Question 1

Why it still reads dry even when I just watered my plant?

Accepted Answer

I’m having the same problem. I’ve waited and even measured the next day. I can feel the soil is still wet and it reads dry. I don’t get it.

Question 2

Can I put this item into the water to test the accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Please could not put this item into the water. Thanks! Here is some notes for your reference, thanks!
-Don't  measure liquids especially water, it is only used to test the soil moisture.
-Choose a soft soil, forbid to force the metal probe into the hard soil.
-Please don't put the probe pen for a long time in the soil (no more than one hour), otherwise it will damage the pen.
-Don't use the measuring pen near the magnetic material and away from other metal objects.
-Don't hold the metal part of the measuring pen by hand. Fingerprints have grease that reduces the accuracy of their measurements.
-Don't try to remove the metal tip of the tester. If the tip becomes loose, tighten it clockwise.

Question 3

Can this be left permanently in a potted plant? Or must it be inserted and then removed each time I want to take a measurement?

Accepted Answer

It's not entirely accurate to say that it will "melt," but not far off. This device has no battery to insert, but the tip is of a different metal from the long sleeve. Likely the sleeve is copper or brass (a copper alloy), and the tip is probably zinc. When placed in moist soil, the two metals form a difference in electrical potential, essentially a battery. The electrical potential will corrode, dissolving the zinc tip over time.

The same mechanism is used in ships, rocks, and bridges: they attach replaceable zinc electrodes to the steel, to make the zinc corrode instead of the steel.

If you leave this in the soil, the corroding zinc from the tip will be electrodeposited on the sleeve, reducing the electrical potential, and eventually making the current stop flowing. You will then have to rub the zinc off the sleeve to make the meter work again. Over time the zinc tip would disappear.

So, the answer is NO, you can't leave it place. You should get a reading, then remove it from the soil and wipe it clean and dry each time. ...and now you know WHY you have to do it.

Question 4

Can I use one to take readings on all my plants without having to leave it in

Accepted Answer

You have to insert it in the plant soil and it will give you the reading right away. You then can take it out and go to the next plant to get a reading.  You only leave it long enough to get the reading then take it out. Do not leave it in the soil all the time. That's the way I use it.

ASIN	B00PTLGKSQ
Battery Description	No batteries required
Best Sellers Rank	#5,190 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #13 in Soil Meters
Brand Name	Dr.meter
Color	Green
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (11,737)
Global Trade Identification Number	06958446314387
Included Components	1x Dr.meter Moisture Sensor Meter
Item Dimensions W x H	2.02"W x 1.6"H
Item Highlight	Soil Tester Hygrometer Sensor for Houseplants Garden Lawn Farm,Greenhouse, Gardening Gifts, No Battery Needed
Item Type Name	Hygrometer-Garden,Farm,Lawn,Plants,Indoor&Outdoor(No Battery needed)
Item Weight	2.72 ounces
Manufacturer	Dr.meter
Model	S10
Mounting Type	Tabletop
Number of Items	1
Number of Packs	1
Part Number	S10-V
Unit Count	1 Count
Upper Temperature Range	40 °C

Dr.meter Soil Moisture Meter for Plants, Plant Water Gauge Test Kit

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