Thirsty plants no more: Smart sensors simplify plant care

A new sensor system for plant care is currently seeking financial support through a crowdfunding campaign. According to its creators, the system incorporates professional cultivation technology whilst remaining accessible to those who wish to take proper care of their plants or grow more challenging species. Smart solutions for hobbyist gardeners are not entirely new and are readily available from retailers such as Amazon.

The system consists of two components: a probe and a base unit. Users simply have to insert the three-pronged probe into the soil and then connect it to the base unit with a short cable. No additional wiring is required because the device supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity and is equipped with a battery, which can provide up to three months of use with just around an hour of charging.

Two versions of the system are available. The Oko+ sensor is able to monitor water levels, temperature, pH value and air humidity, whilst the Oko Lite only provides water level readings. Users can be reminded to water their plants via a companion app. However, access to specific care instructions and historical data requires a paid subscription, which costs a rather hefty £5 (approx. $6.62) per month.

Backers of the Kickstarter campaign currently need to pledge around £55 ($73) for the Oko+ and £35 ($47) for the Lite version. As with most crowdfunding campaigns, potential backers should be mindful of the financial risks associated with this project.