Hi,
so my wife and I recently got our first monstera plant. The plant came in a pot with a watering indicator thing stuck in it. I am not sure what this gadget or system is called. The lady at the garden centre told us to water it once it drops below the indicated level and that this should be anywhere between once 1-2 weeks.
Thing is, we watered it on the first day, and the indicator was showing low water the next day!
Now we are a week into the plant, and it has dipped below the line again, after being watered 4 times… we are a bit scared to overwater it.
The plant seems (as far as us noobs are concerned) healthy, with 2 new leaves opening in this week.
Is this watering system even any good? Are we using it wrong? We are open to any tips about watering and general care for our lovely plant!
by MudurBey03
5 Comments
I think that’s one of those indicators for a self watering pot, which show how much water there is in the bottom of the pot. The soil itself can still be wet, but the indicator will still show it’s dry, because the water reservoir at the bottom of the pot isn’t full. I wouldn’t be watering every time the indicator shows it’s low, monsteras don’t need to be having a constantly full water reservoir in the pot.
I like to check for when to water by sticking a wooden stick into the pot. When you push it into the pot and pull it out, if the stick feels moist or a lot of soil sticks onto the stick, the soil is still wet. If the stick comes out with no soil attached, it’s good to water.
My suggestion throw the indicator away. The best indicator is your finger. Place it in the dirt about an inch if it feels wet then you can wait to water. I water my monsteras about every 20 days. However, everywhere is different. If the heater is on in you house the plant could dry out faster. The best way to know is by touch.
If those are growing in pon, then that is a semihydro setup (soilless). Those indicators are usually just a buoy sitting in the pot to indicate water level. Did she also tell you that you needed to add a little fertilizer to each watering?
I would just take all the pumice off the top. 🤷🏽♀️ then you’ll be able to visually see, touch & feel when it’s time to water. Reduces the risk of root rot. Gives the soil better aeration
I have a chunky soil mix and I water mine about every 8-10 days. Depending on how chunky or compacted your soil, how much bright indirect light it gets, how much air flow is what will determine how often you water.