlights the benefits of using a soil moisture tester for your succulents and other plants. One of the most important things you can do for healthy plants is to water with the right amount and at the right pace or frequency. For new plants you are unfamiliar with or when the seasons change a good soil moisture probe is indispensable for correct watering of plants.
(light music) – Hi, did you know that over-watering is the number one killer for potted indoor plant. It is not always easy to determine if your plant is ready to be watered. Even though the topsoil feels dry to the touch, lower part of the roots might still be pretty moist. Since it is not possible to check the soil on the lower level, we are making our decision based on the dryness of the topsoil, and as a result, we often over-water our plants.How fast soil dries depends on the airflow, temperature, and light. For example, during wintertime in colder climates where indoor heating is used, the temperature inside rises, and soil tends to dry faster. Or during summertime when A/C is used, and the temperature stays cooler, and soil tends to dry slower.
For all potted indoor plants, we use and strongly recommend a soil moisture meter. The small but very beneficial tool will help you to understand when your plant is ready for a drink. And no more guessing, if you should or should not water your plants.
This soil moisture meter is very easy to use, and does not require batteries. Let me demonstrate how this tool works. Stick the meter as deep as you can into the soil without hitting the bottom of the pot. We recommend to test the soil in a few places around your plant. Note the moisture level on the meter screen, and water your plant if the reading matches suggested number at which your plant should be watered.
The list of common plants and suggested reading for each plant tag are listed on the back of the packaging. It is very important not to keep the meter in the soil at all times. Use it only to test the soil, then wipe it clean after each use, and put it aside. A soil moisture meter will make your indoor plants happy, and your life taking care of plants easier. Thank you for watching and have a green day. (light music)
Our Summary: Many succulents are very sensitive to over watering and it is always a challenge to know when you are doing it too much. A soil moisture probe combined with a soil moisture meter chart gives you an advantage in watering your succulents correctly.
The video emphasized the benefits of using a soil moisture sensor to check soil moisture of your potted plants. A top soil moisture tester can also be used to test outdoor plants such as flowers, vegetables, shrubs and grass. Watering a plant in the correct way is one of the best things you can do to keep your plants healthy and so they can live a long time.
