Rich here, and welcome back to Houseplant Digest, sponsored by Sybotanica – your one-stop soil shop.
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In this week’s issue:

• Weekly Q&A
• The most important tool for your plants
• The best soil I’ve ever used
• A reminder to clean your plants
• Philodendron gloriosum
• And more…

🇬🇧 Sheffield Answers

Every week, I get tons of questions about growing houseplants. In “Sheffield Answers”, I’m going to pick one out each week and answer it. Want to submit your own and get it featured next week? Click here to ask me a question!​

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Question: " I have a very large Snake Plant. It has a couple of dry droopy leaves. I’m afraid to water it because I’m scared it will get root rot if I do. It’s probably been a couple of months since I watered it. Help!" Cathy

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My Answer: It sounds like your Snake Plant might be a little thirsty, but it's understandable to be cautious about overwatering. Snake Plants are quite resilient and actually prefer dry out between waterings but do still need a drink. If it’s been a couple of months, it’s likely safe to water it now, but first, let’s check the soil.

Stick your finger into the soil about 2-3 inches deep or get your trusty moisture meter out. If it feels dry, go ahead and give it a good drink. Make sure the water drains out of the bottom to avoid water sitting in the pot, which can lead to root rot.

For those droopy leaves, it’s likely they’re just dealing with a bit of stress, but new growth should perk up with proper watering.

🪴 HOW TO & TIPS

The most important tool for your plants

My last video was full of amazing comments about the moisture meter.

The moisture meter is actually a fairly simple but genius creation. It was invented to solve one of the most common issues in plant care: knowing when to water your plants. In the past, we had to rely on guesswork, our fingertips, or even weight tests (you know, picking up your pot and trying to “feel” how heavy it was to guess its moisture level). But all those methods still leave you uncertain. The moisture meter takes the mystery out of plant care and gives you precise readings.
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The beauty of the moisture meter is that it measures exactly how much moisture is in the soil, allowing you to water your plants with confidence. You’ll never have to wonder if you’ve drowned them in water or left them gasping for a drink. It’s like the plant-care version of a thermometer, but for moisture levels. And just like how you wouldn't guess if you have a fever, you don’t need to guess about your plants either.
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Why the Moisture Meter is a Must-Have Tool​
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• No More Guessing: You no longer have to second-guess your watering routine or rely on the feel of your fingers. The moisture meter gives you an exact reading.
• Accurate and Quick: You can get a reading in just a few seconds. No mess, no fuss, and no waiting for the soil to dry out to check.
• Prevents Over or Under-Watering: Overwatering is one of the biggest killers of houseplants. A moisture meter helps you avoid this by telling you when the soil is just right for watering, whether it’s still moist enough or too dry.

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And now, it's become a staple for both novice and experienced plant parents alike. When I first got my hands on one, I was skeptical. Now I can’t imagine caring for my plants without it. It’s become as essential as my watering can (okay, maybe not quite).
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But like anything in the houseplant world, one single tool won’t solve all of your problems. Poor quality soil being one thing that is virtually impossible to compensate for. Having the right soil mix makes all the difference in how well your plants hold onto moisture and makes the meter even more effective.
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If you’re looking to pick up some premium soil to go alongside your new moisture meter, I highly recommend you check out Sybotanica. I personally use them, and their soil always makes sure of the perfect drainage while keeping moisture at the right level, no matter what plant I’m working with. And the best part is that it’s all done for you. I don’t have to worry about stressing myself out and spending hours making it myself.
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👉 You can get 10% off your own premium soil by clicking the link here and using the code SHEFFIELDMADEPL at checkout (exclusive to Houseplant Digest readers).
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Now, back to the moisture meter…
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How to Use Your Moisture Meter Effectively: A 3-Step System​
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Here’s a simple three-step system to get the most out of this tool:
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1. Check Consistently (and don’t overdo it!)

You might be tempted to check your plant’s moisture levels every day, but trust me… less is more. The best way to use your moisture meter is by checking it once or twice a week, depending on your plant’s needs. If you’re dealing with a tropical plant that likes moisture, you might need to check it a little more often. But for most houseplants, checking the moisture level every 3-4 days is just fine.
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Set a reminder on your phone or add it to your weekly plant care routine. Consistency is key, but avoid the temptation to over-check. Plants need time to adjust and breathe, too.
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2. Know the Ideal Moisture Range for Your Plant

Each plant has its own preference when it comes to soil moisture. Some like their soil to be consistently damp (think ferns or tropicals), while others prefer it to dry out before watering (like succulents).
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The moisture meter will tell you exactly where your soil stands, but you’ll need to know what the right reading is for your plant. Generally, a reading of 5-7 (on a 1-10 scale) means the soil is on the moist side but not soaked. A reading of 2-4 means it's getting dry, and below that, it's time to water. A good rule of thumb is to adjust based on the ideal moisture range for each plant.

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3. Water thoroughly (and have a schedule for checking again)

Once you've checked the moisture level, focus on creating a schedule for checking rather than watering. For plants that are more moisture-sensitive, use the moisture meter to monitor the soil regularly, but only water when the meter shows a dry reading. For plants that prefer to dry out between waterings (like succulents or cacti), check the moisture level sparingly – maybe once a week or every 10 days. When you do water, make sure to water thoroughly and let the soil dry to the appropriate level before checking again.

🪴 JUST FOR FUN

It’s National Clean Off Your Desk Day! (Yeah, I’m serious)

So let this serve as a quick reminder that as you rush off to declutter your desk this morning, make sure to give your desk plants some TLC too. A clean desk AND thriving plants? That’s what I call productivity.

Plant Of The Week

Philodendron gloriosum

This guy is a Colombian native known for its beautiful heart-shaped leaves with a very slight pink veining. I love plants like these. Big, bold and add a nice luxurious feel to your home.

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▸ You can order it here (UK only) 👉 https://collabs.shop/0z0dki​

Use code SHEFFIELDMADEPLANTS for a further 10% discount.

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Products I use to keep my plants strong and healthy

▸ Amazon UK 👈

▸ Amazon USA 👈

📹 Watch & Grow: This Week On YouTube

👉 20 Impossible to Kill Plants You Should Buy in 2025​

👉 I Stopped Killing Calathea Once I Knew This​

Did you know?

The moisture meter was invented all the way back in the 1920s to measure moisture content in materials like wood. Early models used blinking lights to indicate moisture levels, while the versions we know and love today improved with pin-type, pinless meters and added all sorts of cool tech.

Houseplant Digest is brought to you by Houseplant SOS, my self-paced online course teaching you how to grow A+ houseplants and avoid all of the guesswork (that’ll cost you unnecessary time and money!)

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If you want to learn how to propagate houseplants like a pro, click here to learn more.

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If you want 1-on-1 help with your houseplants, click here and book in a consultation with me.