Quick Start Guide
Get your PlantSense sensor up and running in minutes. Follow these steps to start monitoring your plants.
⏱ This setup takes about 5 minutes
What's in the Box
- PlantSense sensor probe
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick start card with QR code for app download
Setup Steps
Step 1: Download the PlantSense App
Download PlantSense Connect from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The app is free with no subscription required.
Step 2: Create an Account
Open the app and create a PlantSense account with your email address. You can also sign in later on the web dashboard at app.myplantsense.com.
Step 3: Power On Your Sensor
Charge your sensor fully via the USB-C port, then press the power button. The LED will pulse green to indicate it is ready for pairing.
Step 4: Connect via Bluetooth
In the app, tap "Add Device" and follow the on-screen instructions. The app uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to discover your sensor automatically. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Step 5: Connect to WiFi
Select your 2.4 GHz WiFi network and enter your password. The sensor only supports 2.4 GHz networks (not 5 GHz). The LED will turn solid green once connected.
Pro Tip: Place your router and sensor on the same floor for the best signal. Walls and floors weaken WiFi.
Step 6: Place in Soil
Insert the probe into the soil near your plant's root zone. Push it in so the capacitive sensing area (bottom 3 inches) is fully covered. For small pots, insert 2–3 inches deep. For larger pots or garden beds, go 4–5 inches deep.
Pro Tip: The probe works best when inserted at an angle in smaller pots. This ensures the sensing area stays in the root zone as soil settles.
Step 7: Identify Your Plant
Use the built-in plant identification feature in the app. Take a photo of your plant and PlantSense will identify the species and suggest optimal care parameters including moisture, light, and temperature ranges.
Step 8: View Your Dashboard
Your sensor will take its first reading and send data to your dashboard. You can view real-time and historical data for soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light. Set custom alert thresholds to get notified when your plant needs attention.
Pro Tip: Your first reading may take up to 90 minutes to appear. The sensor takes readings every 90 minutes to conserve battery, which lasts weeks on a single charge.
You're All Set!
Your PlantSense sensor is now monitoring your plant around the clock. You'll get notified when your plant needs attention so you can focus on enjoying your greenery, not worrying about it.
Explore the App GuideTroubleshooting
Sensor not found during Bluetooth pairing
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
- Ensure the sensor is powered on and the LED is pulsing green.
- Move your phone closer to the sensor (within 3 feet).
- Try restarting the sensor by pressing and holding the power button for 5 seconds.
- Close and reopen the PlantSense app.
WiFi connection issues
- PlantSense only supports 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. Make sure you are not connecting to a 5 GHz network.
- Double-check your WiFi password.
- Move the sensor closer to your router during initial setup.
- Ensure your router is not blocking new devices (check MAC filtering).
- Restart your WiFi router if the issue persists.
Moisture readings seem inaccurate
- Make sure the probe's capacitive sensing area is fully inserted into the soil.
- Allow 2–3 reading cycles (about 3–4.5 hours) for the sensor to calibrate to your soil type.
- Different soil types (sandy, clay, peat) will produce different baseline readings.
- Use the "Just Watered" feature after watering to help calibrate the wet baseline.
- Avoid placing the probe in air pockets or against the pot wall.