Moisture Meter Question and Pics

16 years ago

Alrighty then, I went and got a moisture meter. I stuck it in most all my pots, and it reads dry on all of them. Now, the questions are, how and when basically. I have one that I did not put it into, the Dazzler which is a cutting I recently potted up, drenched, and have not watered since. It is showing no signs of leaves yet. The rest are shown below, with varying stages of leafage. Is that a word, leafage? Anyway, they all showed dry. So, do I water?! I would tend to think so, but one can not be too careful. Here ya go...

Number One

{{gwi:1160496}}

Number Two

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Number Three

{{gwi:1160500}}

Number Four

{{gwi:1160501}}

Thanks a bunch for your thoughts and guidance, Lauri

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Comments (6)

dpolson37
16 years ago
Not an expert by any means, but all your cuttings look healthy and green tipped. I say soak them and let them dry out before watering again. I bought a moisture meter recently and it reads dry too but that is becasue the soil doesn't hold much water. Keep them warm and in the sun and they will take off.
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dpolson37
16 years ago
Here is a photo of my plumeria coming out of winter rest. I'm watering it only after it gets really dry. The weather in Northern Virginia is still on the cool side for me to put the plumies outside so I'll nurse them inside for awhile and hopefully get some leaves to show before watering more and placing outside.

{{gwi:1160502}}
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Instanbul is growing zone 8b or 9b, so you can add that to your user profile. =) If grown inside, I think 2-3 days is far too often. Best thing is to stick it in a pot and leave it there so the reading is consistent. Otherwise it could depend on the contact area of where you stuck it in. It is inconvenient because the meter is fairly large and your pots are quite small like most succulent pots. I think your readings may be so low because the meter probe lengths are quite long in relation to the substrate they are measuring. You may have better luck with a different style or type of meter. What also ends up happening is you might end up damaging roots more than necessary when taking repeated measurements. I like to leave my meters in place (but they are much smaller).
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kbauman
16 years ago
Hi Lori,
put the moisture meter in dazzler.. see how it registers will tell you how that plant is doing. remember the mixture you put in the plant absorbs the liquid, may not be as wet as you thing.

...If your other plants shows dry, needs water of some form.. Now how warm are you? cool, then water a little bit. If hot, well then water as needed. I use my moisture meter all the time until it gets really warm out, sometimes when its warm.. Best to do this, than over water.
Karen b.
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kevabear
Original Author
16 years ago
It's usually about 60s at night, 70s during the day. Karen you say that you use your meter until it gets really warm out. What do you do then? Do you stop using it? I have everyone out in the sun now except for the Dazzler, which is in the little greenhouse under a grow light and on a heat mat. I will check to see later about the moisture in it. Now I have heard numerous times, when rooting, only water once until you see leaves. So, if it shows dry, should I water or should I not? Thanks for that pic dpolson, it looks good!
Lauri
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kbauman
16 years ago
Hi Lauri,
I depend on my moisture meter.. I do not know what is going on in the roots.. they can rot if too much water. Also temps has a lot to do with it.

Like right now.. we hit high 80's during the day, but 50's at night. So the soil is still cool. If I feel they need water, will absolutly put in my moisture meter and see if they need water. oft times said moist/dry. If moist leave them alone. enough water. Totally dry.. now how warm are you? if its warm at night or warm during the day, to dry them out, might water to go through and drain out the holes in the bottom of the pot.. If still cool.. just a little on the center where the roots have feeder roots..at the top of the plant..leave it alone. Check another week.

Until we hit constant 80's hot or warmer..I will keep checking the plants with my moisture meter..even in the ground. 90's...well we are all hot..so are your plants. then everything even you needs a drink of water.

I use my moisture meter constantly until I am sure wether my plant needs water or not. these plants are different than anything I have ever grown.. even roses..I am very careful with them..get stupid some of the times, not sure what to do.

But you must must rely on your moisture meter to know when to water..to save your plants.
Karen B
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kbauman
16 years ago
Hi Lauri,
the plants with tiny leaves, maybe a cup of water..not there yet, just to stop stress on the plant.. More leaves, need water. still check how the roots are accepting the water with your moisture meter..shows dry..back to explanation..how warm are you..
Karen B
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Moisture Meter Question and Pics

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Moisture Meter Question and Pics

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