Moisture Meter/s ?

[Uechi]

Are there any good moisture meters for Orchids? Since over watering can and does kill orchids, it would be helpful to know. I live in Florida and my orchids are inside a screen in porch. Temps in Florida vary in Clearwater all the time in the winter, spring and fall and thus moisture levels and rain also vary. A meter would be a great help if one really works. Thanks

[Ray]

No.

Moisture meters rely on the conductivity of the moisture held in a continuous matrix between particles of soil. Orchid potting media is too open, meaning there are too many gaps for the meter to work right.

Also, your assessment that "overwatering can and does kill orchids" ignores some of the details of what's really going on and therefore may be taking away an easy solution. You might want to read this: Air Management

[Uechi]

Thanks Ray for your prompt response, but I am still confused. I know that normal mositure meters are designed for soil, but I see there is at least one meter "The Momet" that claims it's an orchid meter. I thought maybe that meter or perhaps another might actually work. Have you tried the Momet?

[Jill H]

I have the Momet meter and find it works very well.
Being a newbie to Orchids, I need all the help I can get.The unit has a slide switch in the back for soil and bark. You simply slide it back and forth for whatever application you are testing. The meter was apparently developed by an Orchid grower for the purpose of testing orchid moisture.
Jill

[Ray]

Cool!