Indoor growing system detects plant type, suggests settings

The SproutsIO system uses a camera to determine the plant and sensors to analyze lighting, temperature, water level and humidity.

A new app-controlled no-soil indoor gardening system called SproutsIO which can recognize plant type and recommend settings is up on Kickstarter.

The device determines plant type via a camera and senses temperature, lighting, water level and humidity via sensors. It uses hydroponics and aeroponics to nurture the plant. There is an overhead lamp and water holder for automatic lighting and watering. The water consumed is said to be only 2 percent of water used when planting with soil, and only needs to be refilled monthly. Users will receive a notification when more water is needed. Viewing the plant is also possible through the app. Multiple units can be connected to the app.

Wheatgrass, arugula, peppers and tomatoes are the plants that can be grown by the system. Leafy plants can be fully grown in about three weeks.

Indoor gardening systems that can be managed and checked remotely via an app, and require no soil are increasing in supply and getting smarter as the hydroponics market gets bigger. According to MarketsandMarkets, market value will be $395.2 million by 2020, with Europe at the frontline as regards adopting hydroponic smart greenhouse horticulture.