Inspiration
We wanted to create an app dedicated to plant enthusiasts. Whether someone is simply curious about the natural world, a botany student, an explorer, a gardener, or just a plant lover, PlantVerse serves as a smart companion to make plant knowledge accessible and engaging.
What it does
PlantVerse uses AI-powered image analysis to: Identify plants instantly from photos (trees, herbs, flowers, vegetables, grasses, aquatic plants, etc.).
Provide a detailed botanical profile (name, family, type, lifespan, growth stage, etc.).
Explain biology and growth conditions (leaves, flowers, fruits, root type, water/light/soil needs).
Highlight ecological role (pollinators, environmental benefits, invasiveness).
Offer safety checks (toxicity, edibility, weed potential).
Deliver a plant care guide (watering, soil, fertilizer, pruning, repotting, propagation, pests & diseases, seasonal care).
How we built it
The app was developed using Kotlin and Compose Multiplatform, allowing us to share both UI and logic across Android and iOS. For image analysis, we integrated OpenAI and Gemini APIs, while RevenueCat KMP SDK powers in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Challenges we ran into
We didn’t face major technical challenges since we leveraged a solid foundation from our previous app, PetVerse. However, we did encounter issues with App Store rejections during submission. Another challenge was managing local data storage and ensuring information was displayed consistently in the structured format for users.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Built a robust plant identifier that covers a wide range of categories (trees, herbs, flowers, fruits, grasses, etc.).
Successfully published the app on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Delivered a true cross-platform experience that works seamlessly across devices.
We’re especially proud that from day one, trials started rolling in, and many quickly converted into paying customers
What we learned
This project gave us valuable insights into both plant science and app development. We deepened our understanding of plant requirements while also overcoming technical and submission hurdles. Each challenge became a learning opportunity that strengthened the app and our team.
What's next for PlantVerse
We’re planning to expand PlantVerse with exciting new features, including:
Plant disease diagnosis with suggested treatments.
Toxicity analysis to check if plants are safe for kids, pets, or ecosystems.
Garden improvement suggestions to help users create healthier, more vibrant spaces.
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