PlantWave ships with the battery charged around 20% but sometimes can arrive fully depleted. It is recommended that, upon receiving PlantWave, the device is charged 2-4 hours before first use. Connect the provided USB 3.0 to USB-C cable from a power

<div data-block-type="2" id="isPasted"><h2 id="charge-the-battery">Charge the Battery</h2></div><div data-block-type="2"><p>PlantWave ships with the battery charged around 20% but sometimes can arrive fully depleted. It is recommended that, upon receiving PlantWave, the device is charged 2-4 hours before first use.</p><h3 id="charging-the-battery"><strong>Charging the Battery</strong></h3><ol data-rte-list="default"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Connect the provided USB 3.0 to USB-C cable from a power source to your PlantWave&#x2019;s USB-C port.</p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="font-size: initial;"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p><em>Note,&#xA0;</em><strong><em>it is not recommended to plug an Apple laptop charger into PlantWave</em></strong><em>. This could cause delays in charging.</em></p></li></ul></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>When charging, the battery indicator lights will appear red and green.</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>When charging is complete, the battery indicator lights will appear green.</p></li></ol><h3 id="battery-life"><strong>Battery Life</strong></h3><p>PlantWave has a battery life of 22-24 hours by default. Longer life can be achieved by turning off the LED light show and other options available in the Settings section of the PlantWave app.</p></div><div data-block-type="23"><br></div><div data-block-type="2"><h2 id="isPasted">Accessories</h2><p>The electrode <strong>pads</strong> (the sticky oval sensors) that come with your PlantWave are reusable and intended for longer listening sessions. The pads connect to <strong>leads</strong>, which are the white wires that snap onto the pads. While they can often be left in place for extended periods, plants vary in sensitivity. We recommend occasionally checking and adjusting pad placement or using the clips instead, particularly if the leaf is thin, delicate, or in a humid environment, to keep your plant healthy.</p><p>The electrode&#xA0;<strong>clips</strong> are not intended for long-term use on plants. These are best used on plants that have leaves too small or delicate for pads. They also come in handy when using PlantWave in situations where you want to switch from one plant to another quickly and easily.</p><p>The&#xA0;<strong>white mushroom clips</strong> are a more delicate sensor specifically designed for use with fungi. They are not recommended for use with plants as they will not consistently pick up a signal. For the best results with plants, please use the included electrode pads or metal clips.</p></div><div data-block-type="23"><br></div><div data-block-type="2"><h2 id="before-selecting-a-plant-or-leaf">Before Selecting a Plant or Leaf</h2><ol data-rte-list="default"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Is the leaf you want to connect to larger than the electrode pad or clip? It&#x2019;s best to be working with a larger leaf as this will provide more variation in conductivity and it will also be easier to remove your electrodes when you&#x2019;re done listening.</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Is the leaf / plant strong enough to hold the electrode/clip or will it put stress on the plant and weigh it down? Using PlantWave with a plant is a way of engaging in a conversation or partne</span>rship with your plant. Don&#x2019;t stress it out. If it&#x2019;s too small to handle the weight of the electrodes, let it be.</p></li></ol></div><div data-block-type="23"><br></div><div data-block-type="2"><h2 id="preparing-your-plants">Preparing Your Plants&#xA0;</h2><ol><li id="isPasted" style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Prepare two leaves on your plant by gently cleaning them with soapy water, most plants purchased from nurseries and department stores are covered by fungicidal gel that can interfere with connection to the PlantWave.</p></li><li id="isPasted" style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Gently dry your plant leaves.&#xA0;</p></li></ol></div>

Before You Start

Getting Started

The electrode pads (the sticky oval sensors) that come with your PlantWave are reusable and intended for longer listening sessions. The pads connect to leads, which are the white wires that snap onto the pads. While they can often be left in place fo

<h2 id="isPasted">Accessories</h2><p>The electrode <strong>pads</strong> (the sticky oval sensors) that come with your PlantWave are reusable and intended for longer listening sessions. The pads connect to <strong>leads</strong>, which are the white wires that snap onto the pads. While they can often be left in place for extended periods, plants vary in sensitivity. We recommend occasionally checking and adjusting pad placement or using the clips instead, particularly if the leaf is thin, delicate, or in a humid environment, to keep your plant healthy.</p><p>The electrode <strong>clips</strong> are not intended for long-term use on plants. These are best used on plants that have leaves too small or delicate for pads. They also come in handy when using PlantWave in situations where you want to switch from one plant to another quickly and easily.</p><p>The <strong>white mushroom clips</strong> are a more delicate sensor specifically designed for use with fungi. They are not recommended for use with plants as they will not consistently pick up a signal. For the best results with plants, please use the included electrode pads or metal clips.</p>

Which Leads to Use

Place your PlantWave near your plant. Connect Pads+Leads or Clips to the plant. If using Pads + Leads:. Remove a pair of electrode pads from their bag, keeping the plastic protectors on the pads. Connect the snaps from the leads onto the back of the

<div data-block-type="2" id="isPasted"><h2 id="connecting-to-your-plant">Connecting to Your Plant</h2><ol data-rte-list="default"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Place your PlantWave near your plant</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Connect <strong>Pads+Leads or Clips</strong> to the plant</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>If using <strong>Pads + Leads</strong>:</p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="font-size: initial;"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Remove a pair of electrode pads from their bag, keeping the plastic protectors on the pads.</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Connect the snaps from the leads onto the back of the electrode pads. (It is best to connect the snaps to the pads before placing them on your plant to avoid applying excess pressure on the leaf during the snap-on process)</p></li><li><p><span style="font-size: 16px;">Remove the plastic protectors on the electrode pads and affix the pads to 2 leaves. Place the plastic prot</span>ectors back in the bags to save for later use.&#xA0;</p></li></ul></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>If using <strong>Clips:</strong></p><ul data-rte-list="default" style="font-size: initial;"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Attach the clips to two leaves on your plant</p></li></ul></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Connect the <strong>electrode lead or clip cable</strong> to the <strong>Electrode Input</strong> on your device and continue following the setup instructions.&#xA0;</p></li></ol></div><div data-block-type="23"><br></div><div data-block-type="2"><h2 id="a-note-on-removing-electrode-pads-from-plants">A Note on Removing Electrode Pads from Plants</h2><ol data-rte-list="default"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Always remove the electrode pad by peeling it off of the leaf from the stem or branch towards the end of the leaf. This method works best with the structure of a leaf to ensure that it isn&#x2019;t torn.</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Always support the leaf near the stem by holding it with one hand while peeling with the oth<span style="font-size: 16px;">er. This ensures you don&#x2019;t pull the leaf from its plant</span></p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Be patient and take your time. It may sometimes take up to a minute to remove an electrode pad in a way that ensures you do no damage. Take this as an opportunity to thank your plants for singing to you. They will surely be happy you&#x2019;ve taken this extra time!</p></li></ol><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-rv fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-0s-o0rE9I?&amp;list=PLAEIBaDzoJ5EzJDJuw46dJ5iFzFZNiKyK&amp;index=3&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br></p></div>

Connecting to Your Plant

Android connection steps. Start with the firmware update, which is what lets your phone connect over Bluetooth, then charge, app, permissions, plant, and connect. Confirm the pairing popup when it appears.

<p>If your PlantWave will not connect to your Android phone, work through these steps in order.</p>
<p><strong>Step 1: Update your PlantWave&apos;s firmware.</strong> This is necessary to ensure Android phones will connect to PlantWave via Bluetooth. You will update from a computer, not from your phone.</p>
<p><strong>What you need:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>A computer running Chrome or Edge. Phones and tablets cannot update the device.</li>
<li>A USB cable that carries data, not a charge-only cable.</li>
<li>Enough charge to switch the device on. If your PlantWave has been sitting a while, plug it in for a couple of hours first.</li>
<li>A few minutes where you can leave the device plugged in.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Updating the device:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>With your PlantWave switched off, plug it into your computer with the USB cable.</li>
<li>If your computer asks whether to allow the accessory, choose Allow.</li>
<li>Switch the PlantWave on.</li>
<li>Open <a href="https://www.plantwave.com/update">plantwave.com/update</a> and click Find my PlantWave.</li>
<li>Your browser opens a small window listing connected devices. Choose PlantWave Serial and click Connect.</li>
<li>Click Install, you will be prompted to turn your PlantWave off and back on once during the process.</li>
<li>Once complete you will need to forget the old Bluetooth pairing. The update gives your PlantWave new pairing keys, so the pairing saved on your phone no longer matches it. Open your phone&apos;s Bluetooth settings, find PlantWave in the saved devices, and choose Forget. If you have never paired this phone with your PlantWave, you can skip this step.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>If the updater does not find your PlantWave:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Plug straight into the computer rather than through a hub or a dock.</li>
<li>Try a different USB cable. Some cables only carry power.</li>
<li>If your PlantWave appears as PlantWave MIDI, click Switch mode over Bluetooth on the same page, then unplug the cable and plug it back in.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Step 2: Check your charge.</strong> Plug in your PlantWave for at least 2 to 4 hours. The double set of lights on the back glow orange while charging and turn green when full. The red light near the power switch just means it is on, that is not the charging indicator.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3: Open the PlantWave app.</strong> You can download it from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.datagarden.plantwave">Google Play Store</a>. Make sure your phone is running Android 12 or newer, 14 or newer is best. Your phone&apos;s software matters more than the brand name. You can check your device against our <a href="https://plantwave.com/pages/compatibility">compatibility list</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Step 4: Allow location permissions.</strong> Either allow all permissions in the app, or go to Settings, Apps, PlantWave, Permissions, Location and select &quot;Allow while using the app.&quot; Android requires this to connect over Bluetooth. Bluetooth and Location Services both need to be switched on.</p>
<p><strong>Step 5: Clip to your plant.</strong> Attach both sensors to two separate leaves on the same plant using the small metal clips or the electrode pads. The large white mushroom clips are for fungi only and will not work on plant leaves.</p>
<p><img src="https://uploads.gorgias.io/ZPB9rx1AEexWVa3O/PlantWave_Whats_Included2_-6e1c512f-06f9-4ebf-88b1-7ba040768c8a.png" alt="What is included with PlantWave" width="400"></p>
<p><strong>Step 6: Connect in the app.</strong> Open PlantWave and tap Connect, the app will automatically start searching for PlantWaves to connect with. When PlantWave appears, tap the green radio button next to it, like this:</p>
<p><img src="https://public-uploads.gorgias.io/ZPB9rx1AEexWVa3O/Connected_Selection-a764e061-6009-4fb7-b963-52c56c30ad4f.png" alt="Selecting your PlantWave in the app" width="196"></p>
<p>Confirm any Bluetooth pairing popup from your phone and head back to the main home screen of the PlantWave app. You will see one prompt asking to pair, and there is no code to type. Once connected, you will see &quot;PlantWave&quot; at the top of the home screen, and if the lights on your PlantWave are changing colors you should hear the music.</p>
<p>Still stuck? Email us at <a href="mailto:plantwave@datagarden.org">plantwave@datagarden.org</a> with your phone make, model and Android version and we will take it from there.</p>

Connecting with Android

Download the PlantWave app from the Apple App Store. Open the app. Power on your PlantWave by moving the power switch away from the Mode button. (The status indicator light near the power switch will start flashing). In the top of the PlantWave app,

<div data-block-type="2" id="isPasted"><h2 id="ios-instructions">iOS Instructions</h2></div><div data-block-type="2"><ol data-rte-list="default"><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/plantwave/id1509782226">Download the PlantWave app from the Apple App Store</a></p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Open the app</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Power on your PlantWave by moving the power switch away from the Mode button.&#xA0;<br>(The status indicator light near the power switch will start flashing)</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>In the top of the PlantWave app, Tap on &#x201C;Connect&#x201D;</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Under &#x201C;My Devices&#x201D;, tap &#x201C;Connect PlantWave&#x201D;</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Press the Mode / Pairing button on your device. The app will recognize your PlantWave and it will now appear under &#x201C;My Devices&#x201D;</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Select your device and return to the home screen.&#xA0;</p></li><li style="font-size: 16px;"><p>Now your plant is playing music with your PlantWave!</p></li></ol></div>

Connecting with iOS

This guide has been replaced. Every Android phone now follows the same steps, starting with a firmware update. See Connecting with Android.

<p><strong>This guide has been replaced.</strong></p><p>We used to give different connection steps for each phone brand, but now every Android phone follows the same steps, starting with a firmware update for your PlantWave that allows the necessary Bluetooth connection.</p><p>Full instructions here: <a href="https://help.plantwave.com/en-US/connecting-with-android-230400">Connecting with Android</a></p><p>If you are stuck, email us at <a href="mailto:plantwave@datagarden.org">plantwave@datagarden.org</a> with your phone make, model and Android version.</p>

Android Connection Guides (by Device)

Selecting Soundsets

Be sure to charge the unit using only 5v USB power, such as that from the USB ports of a computer, or by using a dedicated USB charger. The 3.5mm (⅛”) jack on PlantWave is not a headphone or aux jack. While default settings of your PlantWave will not

<h2 id="isPasted">Charging</h2><p>Be sure to charge the unit using only 5v USB power, such as that from the USB ports of a computer, or by using a dedicated USB charger.</p><h2 id="do-not-plug-headphones-into-plantwave">Do Not Plug Headphones into PlantWave</h2><p>The 3.5mm (&#x215B;&#x201D;) jack on PlantWave is not a headphone or aux jack. While default settings of your PlantWave will not output signal from this port, plugging in headphones or speakers to the 3.5mm jack can cause serious damage to audio equipment and / or your ears.</p><h2 id="do-not-get-plantwave-wet">Do not get PlantWave wet</h2><p>Water your plants, not PlantWave</p><h2 id="store-small-parts-out-of-the-reach-of-children-and-infants">Store small parts out of the reach of children and infants.</h2><p>If accidentally swallowed, contact a doctor immediately.</p><h2 id="store-in-a-cool-dry-place">Store in a cool dry place</h2><p>Excessive heat and humidity can affect the functionality of your device over time. Store PlantWave like you would a laptop or other electronic device - away from moisture and away from the sun.</p>

Warnings

Charge your PlantWave for 2 to 4 hours before first use. Devices ship with about a 20% charge and sometimes arrive fully depleted, so a device that seems dead out of the box usually just needs a charge. Use a standard 5V USB power source (we do not r

<h2 id="before-your-first-session">Before your first session</h2>
<p>Charge your PlantWave for 2 to 4 hours before first use. Devices ship with about a 20% charge and sometimes arrive fully depleted, so a device that seems dead out of the box usually just needs a charge. Use a standard 5V USB power source (we do not recommend Apple laptop chargers, which can slow charging).</p>

<h2 id="reading-the-lights">Reading the lights</h2>
<ul>
<li>Red light near the power switch: the device is powered on. This is not a charging indicator.</li>
<li>Battery indicator lights on the back while plugged in: orange/amber means charging, green means fully charged.</li>
<li>Top LED display (the Lightshow) changing colors: your plant&apos;s signal is coming through.</li>
</ul>
<p>There is no battery indicator in the app, so the back lights are the way to check charge. A full charge gives 22 to 24 hours of listening, and the device can be externally powered for endless listening.</p>
<p>Device still not powering on after a full charge? Email us:</p>
<p>plantwave@datagarden.org</p>

Charging and what the lights mean

PlantWave works with a wide range of plants and is gentle by design: nothing pierces or cuts, the sensors simply rest on the leaf. Check and adjust them regularly as your plant grows. You will know it is working when the Lightshow (the top LED displa

<h2 id="the-short-version">The short version</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sticky electrode pads: for plants.</strong> Best for longer listening sessions. Attach to two separate leaves (or petals) on the same plant.</li>
<li><strong>Metal electrode clips: for plants.</strong> Best for small or delicate leaves, and for switching quickly between plants. Not intended for long-term use.</li>
<li><strong>Mushroom clips (the large white plastic ones): for fungi only.</strong> They will not pick up a reliable signal on leaves, so never use them on plants.</li>
</ul>

<h2 id="placement-tips">Placement tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Leaves, not stems, and two separate leaves on the same plant.</li>
<li>Pick leaves larger than the pad or clip, on a plant strong enough to carry the weight.</li>
<li>Bark usually gives no signal, so trees are best read through their leaves.</li>
<li>Cut flowers work while they are fresh and hydrated.</li>
<li>Snake plants read quieter and narrower than most; that is normal, and pads work better than clips on them.</li>
<li>New plant from a store or nursery? Many arrive coated in a gel that blocks the signal. Gently clean two leaves with soapy water and pat dry.</li>
</ul>
<p>PlantWave works with a wide range of plants and is gentle by design: nothing pierces or cuts, the sensors simply rest on the leaf. Check and adjust them regularly as your plant grows.</p>
<p>You will know it is working when the Lightshow (the top LED display) changes colors; that means your plant is playing.</p>
<p>More detail: <a href="https://help.plantwave.com/en-US/which-leads-to-use-3622258">Which Leads to Use</a> and <a href="https://help.plantwave.com/en-US/connecting-to-your-plant-230361">Connecting to Your Plant</a>.</p>

Setting Up PlantWave