Applications to identify plants
Facilitating plant care is simpler with identification apps. Each species requires specific care, such as quantity of water and light.
To decide on the ideal location and care, it is crucial to know the plant species. However, identifying the species is not always easy. Fortunately, plant identification apps help with this task.
These applications have databases with photos and information about different species. With a smartphone with a camera, you can identify plants at any time.
The best plant identification apps
With the growing popularity of gardening and plant care, technology has become an indispensable ally. Plant identification apps make life easier for enthusiasts by providing detailed and accurate information about various species.
These apps help not only with identification, but also with daily care, offering guidance on watering, lighting and other specific needs. Next, check out the best apps available to help you take better care of your plants.
1. PlantSnap
PlantSnap has partnered with Snapchat to allow users to identify over 600,000 plants in 37 languages. Using it is very simple and the application has free and premium versions, allowing you to learn about the flora around you, regardless of where you are.
How it works:
Just take a photo of the plant you want to identify. In seconds, the application will identify you. It can recognize 90% from known plant and tree species, making it easier to discover what you are observing during your explorations.
2. Plant
If you are looking for an application specialized in identifying houseplants and caring for them, Planta is ideal! It is very easy to use and offers several personalized tips for starting and maintaining your garden.
How it works:
After scanning one of your plants with the Planta app, it will identify the species for you. The difference is that, in addition to identifying, the application provides guidance on the necessary care, such as the amount of light and frequency of watering.
3. Leafsnap
Leafsnap works as a complete field guide for plant identification. Developed by experts from Columbia University, the University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution, the app uses advanced artificial intelligence to identify plants from photos of their leaves.
How it works:
In addition to identifying plants, the application allows you to learn more about the species discovered. You have instant access to a vast database of plants, constantly updated with new information. Leafsnap also lets you keep track of all the plants in your collection, receive care reminders, and keep a plant diary with photos from your personal collection.
4. Garden Answers
If you're looking for an interactive way to identify plants, this plant app from Garden Answers is worth checking out. In addition to classifying plants, it also offers tips on how to deal with common plant pests and diseases.
How it works:
Point and click your phone at any plant and you'll instantly be told which species it is. You can also use the app to find out if your plant has any disease, pest or infestation. In addition to identification features, you can get advice from gardening experts to better care for your plants.
5. iNaturalist
iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, helps with plant identification by connecting users to a community of more than a million scientists and naturalists. Simply upload photos of the plants you want to identify, and other users can give their opinion on which species the plant belongs to.
How it works:
By using this plant identification app, you become a “citizen scientist”. Not only do you identify plants, but your observations can also contribute to biodiversity science as your findings are shared with scientific data repositories, where this data helps scientists improve the planet. You can also use the app to connect with experts and learn about nature from the pros.
6. PlantNet
Available in both English and French, Pl@ntNet allows users to join groups to identify plants. The app also lists whether a species is invasive or not, which is important for maintaining local biodiversity.
How it works:
The Pl@ntNet app has a dual purpose: it helps identify plants and also assists scientists around the world. Each plant photo is collected and analyzed by scientists to “understand the evolution of plant biodiversity and better protect it.” You can learn more about every plant in nature — trees, grasses, cacti and more.
7. PictureThis
Similar to other apps, PictureThis uses super advanced artificial intelligence to turn photos of plants into accurate identifications. This app stands out because it also functions as a complete plant encyclopedia, even listing whether plants are toxic to pets.
How it works:
With PictureThis, you basically have a botanist in your pocket. After taking a photo of the plant, artificial intelligence technology is used to determine the species. This AI also allows you to diagnose common problems with your houseplants, such as pests and diseases, as well as offer treatment suggestions. Finally, you can use plant care guides to become better responsible for your plants.
8. Plantix
This app is for the aspiring plant farmer. It is designed to specifically help diagnose and treat infected plants, and agricultural experts are available to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, you can also access best agricultural practices, preventive measures, and even a fertilizer calculator.
How it works:
Dubbed “your crop doctor,” the Plantix app accurately detects crop pests and diseases in seconds from the photos you take. It covers 30 major crops and can identify over 400 problems, allowing you to better treat the plants in your garden.
9. What flower is this?
Last (but certainly not least) on our list of the best plant identification apps is What's That Flower. As the name suggests, this app specializes in identifying flowers, where they grow and whether they are poisonous. It is easy to use, with free and paid options.
How it works:
Choose the flower color, habitat and number of petals, and the app will narrow down your options of what the plant could be from over 1,000 plants. You can also use a photo recognition tool to make identification even easier, although the technology isn't as advanced as other options on this list.
10. Bonus: Use your iPhone or Android, no app required
You can use your iPhone or Android without needing to download a specific app to identify plants. Both operating systems offer visual search features that can help you with this task.
How it works:
- On iPhone: Use the “Visual Search” feature in the search bar of your photo gallery. Just select the photo of the plant you want to identify and tap the search icon. The iPhone will search the web for results related to the image, which may include information about the photographed plant.
- On Android: Similar to iPhone, you can use the visual search feature when you open the Google Photos app. Select the plant photo and tap the search icon. Google will search the web for results related to the image, providing information about the plant.
These features may not be as specialized as dedicated apps, but they are still useful for identifying plants in your photos without having to install new apps.
