need help to find moisture meter in EU

[Erce]

i have been looking for a momet orchid moisture meter i EU but i can not find them - do somebody know where to get them?

I live in denmark.
I can only pay by card, no paypal :S

Pleas, i want it so so bad LOL - no my orchids need it More LOL

[Blueszz]

You could use an ordinary hygrometer, most hardware shops carry them. I use one that combines temperature and humidity. It's wireless and sends the data to the mainpanel in my living room, however I have to refresh the batteries (2 x AAA) way to often for my linkings - but it works.

Nicole

[Erce]

Originally Posted by Blueszz

You could use an ordinary hygrometer, most hardware shops carry them. I use one that combines temperature and humidity. It's wireless and sends the data to the mainpanel in my living room, however I have to refresh the batteries (2 x AAA) way to often for my linkings - but it works.

Nicole

but can it tell me when to water does it have a sensor to put in the pot?

[camille1585]

Those things don't really work for orchids because of the type of medium their in, which is too open and airy for it to work properly. The moisture meters work better in plants in potting soil, as they are meant for that use.

[Erce]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Those things don't really work for orchids because of the type of medium their in, which is too open and airy for it to work properly. The moisture meters work better in plants in potting soil, as they are meant for that use.

the momet orchid moisture meter are for orchids it says

[Blueszz]

Yes, I have seen those but I really don't know anyone that uses one. What I do when I'm in doubt is 'read' my skewer. It's a wooden stick, like a chop stick that I put in the middle of the pot. I leave it their and when in doubt I pull it out and feel (with the skin between my lip and nose because that is very sensitive) how moist/cold the stick is. This is a very good indication to know if you should water of not. It depends on the species/hybrid when to water.

What plants don't you feel sure about? Maybe we can guide you?

Nicole

[Erce]

Originally Posted by Blueszz

Yes, I have seen those but I really don't know anyone that uses one. What I do when I'm in doubt is 'read' my skewer. It's a wooden stick, like a chop stick that I put in the middle of the pot. I leave it their and when in doubt I pull it out and feel (with the skin between my lip and nose because that is very sensitive) how moist/cold the stick is. This is a very good indication to know if you should water of not. It depends on the species/hybrid when to water.

What plants don't you feel sure about? Maybe we can guide you?

Nicole

i have some dendrobium phal. i think hate the way i water them - they dont look happy :S And some phal. Species and the dont have roots like my phal. hybrids - so i have some problems finding out how to wather them - i grow all if my chids in bark/coco-husk

[Blueszz]

I grow both...

Phalaenopsis and skewer method: I water when almost dry. The skewer before watering feels cold to the touch but dry (*in the center of the pot*). This is a good rule, however when you have more experience with Phal's you might want to water them a bit earlier - this is possible if you adjust the medium to your growing conditions (temperature, air flow, humidty, light).

Dendrobium phalaenopsis type: During growth water just before it's dry. I let mine never dry during active growth, but also avoid that they are soggy (like you should avoid for all orchids). If you have your plants on the window sill you want it to dry before watering during the winter. I guess you don't have active growth this time of the year because of lack of light and lower (night) temperatures. But, when you have on in spike now, don't let it go bone dry.

So far my 2

Nicole

[Erce]

Originally Posted by Blueszz

I grow both...

Phalaenopsis and skewer method: I water when almost dry. The skewer before watering feels cold to the touch but dry (*in the center of the pot*). This is a good rule, however when you have more experience with Phal's you might want to water them a bit earlier - this is possible if you adjust the medium to your growing conditions (temperature, air flow, humidty, light).

Dendrobium phalaenopsis type: During growth water just before it's dry. I let mine never dry during active growth, but also avoid that they are soggy (like you should avoid for all orchids). If you have your plants on the window sill you want it to dry before watering during the winter. I guess you don't have active growth this time of the year because of lack of light and lower (night) temperatures. But, when you have on in spike now, don't let it go bone dry.

So far my 2

Nicole

your 2 are great, thanks a lot for taking the time helping a noob like me

[Blueszz]

My pleasure...
also for me there is still a lot to learn... considder myself still as a noob :-) There is still so much to learn out there :-)

I think this is the power from OB. Learning and sharing and always people that can help. Don't invest in a moisture meter. You'll soon learn how to water without. In our climate winters are a bit more challinging. If you are not sure, skip watering just a few days more. The plants forgive that very easily... not so with over watering and colder temps in the window sill.
Even the plants that I grow under lights and have temps up to 26 C during the hours they receive light need a lot less water than during the summer. The colder nights can be tricky ;-)
I wrote you I light my plants during the night. Seems to work out great as their nights or now less cold (for me it's day time and have the heating on or profit from the heat from the sun). You might want to keep that in mind for the future if you run into problems with temperatures.

Oh and sorry, still no time to make decent pictures from my setup :-(

Nicole