How do you judge water requirements in pumice substrate?

[PiñonJ]

Greetings from New Mexico. I collected this piñon from my yard last weekend and potted it in pumice with 20% duff from beneath a mature tree (also some mycorrhyza from the soil it was growing in).



I soon discovered that my moisture meter doesn't work in pumice (always reads "dry"). So, the question is, how do I determine the tree's water needs?

Thanks for any tips.

 

[Lazylightningny]

Nice little pinon. Best of luck with it. Some of the experienced artists will chime in soon.

 

[FrankP999]

Try pushing a chopstick in the pumice and using that as a low tech water meter.

 

[PiñonJ]

Try pushing a chopstick in the pumice and using that as a low tech water meter.

Thanks, I'll try it. The trouble is, even after a thorough soaking, it doesn't feel that wet using your finger.

 

[MiteyF]

Thanks, I'll try it. The trouble is, even after a thorough soaking, it doesn't feel that wet using your finger.

That's why he said use a chopstick, and not your finger

 

[FrankP999]

Thanks, I'll try it. The trouble is, even after a thorough soaking, it doesn't feel that wet using your finger.

Leave the chopstick in the pumice all the time. Check it BEFORE you water by removing it from the pumice and touching it to your cheek or lips. If it feels cool, it is moist and so is the pumice. Insert the chopstick back in the pumice when done checking.