Cactus rot taught me to check soil dryness first.

Now I use a chopstick to test moisture before watering.

3 comments

3 Comments

Totally get the chopstick method, it's a lifesaver. An old metal knitting needle works even better since it won't rot. Sometimes I just leave one stuck in the pot to check the deep soil anytime without having to go find a tool. That way you catch it before the plant even looks thirsty.

nora_scott861mo ago

Yeah I've been doing something like that too, @barbara_grant. My bamboo skewer is always in the pot now, it really does help you water just right.

ivan_fisher991mo ago

Wow, that's a clever trick! I read somewhere that wooden skewers work just as well for checking moisture deep in the pot. It's amazing how such a simple tool can save plants from root rot. I've been using a similar method with an old pencil, and it really takes the guesswork out of watering. Learning from mistakes like cactus rot is how we all improve our plant care.