LeafyPod Is a Self-Watering Smart Planter That Saves Your Sanity

As a burgeoning plant parent, something that frequently slips my mind is their watering schedule. Different types of plants, some succulents, require vastly different amounts of water, and some should basically be ignored, to prevent root rot (this is where I excel). Yet with those that require more hydration, I’m usually at a loss. When did I water it last time? And how much this time? Enter the LeafyPod, a self-watering smart planter that utilizes AI to understand your leafy companions, and keep them well cared for.

A potted variegated plant sits on a wooden table near a white clock, in front of an open window with greenery visible outside.

The system is simple: a connected app monitors hydration and nutrient levels, noting what’s best for that specific type of plant. Recently named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, the hydroponic system allows users to grow herbs, greens, or flowers all year long. LeafyPod is adaptive, responding to plant health and to changes in environment. Plants might need to move to a sunnier spot in winter, or require different nutrients throughout the seasons. These concerns are all taken care of by this nifty planter, making plant care a breeze.

A person repotting a leafy plant with pink and green leaves into a transparent pot, with soil and gardening tools on the table.

An interior container is where the actual plant sits, among the soil, perlite, and pebbles. This container has a partition to allow a certain amount of water to sift through, and nourish the plant. A not too much, not too little mentality is essential here, and your smart planter will alert you to your plant’s growing health, taking the worry out of the equation.

A person waters a variegated potted plant in a kitchen, with gardening tools and soil visible on the counter.

A person holds a smartphone displaying a plant care app, with a real potted plant partially visible behind the phone.

Simply take a picture of the current inhabitant, and the image will show up on the LeafyPod app – easy to identify, and see if she needs some water. The interface will also show battery and water levels, so you can help your planter do its best.

A plant care app interface displays a Monstera plant with a "Not enough light" alert and details about soil moisture, light, temperature, and humidity levels.

Alerts will show up as needed, warning about light and hydration levels that might not be optimal. Soil hydration, temperature, and humidity are all taken into account, creating a smart schedule fit uniquely for the plant and the environment it lives in.

A plant identification app screen showing options to identify a plant by photo, search by name, view popular plants, and set a water schedule.

A plant identifier helps us make sure that our care schedule is exactly what our leafy friend needs, as even different types of plants within the same family can require different care. LeafyPod helps take care of the guesswork of the situation, allowing you to enjoy more leaves, blooms, and greens in the process.

A plant care app interface shows a Monstera with current conditions: moist soil, bright light, 78°F temperature, 45% humidity, and next watering estimated in 2 days.

A wooden table with decor items and a potted plant next to a brown chair; a cactus and another plant are also visible in the minimalist room.

To learn more about LeafyPod Smart Planter, visit theleafypod.com.

Photography courtesy of LeafyPod.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.