Smart Plant Moisture Sensors For Growth: Gardening is the most composed hobby practiced by millions of people around the globe. It fills your home and yards with color and life. And if you have a knack to earn a green thumb but have failed many times and lost the motivation for it, then don’t worry because smart plant sensors have got you covered!
Smart Plan Wi-Fi Moisture Sensors has revolutionized the field of gardening with its advanced features and impressive performance.
Inspiring your journey, one story at a time. #LifeFalcon.
We have tried and tested some of the best ones that will help you keep track of your plant and its life together with keeping it healthy.
We looked through various options and assessed them based on their quality, durability, functioning, and price. Beginning from Xiaomi 4 in 1 Plant Flower Care Smart Monitor to Digital Plant Monitor by Flower Care to Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester, all the small plant sensors have been described in detail along with their distinctive features and pros and cons.
It entirely rests on your requirements and demands for the perfect plant sensor that can fulfill your needs. These smart plant gadgets are the perfect partners for your gardening pots as it helps your plants and flowers grow effectively and healthily.
Let’s talk about them one by one.
Table of Content
4 in 1 Plant Flower Care Smart Monitor
We have come to the conclusion that “Xioami 4 in 1 Flower Care Smart monitor” is the best Plant moisture sensor. The above image is the rebranded Xiaomi device. And it’s the closest we could find.
It is one of the most reliable and accurate plant sensors out in the market right now. All you need to do is sign up for a Xiaomi account and let the plant do the talking.
With so much similarity while comparing it to other sensors, it was a hard decision to put it on the top of our list. But the following features of it compelled us to do so.
- Real-time, accurate readings on Sunlight, Moisture, Temperature, and Soil Fertility.
- Tabulates and tracks daily plant growth in real-time, and provides reliable tips on how to better tend to your green friends.
- The database stores a variety of over 5000 different flower and plant species with individual care recommendations for each.
- Connects via Bluetooth to a free, user-friendly mobile app (compatible with iOS & Android).
- A quick and simple set-up process that increases the odds of earning a green thumb in no time.
- Use indoors and outdoors (IPX5 Waterproof).
- Multi-Plant tracking capability.
- Intuitive Flower care app.
What makes this Wi-Fi soil moisture sensor stand out, even more, is the accuracy in the measurements it provides us with, as it is equipped with some of the basic yet crucial sensors that will help you keep your plant fresh and healthy.
It also comes with an app for both iOS and Android that you can download on your smartphone via the QR code provided in the user manual or from their respective app stores.
Its multi-plant tracking feature helps to keep health checks on more than one plant synchronously.
This tiny gadget is now your magic wand, and with it, you can do wonders for your garden at 1/4th the price of the Parrot Flower Power (Our 3rd choice).
Design
The device has a sleek body and resembles an Apple product giving it a brilliant Wi-Fi plant sensor look.
Real-Time Sensor
Its four highly essential sensors allow you to fulfill your plant’s nutrition, sunlight, temperature, and water needs.
This feature has us falling in love with this product due to its accurate readings and is one of its outstanding features.
Expert care tips
It provides recommendations along with expert tips, especially for your plant.
Full species coverage
All in all, it has a database of over 5000 different kinds of plants that sync and compare their growth parameters with your plant so you can effectively regulate your plant’s vital needs.
User-friendly app
With this smart app, you can get daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports of your plant.
Moreover, the sensor stores all the information that is downloaded on to your phone through this app once you are logged in and keeps track of your plants’ growth rates and helps maintain its health accordingly.
Easy setup
The setup process is pretty simple as well; all you have to do is insert it into the pot of your respective plant and connect it to your smart device via Bluetooth. Every-time your device connects with it, and all the data is updated through cloud services.
If you are looking for an affordable yet efficient device that serves your purpose and is not a burden on your pocket, then this is the perfect smart Wi-Fi sensor for you.
Plus, if you are a beginner at gardening, then this sensor is your Holy Grail product.
Pros
- Regular growth reports
- Real-time and accurate reading on essential Flower Life parameters
- Multi-Plant tracking capabilities
- Easy setup
- User-friendly app
- Plant and flower identification of over 5000+ species
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Works only if the sensor is within Bluetooth range
- Delay regarding soil conductivity and moisture levels
- Does not measure pH or NPK levels electric conductivity
- It does not have the option to set up alerts on your to-do list to minimize accidental negligence.
Digital Plant Monitor by Flower Care
This plant monitor helps you minimize wilting and drying out of your plant, and along with the individual care recommendations feature, you can now monitor your green friends’ health.
However, we still place it 2nd on our list, due to the following:
- You can only pair this smart plant monitor with Android devices.
- Readings aren’t as reliable as our first choice.
- Cannot track multiple plants at a time.
- Unable to measure the nutrition level of the plant.
But don’t forget, it’s still our 2nd pick and here’s why:
Digital Plant monitor has a database of 5000+ plants, flowers, vegetables as well as herbs while Xiaomi (Our first choice) has a limited one.
Our First choice also lacks moisture sensors along with soil fertility levels. And this plant sensor does not.
Flower Care Sensor provides us with individual care recommendations for a plant while Xiaomi is locked with expert care tips only.
So, yea it’s pretty good too
The following features convinced us to put it on the 2nd place, above all others.
Real-time soil and sunlight sensor for indoor and outdoor
Whether it be your indoor plants or your backyard vegetables, this is the perfect gadget that analyzes and keeps their light and nutrients intake in check.
Waterproof design
Allows the smart plant sensor to survive rain and other water-related garden activities
An in-built Plant moisture sensor
Measures the moisture levels for the plant and provides alerts to restore them accordingly.
Individual care recommendations
Provides expert tips on how to better take care of your flowers, plants, vegetables, and herbs.
The database supports over 5,000 different flowers and plants with individual care recommendations.
Temporary Care
You can now leave your plant with a friend while you are away on holiday without worrying about them drenching your plant in water with the help of the moisture meter.
Who is it for?
For someone who loves nature but often finds themselves too busy to take care of their plants, this plant sensor should be your top priority.
It is loaded with features that are great for you if you recently discovered your love for gardening.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient.
- Waterproof.
- Individual care recommendations.
Cons:
- Not compatible with iOS.
- The temporary care feature does not work well.
Parrot Flower Power
With its advanced sensor technology, Parrot Flower Power is the second runner up of our reviewed list.
The smart plant sensor design is compatible to be used in both indoor and outdoor environments and is highly easy to operate.
For those who experience troubles frequently in taking care of their home plants, then Parrot Flower Power is just the right guardian of your garden.
Design
Its twig shaped design makes it easy to insert into your plant pots.
This Smart Wi-Fi sensor comes in three different colors blue, green, and brown.
Measures health parameters
Its sensors allow it to measure soil moisture, fertilizer, ambient temperature, and light intensity while making sure all the needs of your plant are being met.
Smart app
This product, like our other top picks, also comes with an app (currently supported by iOS only) and is compatible with all Bluetooth devices, including the iPod touch.
Informative Plant Database
Unlike the other top picks, it has an informative plant database from Parrot’s research at Dutch University Wageningen UR.
Recommendations and Expert care tips
Moreover, it updates you with recommendations and expert tips for your plant. The sensor takes about 24 hours before it gives you its first reading and compiles the data into charts.
Live Mode
Another function it has is the “Live Mode,” which updates the data while you are tending to your plant.
Downside
The product has a few downsides, and one of them is that this smart Wi-Fi sensor is a bit pricey.
Another problem is that it is not compatible with Android devices, which is inconvenient for android users.
A frequent Bluetooth disconnectivity issue has led us to struggle with the synchronization of data, which may be due to some glitches present in the software—hence proving fatal to the plant health.
If you are a gardener who is keen about growing a particular plant in their kitchen garden, then this is the product you are looking for.
Its ability to convert raw data for comparison with the cloud-stored information is somewhat beneficial for personal research.
If you are struggling with a specific type of plant and can’t figure out why it keeps drying or wilting, then this is the therapist you are looking for!
Pros:
- Accurate readings
- Excellent soil moisture test
- Extensive plant database
- Live mode function
- Completely waterproof
Cons:
- Bluetooth restrictive connectivity
- Slow alerts
- Inconsistent communication
- Fertilizer test not accurate
REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter
The REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter is not a Wi-Fi soil moisture sensor; instead, it is a battery-operated sturdy moisture meter that can be used in gardens, composts, lawns, and farms to obtain the moisture level readings.
The smart soil moisture sensor has a distinctive calibration characteristic that allows the meter to particular moisture demands of various plants.
Design
The REOTEMP moisture meter is made up of stainless steel in the shape of a stem with a thickness of 5/16” in diameter.
The meter can be inserted deep into the soil for moisture indication.
Due to its sturdy design, it can be placed into the soil without worrying about its bending or breaking.
Users also found the calibration easy to do and were happy with how the meter was able to help them better care for their plants.
The REOTEMP moisture meter is very easily recalibrated and thus can be used for multiple varieties of soils or composts.
Battery Operated
The REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter is battery operated and indicates moisture level on meter instead in the case with Wi-Fi soil moisture sensor (through an app).
The moisture meter contains a battery that is installed that can last up to one season. The battery can be replaced with a standard AAA battery.
Easy to calibrate
The REOTEMP moisture meter is very convenient to calibrate; its instructions are available right on the side of the meter head and also on the package box.
The meter is initially calibrated by obtaining a sample until its ideal moisture level is achieved. After that, the calibration screw is adjusted until it reaches “5” on the scale. Afterward, the sample of the soil is again tested; if the moisture level falls below 5 that means the soil is too dry, and if it is above 5 then the soil is considered wet.
Downside
The meter’s probe uses electrical conductivity, so the existence of the salt in the soil may affect the efficiency of the readings.
Who is it for?
The REOTEMP long stem moisture meter can help in measuring the relative moisture values within a large composts pile.
The device is beneficial to gardeners, farmers, composters, and can be used in nurseries.
Its long steel design consists of a moisture sensor at the end of the probe that detects the moisture in the soil as gardeners and composts often find it difficult to get effective results.
The moisture indication at the meter will help in determining whether plants require more water or not. The moisture level is indicated in the form of zero to ten scale specify “wetter” or “dryer.”
Pros
- User Friendly
- Easily calibrated to soil or compost zero to ten wetness scale
- 1-year warranty
- Long stainless-steel sturdy construction
- Meter stem length varies from 15 inches to 48 inches
- A meter indicating instant readings
- Operated by One AAA Battery
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- The REOTEMP long stem moisture meter may break after using for months
- It is slightly expensive
Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester
It is a small plant sensor that is capable of performing multiple advanced features and take care of your plants in a better way.
This smart plant sensor helps in maintaining and tracking the necessary information regarding your plant via scientific data monitoring.
The product is only capable of test the pH value of soil only not any other liquid.
Design
A double-needle detection technology powers Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester along with a large-scale capacity that enables more precision in reading and recording experience.
Moreover, due to its sturdy construction and advanced technology, this small plant sensor is highly durable.
Warranty
The company offers twelve months flexible money-back guarantee or even offers a new replacement guarantee in case of defected product.
3 in 1 Function
Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester performs three in one function: (i) It tests the soil moisture of the plant (ii) checks the pH value of the soil (iii) and details about sunlight intake. By using this small plant sensor, you will know how to protect your plant in a better way.
Efficient and Durable
Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester consists of dual needle detection technology that intensifies the speed and precision of sensing the moisture and pH levels of the soil.
Feasibility
Sonkir Soil pH Tester is super simple to operate and does not require any batteries as it only requires to push the sensor probes into the soil (around two to four inches), and after about 10 minutes, you can check the moisture and pH details on the scale.
The pointer of the scale will not move if the water moisture level is too low, indicating that plant needs water.
Downside
The Sonkir Soil pH Tester is not to be kept in soil for too long and must be cleaned thoroughly after every use.
Who is it for?
The small plant sensor is designed to be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.
As Sonkir Soil pH Tester is very precise in its recordings, farmers or gardeners can professionally use it.
Moreover, if you are a fan of gardening or plants yourself, you can buy it for yourself too. This will help in maintaining your indoor plants that require more attention.
Pros
- Tests soil moisture/ pH value/ sunshine level of the plant
- Used for both indoor and outdoor plants
- Easy to use
- Accurate readings
- Reasonably priced
- Water-resistant
- Portable
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Delicate to use
- The probe damages under little pressure
Other products we reviewed
We looked at eight more smart plant sensors that are best in their job. They did not make it to our top 5 picks, but still, they are a great option for your plants.
Their description, along with their key features, has been listed below.
Longruner 3-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter Light and PH acidity Tester Plant Tester
Longruner3 in 1 soil moisture meter helps your plants to grow safely and healthily by indicating the moisture level in the soil. This small plant sensor also helps in determining the pH level in the soil.
Moreover, it also tells us about the adequate sunlight that a plant is receiving.
It does not require any batteries for its operation; just push it into the soil, and then you can measure readings easily.
Key Features
- Compact design with dimensions 6x28x5cm (2.36x11x2”)
- Can be easily carried around with the length 18 cm (7.1”)
- Measure pH range 3.5-8
- Clear and colored reading system
- Easy to use.
- Package includes two Longruner Soil Moisture Tester
- It comes with a moisture level range of 1-10.
- It measures light in the range 0-2000 lux.
ECOWITT Wi-Fi Weather Sensor Smart Sensor Series (1XWH31)
The ECOWITT Wi-Fi Weather Sensor Smart Sensor is a wi-fi sensor that is capable of recording temperature and humidity levels and then displays it digitally.
A significant advantage of this small weather sensor is that it comes with eight channels, thus allowing monitoring other plants in the house.
The information regarding the temperature and humidity is then viewed on WS View mobile application when Wi-Fi is connected.
Key Features
- The weather sensor measures temperature and humidity
- The data is played on WS view application
- Allows multi-channel temperature and humidity measurement
- Has a long transmission range of signal up to three hundred feet ever
- Easy to install
- Temperature is displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit
- Temperature measurement range is -10°C – 60°C (14°F – 140°F)
- Humidity measurement range is 10% ~ 99%
Northfifteen Connected Home Plant Monitor
Northfifteen Connected Home Plant Monitor is a very useful device to maintain your plants’ health as it is enabled with high-quality sensors that record accurate readings of the moisture your plant is getting, the light it is obtaining along with the heat perceived by it.
The data can be viewed on your mobile phone using the Smart North Plant Tracker. The device further makes suggestions for improving the health of your plant. This small plant sensor is suitable for most plants and helps in getting weekly, monthly, and live updates regarding your plant.
Key Features
- Tracks the moisture, sunlight, and temperature of the plant
- Keeps tracking information for weeks
- Can be connected via Bluetooth
- Live to track on App
- Informs regarding optimum condition for plants
- Easy to use
Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor Meter
Alotpower Soil Moisture Sensor Meter can make your plants thrive by keeping track of moisture in the soil.
It is convenient to use as it does not require any batteries to work; it just needs to stick probes into the soil and then can read. Before pushing the probes into the soil, clean the probes properly, and push in the soil about two to four inches into the soil.
Its package includes two soil meters.
Key feature
- Accurate readings
- Measures soil moisture
- Convenient for indoor and outdoor use
- User-friendly
- Moisture Range: 1-10
- No batteries required
- Durable
Elecrow Arduino Plant Watering System
Elecrow Arduino Plant Watering System is a smart plant sensor that takes care of your plants and waters them even when you are not around.
This advanced monitoring system is the ultimate solution for looking after your plants.
The plant watering system is integrated into a smart pump board, and you just need to put the soil sensor into the pot of the plant when the moisture sensor detects low moisture in an automated way waters the plant by switching on the water pump.
Key Features
- It is easy to operate
- Displays moisture levels on-screen digitally
- Waters plants when detects low moisture
- Capable of watering up to 4 plants
Rain Bird SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor Kit
Rain Bird SMRT-Y Soil Moisture Sensor Kit is a smart soil moisture sensor that conserves the water by determining the water level in the soil and then turns on or off.
It works by taking the moisture reading in the soil every ten minutes; if the moisture level is detected too low in the soil, then the water cycle is allowed on the other hand if it’s around the ideal value set then the water cycle is blocked to prevent wastage of water.
Key Features
- Easy to use
- Makes the irrigation system smart
- Saves water up to 40%
- Reliable and durable
- In-ground moisture sensor
Dr.Meter S10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter
We often find it challenging to give our plants the right amount of the water it requires, and the soil needs to be checked again and again to observe the moisture level.
Dr.Meter S10 Soil Moisture Sensor Meter does the job for us.
It is super easy to use, and you can observe the moisture level in a color-coded meter.
The soil moisture sensor is simple in design that does not require batteries. You just need to plug into the ground and observe the reading.
Key Features
- Tests soil moisture
- Small and feasible size
- Can be carried around
- Does not require any batteries
- Very gentle to plants’ roots
Longruner LKP02-VC Indoor/Outdoor Soil Moisture Sensor Meter
Longruner LKP02-VC Indoor/Outdoor Soil Moisture Sensor Meter measures moisture in the soil. It just needs to be pushed into the soil, and then readings are observed on a 10-pointer scale.
The sensor gives exact readings and can be used for indoor and outdoor plants or lawns.
It should not be tested in the ground for a long time, so carefully push the probes into the ground so that probes do not touch any stones.
Probes should be adequately cleaned after every use.
Key Features
- Durable
- Portable
- Measures moisture
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Highly accurate
- Lifetime warranty
- 24 hours of efficient customer care service
Conclusion
If you want a cheap yet fun way to regulate your kitchen or home garden, then Xiaomi 4 in 1 Plant monitor (our 1st choice) is the right plant sensor that is worth your money and provides you with the promised results.
But if you’re looking for something more patent and expensive, then Parrot Flower Power is an ideal choice for all your experiments.
And if you value extra features over price and perfect results, then the Digital plant monitor is the one for you!
However, REOTEMP Garden and Compost Moisture Meter is also a good option with its sturdy steel design that can measure moisture in gardens, farms, and composts.
Lastly, Sonkir MS02 Soil pH Tester performs three functions of measuring moisture, testing sunshine level, and measuring pH value for soil efficiently. This feature shows the high-end technology of the product, and it is known to be super helpful for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a soil moisture sensor work?
Soil moisture sensor measures the amount of water present in the soil by using several properties, for instance, electrical conductivity/resistance, dielectric constant, or interaction with other materials to record the moisture level in the soil.
What is the purpose of a soil moisture sensor?
As the soil moisture sensor senses the amount of moisture in the soil, it can help in maintaining the optimum/ideally required amount of moisture in the soil to maintain healthy conditions for plants. It also enables us to inform the amount of water a plant should be given.
How do you test a soil moisture sensor?
Different soil moisture sensors are tested in different ways:
Firstly, dry soil is taken, and the soil moisture is calibrated according to its ideal moisture level then the device can be used on the soil. If it indicates below the calibrated value, that means moisture is less in the soil and vice versa.
