Congratulations! You are now on the waiting list, please check your inbox for our confirmation email!
Register Account
PlantDoc Moisture Meter - Mini Monstera - 5 pack
Second release has SOLD OUT sorry. Next drop due November. Click 'Notify Me' above to get on the waitlist now.
What is PlantDoc?
You've just found the world's first and only 100% biodegradable, plastic-free moisture meter. Meet PlantDoc. Saving lives, one plant at a time. The favourite tool of over-waterers, under-waterers and worried plant parents. Just what the (plant) doctor ordered to help solve your water worries.
How does PlantDoc work?
PlantDoc is a colour-changing moisture meter that hangs out in your plant's pot, monitoring the moisture level at a glance. No more guesswork. Pop it in a dry plant, white side facing out, and water as usual.
PlantDoc changes colour in response to the wet soil and the pattern appears. Your PlantDoc will slowly return to white as the soil dries out and it's time to water again. Simple!
What is PlantDoc made from?
PlantDoc is made from 100% biodegradable, compostable, sustainably-sourced plant-based fibres with non-toxic hydrochromatic colour-changing ink.
When it's ready to replace, pop it in the garden or your compost and PlantDoc completely breaks down with no residues. Safe for curious hands and paws with no harmful dyes or chemicals, making PlantDoc pet safe and kid safe. No batteries required.
What comes in the box?
One box includes 5 PlantDocs, enough for around one years supply for one plant. One PlantDoc lasts one to six months each (depending on your soil type and watering frequency), so one 5 pack lasts from 5 to 30 months all up. All for just $4 per PlantDoc.
Sustainable, safe, non-toxic, biodegradable AND budget-friendly, a win for plants, plant parents, pets and the planet 💚
How to read PlantDoc
PlantDoc will change colour when wet and slowly return to white as the soil dries. You can decide when to water based on how dry your plant prefers to be.
MOIST
Peace Lily, Maranta, Stromanthe, Fern, Aglaonema, Anthurium and similar
For plants that light to stay lightly moist and are prone to dry leaf tips and margins if left dry for long, water again when PlantDoc is about 1/4 to 1/2 dry*
PARTIALLY DRY
Monstera, Philodendron, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Scindapsus, Epipremnum, Pothos and similar
For plants that prefer partially drying out before watering again, water again when PlantDoc is around 3/4 dry*
FULLY DRY
Hoya, Peperomia, ZZ and similar
For plants that like to fully dry between watering, water again when PlantDoc is fully dry*
DRY FOR A WHILE
Cacti and similar
For plants that love dry conditions for a while between watering, note when PlantDoc turns fully white and water again lightly in a couple of months*
*Remember ALL moisture meters are only a guide, not gospel. They don't know what type of plant they're in. Moisture meters can only tell you what the moisture level is where they are in the plant, not when to water. You still need to decide when to water according to your plant's needs and your conditions. Moisture meters are a tool to help you read the signs. Don't ignore your plants other signs they need water, such as wilting.
How long does one PlantDoc last?
Although it does depend on how often you water and your type of soil, one PlantDoc normally lasts 3 to 6 months. However (based on my own plants and watering habits), I found it was more around 1 to 3 months in my conditions.
In general I find for plants in a finer soil or plants that prefer to be maintained lightly moist (like a Peace Lily) it'll last shorter, vs plants in a grittier or chunkier mix that like to dry out fully between watering like Succulents and Cacti, where PlantDoc will last a lot longer.
Water your plant, not your PlantDoc! That can shorten its life. PlantDoc breaks down faster in always-wet, finer, more compact soil and lasts longer in drier, aroid-type potting mixes and with plants that prefer to dry out between watering.
When do you change PlantDoc?
You'll know when it's time for a new PlantDoc to take over when your PlantDoc no longer changes colour within half an hour of watering.
PlantDoc is also a great alert for pests and to help protect plant roots, as soil pests like fungus gnat larvae will chomp on your PlantDoc instead of your plant's roots.
Why does PlantDoc turn brown?
Over time, some types of soils might stain your PlantDoc a brownish colour. More common with new soil or peat-based soils and new bark that have a higher tannin content. The same reason some plants turn drainage water yellowy-brown when you water them. Don't worry, that won't change the performance of your PlantDoc (but you can always change it early for the aesthetics if it does bother you).
How does PlantDoc compare to other moisture meters?
All moisture meters have their pro's and con's but it can help to compare them to make the best choice for you and your plants. PlantDoc is the only fully biodegradable, plastic-free moisture meter in the world (patent pending).
SUSTEE
The closest type is Sustee. They also last a similar time, they also change colour, but Sustee is made of plastic (the core inside is partially compostable once you remove the plastic parts). PlantDoc is fully compostable and more budget-friendly.
Sustee cost between $16 and $22 per plant with refills around $8 to $11 per plant. PlantDoc are less than $5 per plant. Sustee do have 3 different sizes the largest size makes them better for deeper pots. PlantDoc is best from small to large pots under 8 inches / 20cms wide and measures the top 2 inches / 5cms of soil.
DIGITAL MOISTURE METERS
Unlike most digital meters, PlantDoc requires no batteries and can (and should!) be left in the plant. Digital water meters need to be moved from plant to plant manually to find out the moisture level. PlantDoc stays in the plant.
3 IN 1 METERS
PlantDoc is more accurate than 3 in 1 type water meters with probes and gives you an immediate reading as you leave PlantDoc in your plant. The metal probes that 3 in 1 meters are made from erode in water so must NOT be left in plants, and need to be removed, cleaned and kept dry between use.
PlantDoc don't last forever (I get 1 to 3 months use in my plants), but are fully biodegradable and 100% plastic-free. Good for our plants and the planet!
Shipping and Delivery FAQ's
SHIPPING RATES
Shipping is FREE for all orders $99+. For orders under $99: Auckland Standard $5 or signature required $7 or rural $9. Rest of the North Island and South Island: Standard $8 or signature required $10 or rural $12. Plants, fragile and overweight/oversize parcels have separate rates.
IN STOCK IN NZ
Stock levels are live. Everything showing in stock online, is in stock right here, right now, in Auckland New Zealand, ready to ship. No drop shipping from other countries. No delays.
SHIPPING EVERY DAY
Orders ship every week-day. Orders placed before 7pm Mon to Thurs leave the next morning. Zoom zoom! Fri morning orders usually ship Fri afternoon, and Sat & Sun orders up to 4pm Sun leave Mon (or the next working day after public holidays).
FAST DELIVERY
Normal delivery is 1 to 3 working days. Rural and some regions can take a day or two longer, depending on where you're based (orders ship from Auckland).
More about shipping and delivery >
HAPPY CUSTOMERS
"I can’t recommend love that leaf highly enough. I’ve bought a couple of times so far and on both occasions Anna has been more helpful than I could possibly wish for. 5 stars! Don’t hesitate to order from Love That Leaf. Excellent service and super fast delivery." Rob Gordon
Why choose to buy from Love That Leaf?
YOU'RE SUPPORTING LOCAL
When you buy from me you're supporting a small, local, family business. Love That Leaf is a registered NZ business, based in Auckland.
IN STOCK NOW + NEXT DAY DISPATCH
You'll get your planty goodies super fast. Everything showing in stock on the website is right here in NZ, in stock, ready to ship. I ship daily, Monday to Friday. Orders normally leave the courier the same or next working day. Zoom zoom!
I'LL PUT IT RIGHT
I stand by everything I sell and will always help put right anything that goes wrong. When you choose to buy from a registered NZ business (like me), you're also covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act, unlike overseas purchases or private sales, where you can end up stuck with no rights if anything arrives damaged or stops working.
SUPER SUPPORT
I won't go AWOL on you. I'm here for support and advice anytime, even if you haven't bought from me yet. A lot of lovely people helped me along my plant journey, and I want to pay it forward. Please don't hesitate to ask for help. No obligation at all to purchase.
HAPPY CUSTOMERS
"Super impressed with this business. Something that is lost nowadays, is customer service. This however is not the case with Anna from Love that Leaf. Very happy with my purchase, very happy with the product information provided and very happy with the quick shipping and great packaging. Thanks!" Melayna Anderson