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Plantasia

I’m new to plant parenting and want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to help my plants thrive. Recently, I purchased a soil moisture meter, a humidifier, and a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity in my home. I usually keep the humidity between 40–50%. My plants seem healthy overall, but I’ve noticed that since using the humidifier, the soil stays fairly wet (around 70–80% on the meter). Because of this, I’ve had to snooze the Planta watering schedule several times. Is it normal for soil to stay moist this long? Should I reduce or stop using the humidifier, or let the humidity drop below 40% so the soil can dry out more?

4 likes 11 comments

11 comments

  1. lyssxgardens

    i would say i’ve noticed the same thing with mine and i’m fairly new as well (within the past 7 or so months) and what i’ve learned with the recent changes in the weather is that my plants and the soil call for more warmer temperatures inside and i don’t use the humidifier as often as i used to. if you don’t want to cut back the humidifier maybe try moving it to a different location a little farther away from the plants and adjust your temperature inside a couple degrees or so and see if that helps. maybe at this point a grow light may be necessary if you don’t believe your plants are getting enough sunlight, i know that would aid in the soil moisture as well. it’s a superstition to wish luck upon someone’s plants so don’t give up! you got this! i’m sure they will thrive with your care as it seems you love them enough to put this effort into them :)

    7 likes
    • Plantasia

      Thank you!

      0 likes
  2. brittrb

    I am also fairly new to plants, about 10 months and this post and comments have helped me learn! Thank you

    3 likes
  3. Union Leo

    I had the same experience after I got my moisture meter. A couple of suggestions: 1. Your soil density may be holding the water too much. This is why plant owners often dilute potting soil with extra perlite, orchid bark, coco chips, pumice, charcoal, leca, etc. Not only does aerated soil help roots breathe, it also allows excess water to drain. If the plant hasn’t dried out in 3-4 weeks, you may want to try a different soil recipe. 2. Your moisture meter will respond based on where you submerge it. Often it is wetter deeper in the soil, but the top few inches are dry. This is a good time to try bottom-watering the plant, so that it can take in any extra moisture it may need for those top few inches of soil! 3. Consistently moist soil is a great opportunity to bottom plant. Take some pothos cuttings & put them in the soil beside the plant! They will enjoy the moisture & as they grow it will be beautiful! It also makes the plant more valuable if you ever intend to sell it. 4. In general, it is better to under-water plants than to over-water them. The plant will tell you when it needs water— drooping leaves are the key indicator! Best of luck!!

    2 likes
    • Plantasia

      Thank you for the insight and advice! I really appreciate it!

      1 like
  4. Sunny

    Don’t rely heavily on moisture meters. They are not highly calibrated precision instruments. They fail often. Readings can vary based on soil material, density and even air pockets. The moisture meter measures conductivity and not moisture levels. Wet soil is theoretically more conductive than dry soil and is the theory behind this simple instrument. The instrument doesn’t account for variations in the soil. You have to verify the soil moisture level using your finger or a tool like a meat skewer or chopstick to stick in the soil. You will be able to lift the pot and use the weight to judge the moisture content in the soil with enough experience. Adjust Planta’s watering schedule if you actually touch the soil to verify the readings of the moisture meter. 🪴🍀 I would continue using the humidifier in colder months if you have tropical warm weather plants. A plant cabinet or enclosure would be ideal for plants that need higher humidity.

    1 like
    • Plantasia

      Thank you!

      1 like
  5. skylar

    i’m new to plants as well and i cut back on humidifier usage. also make sure it’s not misting directly on the leaves. and they say soil moisture meters are inaccurate, i believe because it’s only reading that one part of the soil and not the actual whole thing. idk i have long term plant parent friends that said it’s gimmicky. i have to snooze my watering schedule a lot cause i have some of my plants that need a lot of water retention in pots that are too drying (calatheas in terracotta pots). depending on the type of plants you have a lot will droop when it’s time to water. what types of pots are you using? i’ve noticed my nursery pots tend to hold so much moisture compared to my terracotta, almost too much. could be the kind of soil as well aka too much peat moss and not enough chunky soil or aeration

    1 like
    • Plantasia

      Most of my plants are in ceramic pots, and all of them have drainage holes at the bottom. The plants seem to be doing well overall. I was mainly curious whether it’s normal for my soil moisture meter to show a “wet” reading for several days between waterings. If I start noticing any issues with my plants, I’ll consider repotting them with a different soil mix, as you suggested. Thanks again for your advice!

      2 likes
  6. Stefanie Cooper

    I am the same as you. I use lots of Barrina grow lights and that helps.

    2 likes
    • Plantasia

      Thanks for the advice!

      0 likes