What is the best soil moisture meter for indoor plants?
Our best overall pick, the Moistenland Soil Moisture Meter, is an analog meter, but it bends up to 90 degrees to make reading easier. The meter on our best for hanging baskets pick, the Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter, is attached to a cord, so you can read it in your hand. The golden standard for verifying a moisture meter’s accuracy is to test the same material multiple times. If the meter is functioning as it should, moisture level readings taken in succession from the same material will have virtually no difference.The truth is, these devices don’t actually measure the amount of moisture in the soil but rather the amount of electrical current passing between two electrodes. Since water is more conductive than air, the probe will measure higher electrical currents in wet soil compared to dry.
What is a good humidity level for indoor house plants?
For most indoor plants, a humidity range around 50–60% keeps them growing really well, and the plants that love extra moisture (like calatheas, marantas, alocasias, and some ferns) are happiest around 60–70%. Because your room is fairly open, humidity can spread out quickly. Different plants have different humidity requirements, however most mature plants thrive with humidity levels between 50% – 70%. Seedlings tend to thrive in slightly higher humidity of 70% – 80%.
Do plants in pots need more water?
Although you don’t want to drown or over-water your plants, you do want to ensure they don’t dry out and that water is being received by all of the plant’s roots—especially those at the bottom of the pot. Water cannot reach these deep roots if you are watering the plant a little bit each day. The top layer of a potted plant will dry significantly faster, which is why you’ll want a tool like a moisture meter. Of course, you can always use your fingers a few inches beneath the dirt to feel for moisture yourself, but you’ll never be as precise.If you do not have a moisture meter: Push your finger into the soil 2-3 inches. If the soil clings to your finger and feels moist, don’t water. Water the plant if the soil falls loosely off your finger and is dry to the touch.