Is your moisture meter not working properly? Here are some common reasons why moisture meters don’t work and what you can do about it.
#healthyhouseplants #moisturemeter #indoorgardening #plantcaretips #gardeningtools
Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in The Great Indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today’s video covers the top reasons your moisture meter may not be working correctly. Moisture meters are a great tool to determine when your indoor plants need watering; however, sometimes they give inaccurate readings. In this video, we explain what can go wrong and how to troubleshoot these issues.
First, it’s important to understand how moisture meters work. They operate using an electrical current that requires proper contact with soil. They won’t work correctly if you plunge them into water. Some users mistakenly test their moisture meter in water—resulting in a zero reading—when it should be inserted into moist soil to determine its moisture level.
There are a few common reasons for inaccurate readings. One reason is that the moisture meter might be broken due to being dropped since they are built with fragile parts. Over time, they may also simply wear out and need replacement.
Another factor is soil salt buildup. Over time, salts accumulate from watering (especially if you use water with high salt content or chemical fertilizers) and can lead to inaccurate readings. High salt levels in the soil not only affect the meter’s performance but can also cause root dieback and subsequent root rot by keeping the soil excessively wet.
Finally, inconsistent readings can occur if the meter is not used in various parts of the soil. One patch may be affected by salt buildup while another is not. Regularly cleaning the meter’s tip is also essential to prevent soil residue from interfering with the readings.
Remember, if your moisture meter gives you a wonky reading on one plant but works well on others, it might indicate a high salt buildup in that specific soil. In such cases, leaching the soil or repotting the plant might be necessary.
Thank you for stopping by! Please leave any comments with indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share—and click the bell to be notified when new videos are released.
Moisture Meter Troubleshooting FAQ
How does a moisture meter work in indoor gardening?
Moisture meters work by using an electrical current that measures the moisture level in the soil. They require proper soil contact and won’t work accurately in pure water.
What are common reasons for an inaccurate moisture meter reading?
Inaccurate readings can result from a broken or worn-out meter, soil salt buildup from fertilizing or water, or inconsistent measurement techniques across different soil areas.
How does salt buildup in soil affect the moisture meter?
High salt levels in the soil, often from chemical fertilizers, interfere with the meter’s electrical current, leading to erroneous readings and potentially causing root dieback.
Why is cleaning the meter’s tip important?
Regular cleaning of the meter’s tip helps remove soil residue that may interfere with accurate readings and prolongs the life of the tool.
What should I do if my moisture meter gives inconsistent readings?
If you notice inconsistent readings, try testing in several areas of the soil, leach the soil to reduce salt buildup, or consider replacing an old or damaged meter.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Moisture meter: https://amzn.to/3TEUu5N
Moisture meter (extra long): https://amzn.to/3NZZnEh