PlantDoc FAQs

 

PlantDoc moisture guide instruction diagram
To purchase PlantDoc, head to our PlantDoc product page 

How to use PlantDoc:

  • INSERT PlantDoc into soil. It's easiest to insert into dry or almost dry soil
  • WATER your plant. PlantDoc will absorb water, changing color from white to green in about 30 minutes
  • WATCH PlantDoc as the the soil dries out. Over the next days/weeks, PlantDoc turns back to white from top to bottom
  • WATER again, using PlantDoc to assist your normal watering routine
  • COMPOST PlantDoc after use!

Common PlantDoc Questions:

What is PlantDoc?
How can PlantDoc help me?
How do I know when to water my plants with PlantDoc?
How long does PlantDoc last?
What do I do with my PlantDoc when I’m done with it?
What is PlantDoc made of?
Part of my PlantDoc doesn’t change color. Is it still working?
What size pot works best with PlantDoc?
Can I trim PlantDoc to size?
I see mold/bugs on my PlantDoc - should I be concerned?
Is PlantDoc safe for pets?

 

What is PlantDoc?

  • PlantDoc is a patent-pending creation by Daphne’s Botanicals that helps anyone have a green thumb.
  • Over- and under-watering are the biggest killers of houseplants, and so we’ve made a biodegradable, vibrant, affordable and easy-to-use tool to help keep your plants happy and healthy.

How can PlantDoc help me?

  • With PlantDoc, you can visualize the moisture level of your plant’s soil and consistently give your plant the amount if water it needs regardless of your home environment. Changing seasons, heat and A/C use, and household humidity are all examples of indoor environmental conditions that affect your houseplants’ soil.
  • One season’s under-watering becomes the next season’s overwatering, and suddenly your plants’ leaves are yellowing and falling off. That's why even if you keep the best watering records, you may still under- or over-water your plant if you don't use a moisture meter.
  • With PlantDoc, you'll be able to see your plant's water needs in real time and react accordingly! 

How do I know when to water my plants with PlantDoc?

 

 

Check out our PlantDoc watering chart!

  • Just like your plants, PlantDoc absorbs water up from the soil. But instead of guessing when your plant needs water, PlantDoc changes color to visually show you when the soil is wet. 
  • To use, simply insert the stem of your PlantDoc fully into the soil (to the bottom of the "stem," white side facing out) and water your plant as usual. When your soil is completely wet, you’ll see the full color of the PlantDoc after 30+ minutes. As the soil dries, PlantDoc will turn white from top to bottom, mirroring the moisture in your plant’s soil.
  • If there’s still a little color at the bottom of your PlantDoc, the soil still has enough moisture for most types of houseplants.
  • Wait until the surface and base are completely white before you re-water your plant (unless your plant likes wet soil constantly, like some carnivorous and tropical plants).
PlantDoc GIF showing how this moisture indicator changes color

How long does PlantDoc last?

  • The PlantDoc moisture meter lasts about 3-6 months if you water regularly, but if your soil is especially wet or has decomposers (i.e. mold, snails, etc.), you might see PlantDoc begin to break down earlier. 
  • For example, plants that require more soil moisture, PlantDoc will break down faster (i.e. replace ferns every month; replace cactus every 6 months to 1 year). For most other tropical plants, we recommend replacing monitors every 1-2 months to get ahead of the breakdown process, or as long as the product continues to turn color. 
  • Drier/faster draining soil will extend how long PlantDoc lasts and keeps its shape and appearance. But even when breaking down, PlantDoc continues to work!

What do I do with my PlantDoc when I’m done with it?

  • PlantDoc is made from biodegradable material and is fully compostable.
  • After use, you can place PlantDoc in your compost or allow it to decompose right into your plant's soil!

What is PlantDoc made of?

  • PlantDoc us the only 100% biodegradable and plastic-free plant moisture guide!
  • It is patent-pending sustainable paper-based product with hydrochromic ink.

     

 

Part of my PlantDoc doesn’t change color. Is it still working?

  • Yes, PlantDoc mirrors how much volume you've watered your plant. If you soak your plant, it should turn to its full color; if you watered a little bit it'll only partially change color.
  • The top 2" of soil is usually still wet if the base of PlantDoc still has obvious color change on it.

What size pot works best with PlantDoc?

  • PlantDoc works best in 2", 4", 6" and 8" pots.
  • Pots that are 10" wide or wider can have different moisture zones. You may may get better results with 2 or more PlantDocs in the soil depending on the pot size.

Can I trim PlantDoc to size?

  • Yes! PlantDoc retains its functions even when cut into pieces. If your soil isn’t deep enough for the full 2” stem to be inserted, just trim it down to the right size and it'll still work.

I’m seeing mold or bugs on my PlantDoc — should I be concerned?

  • You're seeing our product's biodegradability in action here. One of the results is that the PlantDoc will break down much faster in more active/organic soils, hence the mold. PlantDoc in these scenarios is acting like a canary to visualize the make up and biodegradation that is happening naturally in your plants soil. Sometimes it's not pretty, but it's useful information that can help you manage your plant. 
  • Mold appears as a white, fluffy cloud, often as a result of overwatering or poor drainage. 
  • Other pests should be addressed depending on what they are and if you consider them a problem for your plants. 

Is PlantDoc safe for pets? 

  • Yep! We use PlantDoc around our pets (cats and dogs) with no worries. 
  • PlantDoc actually uses similar ink technology as these children's Color Changing Bath Books (and they are what inspired Daphne!)
We're happy to assist if you have any more questions! Please reach out: Contact Us