Sad monsteras after repotting - moisture meter reading 10

[Hollyhawker]

Hi everyone! I wasnt able to find an answer to this...

So I repotted a few large monsteras 2 weeks ago using a premium potting soil (I know I should have mixed something in to improve drainage but it is done now!).

Nearly all have started yellowing and drooping. I bought a moisture meter and after two weeks finally the top half is reading about 4 or 5 but the very bottom is still reading 9-10.

Top feels quite dry. Before repotting I would have definitely watered now but because I am so worried I'm just not sure! I don't know if it's normal for the very bottom to still be reading wet? I never would have known before because I always just used the finger method for spil moisture testing.

They have been getting lots of indirect light so nit worried about that.

Should I leave longer until the bottom dries? Repot in better draining soil?

Any help much appreciated!

Cheers,
Holly

 

[OldNick]

Hi. Not a green thumb, but an expert at trying to revive sad plants.


Here is my idea..

"Well drained" soil in a sealed tray can be very trying. IME.

Just to be sure, place the plant out into a shady but well-lit area: the difference between outside and even “well lit” inside can often be huge. This is definitely a control.

Then I suggest maybe 30% - 50% coarse vermiculite by volume. This retains water in the pieces of vermiculite, but allows oxygen into the soil.

Finding a way to water in a very distributed way: coarse spray squeeze bottle.

Or the more “scientific” approach. Much more effort and time.

Do you have an idea whether the roots are reaching that wet area? If not then you may be starving the plant of water in that dry topsoil. If the roots are deep in that water then you may have waterlogging.

My first effort would be to either remove the tray, or if a no go then take the plant outside and tip it to empty the tray as much as possible. his could avoid wet roots and allow a restart.. leave the pot tilted enough to keep the plant in. Water frequently, but monitor the moisture as your soil seems to dry easily. This is an attempt to find a good medium dampness watering regime and also to find out if the plant was too dry or had wet roots. Once the plant has started looking better, then place it back upright and see if you can, by carefully measured watering, maintain that nice medium dampness in the soil and keep the plant happy.