--- title: "Does anybody use a moisture meter? I have one but never really used…" description: "Does anybody use a moisture meter? I have one but never really used it consistently. If you do use one, do you find it accurate and do you base a watering…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/Q2b0NttPNr1r3SPRn7e9M2" community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle" author: "Anna Banana" published: "2024-12-28T15:30:44.418495Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/theCactusAndSucculentCircle.jpg" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Cactus \& Succulent Circle](https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w.md) # Does anybody use a moisture meter? I have one but never really used… _Posted by Anna Banana on 2024-12-28_ Does anybody use a moisture meter? I have one but never really used it consistently. If you do use one, do you find it accurate and do you base a watering schedule by it. This plant stuff is all new to me, but I’m absolutely falling in love with the hobby! ## 14 comments ### Lisa commented on 2024-12-28 Moisture meter girlie here!! 👋🏼 Yes, it’s accurate and I could easily base my watering schedule by it…if I wasn’t a Planta girlie. ☺️ But I do double check with one once Planta tells me it’s time to water again. #### Anna Banana replied on 2024-12-28 The one I have I think I bought off Temu😝. Since I have so many different plant I am going to upgrade mine. If you don’t mind me asking, what kind do you use? ### Plant Lives Matter commented on 2024-12-28 Absolutely! I found that once I started using the moisture meter, Planta was having me water most of my plants too often, so it really helped in adjusting the schedules to be more manageable. Now that all the schedules are adjusted, I don’t feel the need to use it as much anymore unless I acquire a new plant. #### Anna Banana replied on 2024-12-28 Thanks! I’m on Amazon (as usual) looking at meters. What kind do you use? #### Plant Lives Matter replied on 2024-12-28 Honestly, from the little research I’ve done, moisture meters use very basic technology such that even the simple ones are fine. More advanced models are probably not worth the extra money. Mine is from “Dr. Meter” and still works well after several years. #### Anna Banana replied on 2024-12-28 Thank you!! #### Plant Lives Matter replied on 2024-12-28 Absolutely! ### Qixer commented on 2024-12-28 I go by the weight of the plant. #### Anna Banana replied on 2024-12-28 Thanks a good idea! Unfortunately, so many of mine are small succulents it would be tough. They all feel light to me, lol🤷🏼‍♀️ #### Qixer replied on 2024-12-28 Once you get a feel for them watered you can tell a difference. Also look for visual indicators. different plants do different things when they are thirsty. ### MeasomerPi commented on 2024-12-28 I use them but don’t completely trust them. My method is insert the probe to see what it says. When removing the probe, I check if it’s clean (kinda like sticking a toothpick in a cake) and then feel if it’s dry. If all three indicate dryness, then I water. ### Southwest sister commented on 2024-12-29 O use mine especially on my Euphorbia’s. ### Phil commented on 2024-12-29 I use a moisture meter but just as a helper. I still go by the weight and finger test. I just got a new one from Amazon. It shows percentage of moisture and ph on a display. It uses different tech and requires batteries. It was more money, $35, but seems more accurate. But keep in mind that no meters work in high grit soil that most succulents are planted in. ### Redskid commented on 2024-12-29 I'm cheap and use a chopstick. If dirt sticks to it, the dirt is still moist. I don't like using my finger because I feel like I dig up the whole plant when checking smaller pots. I agree that it seems like Planta has me watering a bit too often, especially in the winter months when things slow down. I have a few cacti, and sometimes just have Planta wait to remind me until the next time. They don't usually mind going a while longer. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_