Author Question: What is the finger test and how is it useful when ascertaining when a plant needs to be watered? ... (Read 61 times)

james9437 · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

What is the finger test and how is it useful when ascertaining when a plant needs to be watered?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the steps that should be followed when repotting a plant?

What will be an ideal response?

cadimas · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The finger test is a quick, easy, and reliable test for when a plant needs to be watered. For plants
grown in pots from six to 22 inches in diameter, simply sink your index finger into the pot for a depth
of about one inch. Upon removal, if any soil particles cling to your finger, the media has enough
moisture content to sustain the plant for another day or perhaps more. If very few to no particles cling
to your finger, give the plant a thorough watering so that some water flows from the holes of the grow

Answer to Question 2

When repotting a plant, the first step is to remove the plant from its grow pot. Discard any loose
medium that is not held in place by the plants roots. Then, very lightly tease away soil clinging to the
root ball and discard it. Wash and dry the pot, then add a few inches of fresh media to the bottom of
the pot so that the root ball is staged at its previous height. Add fresh media to the sides of the root
ball, gently tamping it down, then a bit on top. The plants roots will respond to this soil refreshment
with new root growth, replacing roots that have naturally died over time.