The Best and Least Expensive Apps for Identifying Plants and Determining Health Needs

At the start of 2023, there are several free and affordable apps that can help you identify plants and ensure they remain healthy. This article delves into some of the most popular choices, highlighting their features and price points.

PlantSnap

Cost: Free with in-app purchases

Features: PlantSnap utilizes image recognition technology to identify plants and provide care tips, including recommended watering and sunlight requirements. This app offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to garden enthusiasts and plant lovers, making it an excellent tool for those who want to understand and care for their plants better.

PictureThis

Cost: Free trial available, subscription options for full features

Features: PictureThis offers a user-friendly interface with photo identification and care tips. Additionally, it includes a disease diagnosis feature, which is particularly useful for gardeners who are facing challenges with their plant health. This app is designed to be both educational and practical, making it a top choice for plant enthusiasts.

PlantNet

Cost: Free

Features: PlantNet is a collaborative platform that allows users to contribute to a shared database of plants. While its focus is primarily on identification, it does provide additional care advice. The app's community feature adds a layer of social interaction, making it valuable for those who enjoy connecting with other plant enthusiasts.

iNaturalist

Cost: Free

Features: iNaturalist is primarily aimed at plant identification but excels in providing a supportive community environment for plant care discussions. The app is ideal for those who are deeply involved in plant ecology and are looking to contribute to scientific research while enjoying interaction with like-minded individuals.

Gardenize

Cost: Free with optional premium features

Features: Gardenize is a versatile app that helps gardeners track the care and health of their plants over time. It allows users to log activities such as watering, fertilizing, and other maintenance tasks, ensuring that they have a comprehensive record of their plant care routine.

Each of these apps has unique strengths, and the best one for you may depend on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize plant identification, detailed care tips, or comprehensive tracking, there is an app that can meet your requirements. For instance, if you value a collaborative approach and community interaction, PlantNet or iNaturalist might be the best fit. If you need specific health and disease diagnosis features, PictureThis is worth considering.

Real-World Experience with PlantNet

I have personally found PlantNet to be incredibly user-friendly. By photographing the plant, you can choose which features you want to use for identification (leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, etc.), and the app provides answers based on the opinions of its users regarding the most likely plant. It then offers a link to its database with further information and links for deeper research.

While PlantNet excels in identification, I often supplement my findings by conducting more research online to better understand the specific care, feeding, and disease management needs of the plants. This combination ensures that I have a well-rounded knowledge base.

Top Free Plant Identification Apps of 2020

Here are the top free plant identification apps of 2020:

PlantNet iNaturalist PlantSnap

For paid options, consider:

PictureThis FlowerChecker Garden Compass Agrobase Plantix What's That Flower

By leveraging these apps, you can become a more informed and effective plant caretaker, ensuring that your green spaces thrive.