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Hi all. Maybe a silly question, but if using a waterholding substrate, like pumice, akadama, or another clay or kitty litter, how do you know when to give water? Can you actually feel the clay being wet if there’s enough water? I know about checking the soil by putting your finger in it and feel, but can you actually feel the substrate that takes in water being wet?
Thanks!

All clay based substrates including acadama change color according to wetness. Dry is a lighter color and wet is a darker. Pumice is also changing color but not that much.

Thanks, though I understand what you are saying, I can ofcourse not see the lower soil. Do you ‘dig’ it up when you check?

No need to dig out soil. When surface is dry it is time to water.

Thanks, I always thought to check an inch deep. This will help me out.

There are gauges that you could insert into the soil. But I haven't found my Guage to be all that accurate.

I struggled with the feel of it as well, so I do the same as TF, judge the akadama by the color and typically by looking at the topsoil.

Another approach is to let some weeds grow in the pot that are more drought sensitive than the trees, and water when the weeds start to dry up.

This may be a little dangerous.

The soil moisture gauges is just what it sais, for soil. I use them a lot on plantss in soil, I think it is a good tool for that purpouse. In gritty non organic substrates they read bone dry all the time, even direct after watering. Do not ever considering using them in free draining substrate.