FAQs

What is the SmartTerra?

SmartTerra is the world’s first autonomous terrarium. It uses technology to provide a dynamic growing environment for your plants. The SmartTerra can realistically simulate nature by mimicking the daylight and rain cycles, complete with accompanying soundtracks. Furthermore, you can easily monitor and customize your SmartTerra through a mobile application.

What inspired the SmartTerra?

We love plants. However, we realized that indoor gardening is not for everyone, especially for those who do not have the time nor experience. Additionally, scientists have proven that plants help reduce stress and promote well-being. Knowing that, we were inspired to create SmartTerra; we want everyone and anyone to be able to effortlessly enjoy nature in the comfort of their homes.

Do I need to be an expert about plants?

Definitely not! SmartTerra allows anyone to enjoy nature in their homes — beginners and experts alike. It requires a very low level of maintenance: “just add water!”

How big is the SmartTerra?

The SmartTerra is about 16.5 x 11.5 x 21 inches big, and weighs approximately 15 pounds (without the substrate).

What material is the SmartTerra made of?

The SmartTerra is mainly made of plastic.

Is setting up the SmartTerra difficult?

Not at all! Setting up the SmartTerra should take you less than an hour, not including the time required for scaping. We also have a very comprehensive Getting Started Guide.

What types of environments does SmartTerra support?

The SmartTerra is designed to house various plant varieties, from tropical plants to desert succulents. However, due to the enclosed nature of the unit, tropical plants, ferns, and mosses tend to grow best.

Can I put fish, reptiles, or amphibians in SmartTerra?

The current version of SmartTerra is not designed for pets. SmartTerra cannot house aquatic pets because the water in the tank drains into the tray. However, with certain modifications, you can make it work for tropical animals (that prefer humid environments). Please contact us if you want more information. In the future, we may develop add-ons such as heating elements, UV-lighting, and biofilters to provide a habitable environment for common pet reptiles and amphibians.

Does SmartTerra come with plants?

No, we do not ship plants with the SmartTerra. If you are new to plants, we recommend that you first try to find a local store that sells terrarium plants. This way, you can get growing advice in person from an expert, who will also be able to answer any questions you may have in the future. However, if you are unable to find a store near you, you can order plants online! If you live in the US, check out our list of online distributors on our Getting Started Guide.

What substrate is recommended for use inside the SmartTerra?

The type of substrate you want to use will depend on the type of plants you plan to grow. In general, we recommend using a substrate that has a high concentration of rocks and sands. This will allow for maximum drainage. Adding volcanic rocks to your substrate tends to work great!

Can I re-scape my SmartTerra?

Of course! You can re-scape your SmartTerra as many times as you want!

How much water do I put in the tray and how often?

As you fill the tray, you can see the water level through the indicator. You can fill it up all the way as SmartTerra will automatically regulate the watering. Depending on the types of plants you have, how often you have to add water will vary. On average, it is every 3 weeks. But don’t worry, the app will remind you when it is time to add water.

Will I need to fertilize my plants?

You should fertilize your plants about once every three months.

How do I clean my SmartTerra?

You can wipe down the tank with a damp paper towel. For major clean ups, the tank can easily be removed from the base. See this video on how to disassemble the unit.

What sensors does the SmartTerra have?

The SmartTerra has a temperature/humidity sensor, a soil moisture sensor, and a water level sensor for the reservoir.

What type of lights does the SmartTerra have?

The SmartTerra has 12 White LEDs and 12 Colored LEDs.

What is the life expectancy of the lights inside SmartTerra?

The LEDs are designed to operate for ~50,000 hours. Under normal conditions, they would last for over 7 years.

What happens when there is a power outage?

Don’t worry! Your settings are saved and everything will resume normally once the power is back. However, if the outage is prolonged, you may want to manually water your plants and put the unit next to the window for some natural light.

Do I need to be constantly connected to the SmartTerra unit for it to work?

No, you don’t have to always be connected via the app. The SmartTerra will automatically water and give light to your plants even when you are not home.

Is watering/moisture automatically moderated inside the tank?

Yes! The SmartTerra automatically waters your plants and moderates the soil moisture through a realistic rain cycle simulation.

Can the SmartTerra be heated?

The SmartTerra is passively heated by controlling the air circulation inside the unit. If additional heating is needed, you may purchase an heating coil or pad online.

Can the SmartTerra be cooled?

Currently, SmartTerra does not have a cooling system. The lowest temperature it can reach is the ambient temperature. In the future, we may develop an add-on that provides cooling.

Is the SmartTerra compatible with international voltage and frequency outputs?

Yes.

Does the SmartTerra app work with both Android and iPhone devices?

Yes! The SmartTerra app is available for free for both Android and iPhone devices.

Is the SmartTerra app Free?

Yes, The SmartTerra app can be downloaded for free.

Can multiple SmartTerras be linked to the app?

Yes, the app can link to multiple SmartTerra units at once.

What does the app look like?

The app is designed to be simple and intuitive. Learn more about the app from our App Guide.

What does the app allow me to do?

The app allows you to easily monitor, customize, and control your SmartTerra. From the app, you can monitor the environment inside the tank such as the temperature and humidity, as well as the water level inside the tank. Additionally, you can easily set up and switch between themed environments, and even send commands such as rain or thunderstorm! Learn more about the app from our App Guide.

How does the app connect to the unit?

The app connects to the SmartTerra unit via Bluetooth.

Can I stream music from my phone on the SmartTerra?

Yes! You can stream music from your phone via bluetooth - just like any bluetooth speaker!

Does the SmartTerra come with a warranty?

Yes, the SmartTerra comes with a one-year warranty. However, certain modifications done to the system may void the warranty. View terms of our Warranty >>