When should I water based on the moisture meter reading?

Most tropical houseplants should be watered when the meter reads 3-4 on a 1-10 scale (moist but not wet). Succulents should be watered when the meter reads 1-2 (dry). Ferns and calatheas prefer readings of 5-6 (consistently moist). Learn each plant's preference and water accordingly. The meter prevents both the overwatering and underwatering that kills most houseplants.

Why does my moisture meter give different readings in different parts of the pot?

Moisture varies within a pot — soil near drainage holes drains faster, soil near the surface dries from evaporation, and soil near roots may be drier from uptake. This variation is normal. Take 2-3 readings at different spots and average them. The reading near the root zone is the most relevant for watering decisions.

Best Plant Moisture Meters 2026