this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2023
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Houseplants

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Meter recommendations - light, moisture, ph, etc (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by malcriada_lala@lemmy.world to c/houseplants@mander.xyz
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I've been keeping plants for about 5 years and have not bought any meters to track and test light, moisture, temp, ph, and all that. Are these a necessity? I am starting to think that I need these tools to ever get some of my pants to thrive in my dark home which gets pretty cold in the winter. What do y'all think?

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[–] schmorpel@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you already are quite sure your plants need more light and warmth, maybe invest in a grow light, take your plants out to a sunny spot sometimes, or get shade and cold resistant plants instead (in general it's good to know the ideal conditions for each of your plants). Measuring anything doesn't improve difficult conditions and is a little overvalued over actual hands on experience. You should spend the time mostly staring at your plants, not a little screen with numbers. Source: I grow plants in- and outdoors

[–] malcriada_lala@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

I have several grow lights, and I think they do a lot of good but I think some of my plants are still not thriving. Many never seem to develop strong and substantial root systems no matter how properly I water them or how much I amend the soil for what they specifically need. I am just starting to fertilize my plants regularly and I feel like getting some of these meters is another way to level-up as a plant parent.

I do bring out many of my plants to live outside in the warm months, but for the more delicate ones I simply leave them by my sunny window + plant light area

[–] hereforthepopcorn@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Are you experiencing any problems with your plants? How are you caring for them at the moment? What would you like to achieve? I’m just asking because I feel like this would be helpful to know to give you appropriate recommendations.

[–] malcriada_lala@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Many never seem to develop strong and substantial root systems no matter how properly I water them or how much I amend the soil for what they specifically need. I have an alocacia zebrina that has only grown about 5 leaves the whole time I've had it (about a year) and I've read that it's a fast growing plant once it has enough light and soil. I guess I wanna be more confident about whether the light situation I've set up is enough, and I want to feel more confident that my plants are thirsty before I water again. My concern is whether these meters actually work or if they are a gimmick.

[–] mossy_capivara@midwest.social 1 points 1 year ago

Adafruit has some really cool ones that you can get just to make things a bit easier. Just need to search for plant sensor or similar wording.

adafruit