Confused about when to water your plants or how much light your plant needs? The 3-in-1 Soil Meter is an excellent device used to measure light, moisture and pH levels of your plant soil to provide you with accurate content through readings for healthy plant growth. It is an excellent device for beginners and busy plant parents who often stay confused when it comes to maintaining their plants. 

Using The 3 in 1 Soil Meter

Soil meters are fairly easy to use. Follow these steps for all 3 readings:

• Insert the prongs (long steel bar-like structures) of your soil meter into the soil gently to avoid damaging the roots.
• For small pots upto 5 inches, insert moisture meter upto 2 inches depth, while for large pots insert them into the medium depth of the pot.
• Never insert the device just in the periphery of the soil or too deep as the deeper layers of soil are mostly moist and the upper layers of soil dry quickly when it comes to measuring the moisture.
• Keep the soil meter in the pot for at least 30-60 seconds to get an accurate reading.

Understanding the Readings

MOISTURE

Push the switch to the left and insert the probe deeply into the soil reaching the root level. A moisture meter gives readings ranging between 0 to 10. These readings fall into three categories:

• Low Moisture (1 to 3): the moisture content is low and your plants need a generous amount of water.
• Medium Moisture (4 to 6): the moisture content is moderate and your plants are good even if you don't water them immediately. However, you can give a small amount of water if you wish to.
• High Moisture (7 to 10): the moisture content is high and your plants are not in need of water. This should be the reading immediately after watering your plants deeply.

LIGHT

Push the switch to the centre and hold the meter next to the plant, facing the light source. Avoid touching the sensor located underneath the gauge. Make sure the readings are corresponding to the amount of light your plant needs. These readings fall into three categories:

• Low Light (0 to 500): these readings are for plants that can survive low light. E.g. Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema, Spathiphyllum etc.
• Indirect Medium to Bright Light (500 to 1000): these readings are for plants that need a medium to bright filtered light. E.g English Ivy, Prayer Plants, Palms etc.
• Direct Sunlight (1500-2000): these readings are for sun-loving varieties. E.g. Flowering plants, Cactus, Crotons, Jade etc.

SOIL pH

Push the switch to the right and insert the probe deeply but gently into the soil. pH level ranges between 1 and 14, with 1 being most acidic and 14 being most alkaline. A pH reading greater than 7, indicates alkalinity while a lesser than 7 indicates acidity. Plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.2 and 7.2 for optimum growth.

• Highly Alkaline Soil (>7.5) bleaches the leaves out and stunts the growth.
• Highly Acidic Soil (<5.8) leads to wilting and leaf shedding.

Care Tips For Soil Meter

• Clean the prongs immediately after every use.
• Wipe the prongs using a soft cloth or wipe.
• Let the prongs dry and keep them in a moisture-proof container.