PlantDoc FAQs

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?

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?

Just like your plants, PlantDoc absorbs water up from the soil. But instead of just relying on watching your plant's leaves perk up or droop, 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 and water your plant as usual. When your soil is completely wet, you’ll see the full color of the PlantDoc. As the soil dries, the 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).

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.
Likewise, 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?

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

PlantDoc should fully change color when set in a 4” pot with soaked standard potting soil.
Smaller, shallower pots or rocky soils may not hold enough water to completely change the PlantDoc’s color up to the top, but you can still watch the color change at the middle and base of PlantDoc to guide you when to re-water.
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 can effectively sense the moisture about 4" around it.
Pots that are 10" wide or wider can have different moisture zones. You may may get better results with 2 or more PlantDocs 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?

Don't worry--this can help you get to the root of your plant's health problems! Because PlantDoc is biodegradable, some decomposers that may live in your plant’s soil can help break PlantDoc down, revealing themselves to you in the process.
Mold appears as a white, fluffy cloud, often as a result of overwatering or poor drainage. Use the PlantDoc as instructed for 4-8 weeks and your mold problem may disappear.
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

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