Apps to identify plants

Announcement

Plant identification apps make it easier to care for plants. Each species requires specific care, such as the amount of water and light.

To decide on the ideal location and care, it is crucial to know the species of the plant. However, identifying the species is not always easy. Fortunately, plant identification apps can help with this task.

Announcement

These apps 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 not only help with identification, but also with daily care, offering guidance on watering, lighting, and other specific needs. Below, 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. It’s easy to use and has both a free and premium version, allowing you to learn about the flora around you no matter where you are.

How it works:

Simply take a photo of the plant you want to identify. Within seconds, the app will identify it. It can recognize 90% of known plant and tree species, making it easy to figure out what you’re looking at while exploring.

Downloads:
10 mi+
Assessment:
3.4
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
PlantSnap

2. Plant

If you’re looking for an app that specializes in identifying and caring for houseplants, Planta is the perfect app for you! It’s easy to use and offers a variety of 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 species, the app provides guidance on the necessary care, such as the amount of light and frequency of watering.

Downloads:
1 mi+
Assessment:
4.1
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Plant AB

3. Leafsnap

Leafsnap serves as a comprehensive 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 app lets you learn more about the species you discover. You have instant access to a vast plant database that is constantly updated with new information. Leafsnap also lets you track all the plants in your collection, receive care reminders, and keep a plant journal with photos of your personal collection.

Downloads:
1M+
Assessment:
3.4
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Appixi

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 get the information about its species. You can also use the app to find out if your plant is suffering from any diseases, pests, or infestations. In addition to the identification features, you can get expert gardening advice on how to best care for your plants.

Downloads:
500K+
Assessment:
3.7
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Garden Answers

5. iNaturalist

iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society, helps plant identification by connecting users to a community of over a million scientists and naturalists. Simply upload photos of the plants you want to identify, and other users can weigh in on what 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 professionals.

Downloads:
1 mi+
Assessment:
4
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
iNaturalist

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 serves a dual purpose: it helps you identify plants and also helps 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.

Downloads:
10 mi+
Assessment:
4.6
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
PlantNet

7. PictureThis

Similar to other apps, PictureThis uses advanced artificial intelligence to turn photos of plants into accurate identifications. This app also 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 your plant, AI technology is used to determine the species. This AI can also diagnose common problems with your houseplants, such as pests and diseases, and offer treatment suggestions. Finally, you can use plant care guides to become a better plant carer.

Downloads:
50M+
Assessment:
4.6
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Glory Global Group

8. Plantix

This app is for the aspiring plant farmer. It’s designed specifically to help diagnose and treat infected plants, and agricultural experts are available to answer any questions you may have. In addition, you can also access best farming practices, preventative 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.

Downloads:
10 mi+
Assessment:
4.6
Operating System:
Android
Offered by:
Plantix

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're poisonous. It's easy to use, with both 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 might be from over 1,000 plants. You can also use a photo recognition tool to make identification even easier, though the technology isn't as advanced as some of the other options on this list.

Downloads:
1M+
Assessment:
3.7
Operating Systems:
Android and iOS
Offered by:
Adrian Benko

10. Bonus: Use your iPhone or Android, no app needed

You can use your iPhone or Android without having 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:

  1. On iPhone: Use the “Visual Search” feature in the search bar of your photo gallery. Simply select the photo of the plant you want to identify and tap the search icon. Your iPhone will search the web for results related to the image, which may include information about the plant in the photo.
  2. On Android: Similar to iPhone, you can use the visual search feature by opening the Google Photos app. Select the photo of the plant 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.