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RE: water measuring doodad

>I was thinking about investing in a gadget that you stick in the soil
>that measures how wet the soil is to see if the plant needs watering.
>The woman at the florist told my husband that they are worthless because
>they are expensive and break really easily. Anybody with experience?

I've always wondered how they work, but being cheap I've never bought
one.  So I either stick my finger in the soil (or bark for the orchids) to
see how dry it is, or I lift the pot to see how heavy or light it is.  I can 
usually tell if a plant needs to be watered by the weight of the pot.

>Also, I have a burgundy-colored clover. I  can't find any care
>instructions in my books. I have it in a west-facing window, not wet but
>I don't allow it to dry out but it doesn't see to grow that well. 

Would it be an oxalis?  This is what my houseplant book has to say about
them:  "After flowering, leaves my die down.  Bulbs or tubers benefit from 
rest in drier soil and at cooler temperatures (50 deg. F).  Repot and divide
as needed.  New growth resumes with increased watering and resumed
fertilizer applications.  Avoid direct scorching sun.  Let soil dry out between
waterings when plant is resting.  Trim off dead parts.  Fertilize at half
recommended strength every 3-6 weeks while growing."

>And thirdly, can anyone recommend a plant encyclopedia? Something that
>is very thorough.

I like "The Ultimate Plant and Garden Book" by Crown Publishing.  It's
colorful and up-to-date, and every time I've gone to look something up
in it it's been in there.

Cami
utaar@cybernw.com
Portland, OR (Zone 8)
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