Sensed by data. Watered on demand. Rewarded daily.
Plant To Earn pairs a smart sensor that reads sunlight, moisture, nutrients and soil temperature with a quiet battery-powered pump and a sealed reservoir, so your plant gets water only when it needs it. Every day it stays healthy earns SAP tokens toward discounts.
Water only when the soil asks for it
The water reservoir has a closed upper end and a small outlet at its lower end. Because the top is sealed, a partial vacuum holds the water in place between waterings, so it can't leak or siphon into the pot.
When the Core's moisture reading drops below the target you set, it runs a quiet micro-pump that draws a measured dose from the reservoir. The pump stops as soon as the soil is back in range, and the Core monitors every dose so the app knows exactly how much water your plant used and how much is left.
Water lands in a flow dispensing cup and spreads through perforated drain tubes into the soil, so the whole root ball is watered evenly instead of in one wet spot. The Core and its pump run on a rechargeable battery, so there are no cords running to the wall.
Four sensors that tell you what your plant needs
Sunlight
Measures lux in real time and totals daily light integral (DLI), the light your plant actually collects in a day. Tells you when a plant wants a brighter spot.
Moisture
A capacitive probe reads volumetric water content at root depth, with no exposed metal to corrode. It confirms the reservoir is keeping the soil in range.
Nutrients
Electrical conductivity (EC) tracks dissolved nutrients. Low EC means it's time to feed; high EC warns of salt build-up.
Soil temperature
Cold roots drink less and grow slower. Temperature readings refine watering estimates and flag drafty windowsills.
You set each plant's moisture target in the app, and it uses your light and moisture readings to estimate how many days of water are left. Because it runs on battery, a power outage doesn't stop watering, and the app warns you well before the battery runs low. Watering follows the sensor even without Wi-Fi.
Covers for the sensor. Holders for the jug.
The reservoir sits right beside the plant, so it's always on display. Our jug holders in rattan, oak, terrazzo and brass make it look intentional. Our sensor covers slip over the Core with a light window aligned to the sunlight sensor, so readings stay accurate. Or upload your own image for a one-of-one piece.
Shop the Starter SetBuilding on the John Hui unattended plant watering system
Our sealed reservoir builds on the design described in US 7,644,537 B1, “Unattended plant watering system,” by inventor John Hui (filed April 18, 2006; issued January 12, 2010). The patent describes an apparatus that “allows a plant owner to leave live houseplants unattended for days, weeks, and even months at a time” and “ensures that a plant receives the appropriate amount of water throughout the duration of the owner's absence.” Plant To Earn adds a soil sensor, a battery-powered pump and a rewards program on top.
Related family: US 7,810,278 B2 (Divisional) · US 7,823,326 B2 (Divisional — method of controlled watering)
Technology FAQ
What is Plant To Earn?
Plant To Earn is a smart self-watering system for house plants. A soil sensor (the Plant To Earn Core) measures sunlight, soil moisture, nutrients and soil temperature and runs a quiet battery-powered pump that waters from a sealed reservoir only when the plant needs it, so you can leave for days or weeks. Each healthy-plant day earns SAP tokens, rewards you can redeem for discounts on select products in the Plant To Earn ecosystem. Decorative sensor covers and jug holders make the system part of your décor.
How does the self-watering system work?
The Core monitors soil moisture continuously. When it drops below the target you set in the app, the Core runs a quiet micro-pump that draws a measured dose from the sealed reservoir into a flow dispensing cup and perforated drain tubes, so the whole root ball is watered evenly. Between doses the reservoir's sealed top holds a partial vacuum, so water can't leak or siphon into the pot. The sealed-reservoir design builds on U.S. Patent 7,644,537, "Unattended plant watering system," by inventor John Hui.
What does the Plant To Earn sensor measure?
Four things: light (lux and daily light integral), soil moisture at root depth, nutrient level as electrical conductivity (EC), and soil temperature. The Plant To Earn app turns these into plain-language advice like "move closer to the window" or "feed this week."
Does it need power?
Yes. The Core runs a small water pump, and it's powered by a rechargeable battery, so there are no cords to the wall and a power outage doesn't stop watering. The app tells you when the battery is getting low. Wi-Fi is only needed for app updates and Rewards; watering follows the sensor even offline.
How long can I leave my plant unattended?
Because the pump only waters when the sensor says so, no water is wasted. With a 1 L reservoir most 6-inch potted plants go about 2–3 weeks; a 2.5 L reservoir can stretch to 4–6 weeks. Thirsty plants in bright light use water faster — the app estimates days remaining from your actual readings.