Soil Hydrometer: The Tool to Save Your Plants
Soil Hydrometers are undeniably the most valuable tool in the gardening and indoor plant world. They are a cheap, easy way to keep your plants alive and happy.
There are many different variations of Soil Hydrometers, some are more advanced with PH functions an lighting solutions. They are usually battery free and a cheap way to keep your plants alive, by preventing over or under watering.
How to use
They are very simple to use just stick it about two inches in to the soil around the pot to get an accurate reading. For larger plants I like to stick the hydrometer in a bit deeper to ensure an even watering and that the plant is not sitting in water.
How to read
Most are broken up in to three main categories; Dry, Moist and Wet. Dry, means just that is dry, if you stick your finder in it the soil will be dry to the touch, this is where all succulents should be before you water them. If its in the dry arch still but closer to moist it has despicable moisture, but if you stick your finger in the soil you may not feel it. This range of “almost dry” is perfect for philodendrons. Moist is just that, its not dry its not wet its a real sweet spot for just watered plants. Most Alocasias, Calatheas and Bogoinas like this range. I find that very few plants like to be in that “Wet” range and prefer to sit between moist and dry. The few that do like to be Wet are typically aquatic plants and some carnivorous plants.
How will this save your plants
By being able to measure the soil mister before you water you know exactly when the plant needs more water. No more having to remember, no more over watering, no more sad plants. You just stick it in and see what the plant needs.
There is a blanket statement of when things should be watered, these are great but will vary house to house. Example, I water my massive Monstera once ever 10 days ( or when my hydrometer is at DRY completely DRY) but my friend has to water hers every 5-7 days (meter is in the high arch of dry). The best part is being able to learn your plants needs and be able to provide them the best care possible. This is just another great tool to do that!
Ready to save your plants ( and self!) check out these Soil Hydometers here on Amazon ( not sponsored)
Now get out there an grow! Check out these great plants to get started!